R20 members, hitherto known as 'The Firm' enjoyed another fantastic annual trip to France, this time in the Normandy region. We stayed at the beautiful Hotel Chateau De Sassetot (once visited by none other than the great Empress 'Sissi' - Empress of Austria) set 9 miles from the sea within 11 hectares of beautiful parkland.
The inclement weather on the Saturday of our arrival failed to dampen our spirits as we unpacked and made our way to the tiny nearby high street for a wonder. We were spoiled for choice between a hairdresser a patisserie and a newsagent! We meandered further afield to find a drinking parlour where a few local beers were enjoyed.
We then sojourned to our rooms for a rest and then made our way to a restaurant by the harbour for a wonderful dinner. Some members found it very interesting to note how much the tide had risen during our meal. Other members, unhappy at the quantity of food provided, secretly moved on to a kebab house and enjoyed a few late night crepes!
The following morning saw carnage at the breakfast room. Unbenounst to us, English as well as French clocks moved forward one hour overnight and only 2 people were found at the breakfast table on time. A flurry of texts were sent to everyone, but most thought these were pranks and stayed in bed until they were finally convinced. The hotel manager very kindly made an allowance for the Rosbif and were allowed to eat well after breakfast hours were over.
We then made our way to the incredibly picturesque harbour town of Honfleur - commune of painters and the cradle of impressionism.We ate heartily and enjoyed all the pretty buildings, some over 500 years old, meandering aimlessly through the cobbled side streets admiring the many art shops. We didn't leave empty handed either - taking with us samples of their famous cider, calvados and artwork.
We then returned to the hotel via a cemetary, thought by some members to be the 'gateway to the sea'!
Dinner at the chateau was to be held in a private dining room that night, and was truly excellent.
The following morning we checked out and made our way to the seaside for tea and then another restaurant for lunch on the way to Calais where a 'moule' eating contest took place.
Thanks to everyone for making it such a memorable trip.
Roll on next year!
The inclement weather on the Saturday of our arrival failed to dampen our spirits as we unpacked and made our way to the tiny nearby high street for a wonder. We were spoiled for choice between a hairdresser a patisserie and a newsagent! We meandered further afield to find a drinking parlour where a few local beers were enjoyed.
We then sojourned to our rooms for a rest and then made our way to a restaurant by the harbour for a wonderful dinner. Some members found it very interesting to note how much the tide had risen during our meal. Other members, unhappy at the quantity of food provided, secretly moved on to a kebab house and enjoyed a few late night crepes!
The following morning saw carnage at the breakfast room. Unbenounst to us, English as well as French clocks moved forward one hour overnight and only 2 people were found at the breakfast table on time. A flurry of texts were sent to everyone, but most thought these were pranks and stayed in bed until they were finally convinced. The hotel manager very kindly made an allowance for the Rosbif and were allowed to eat well after breakfast hours were over.
We then made our way to the incredibly picturesque harbour town of Honfleur - commune of painters and the cradle of impressionism.We ate heartily and enjoyed all the pretty buildings, some over 500 years old, meandering aimlessly through the cobbled side streets admiring the many art shops. We didn't leave empty handed either - taking with us samples of their famous cider, calvados and artwork.
We then returned to the hotel via a cemetary, thought by some members to be the 'gateway to the sea'!
Dinner at the chateau was to be held in a private dining room that night, and was truly excellent.
The following morning we checked out and made our way to the seaside for tea and then another restaurant for lunch on the way to Calais where a 'moule' eating contest took place.
Thanks to everyone for making it such a memorable trip.
Roll on next year!
