Stephen and Helen Johnston said on Apr 21, 2015 2:53 AM

Drive down the road between Vassy and Conde sur Noireau and, just before Conde, a length of the road on the left hand side is lined with trees and shrubs. Part way along this length a gallows bracket B & B sign marks the entrance to La Ferme. Turn into the entrance and you will find yourself on a stoned lane descending through the trees. Follow the lane and it opens up into a small glen divided by a little stream. The laneway follows the left side of the glen and opens up to provide a gravelled parking area in front of the main house. Between the parking area and the stream are lawns and a little vegetable garden (French Fork). On the other side of the stream the ground climbs steeply and has been terraced to provide bedding areas for floral displays. Further along this side of the glen the owners have provided steps to a little love seat . On up the slope a western styled timber folly complete with rocking chairs faces west and makes an ideal place to spend time with a glass of wine at twilight’s last gleaming. This idyll has been created by dint of hard work by the owners Geoff and Linda for the house and garden were in a state of disrepair when acquired by them. They have built a comfortable home for themselves with a couple of gites that allow them to share it with others. They were, no doubt , ably assisted by Fred, the affectionate Duracell dog. Fred can run all day and requires only the odd paddle in the stream to recharge his batteries . He is a master of the Aerobie. Geoff is the flower grower while Linda looks after housekeeping. The accommodation is decorated with fine taste and provides as much comfort as one could wish for. Breakfast, if required, comprises fresh breads, cheese, cold meats etc all set out in your own private dining area. Linda will also provide an evening meal but you need to watch these. From my one experience they are akin to a homely dinner party with much thoroughly non PC craic (translate from the irish). So far as its location in general, La Ferme is in the heart of the Suisse Normande. The area was heavily damaged during the second world war but there remain many small villages and fine buildings to explore. For those interested in the second world war, and in particular the Normandy campaign,the area is ideally suited to exploring the sites of the Falaise pocket debacle. Conde marked the edge of the Allied lines on 16th August 1944. Between then and 22nd August the Axis forces sought to escape eastward over Mont Ormel, then held by Polish troops. With the Axis defeat the battle brought to an end the Battle for Normandy. Gastronomically the area has all the “c”s – cream, cider, camembert, calvados - what more could you want. It is s possible to have a fine 3 or four course lunch in one of many restaurants for 12 to 15 euros. Or just have a coffee in a pavement cafe and people watch. To summarise, this place is a gem and well worth a call.