Le Moulin des Essards
£195–£395 / week
About the home
Set in peaceful, beautiful surroundings beside an old mill, this former bake house overlooks a tranquil wooded valley, waterfall and millstream. Restored by the English owners who live next door, it is the perfect spot to relax and unwind. Less than 10 minutes away is the pretty town of Balleroy, famous for its château, while the coast, with its fishing ports and miles of sandy beaches, is just ½ hour by car. Also nearby is Bayeux, home of the famous tapestry, while Caen (45mins), offers everything you would expect from the regional capital, including excellent shopping.
Seafood and dairy food are the specialities here and there are many fine restaurants in the area, including a Michelin-starred restaurant in Balleroy itself. Balleroy also has two bars, a supermarket and two boulangeries where you can buy bread, croissants and mouth-watering cakes. In the surrounding countryside are pretty villages, forests, a lakeside leisure centre and wonderful opportunities for walking or cycling, starting on your own doorstep. (Bicycles can be kept under cover in a nearby barn.)
The cottage offers an excellent base for those wishing to explore the D-Day beaches and the many war museums, including those at Arromanches, Bayeux and the renowned Peace Museum at Caen. Mont St Michel is only 1½ hours drive away, and should you fancy a day in Paris, a regular train service runs from Bayeux taking only 2 hours. Just north of Bayeux is the fishing village of Port-en-Bessin, and the Sunday morning market on the quay is well worth a visit.
The area around the cottage is a haven for wildlife, and visitors have reported seeing deer, hares, foxes and kingfishers to name but a few. Egrets, and for the last four years black storks, are occasional visitors.
The owners are happy to answer questions about the area - from the best places to eat to buying a house! - but are equally happy to respect your privacy. You will find lots of information in the gite to help you plan your holiday, including up-to-date leaflets on places to go and things to see.
| Size: | Sleeps up to 4, 2 bedrooms |
|---|---|
| Nearest beach: | Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer (Omaha Beach), 28km |
| Access: | Car essential Nearest amenities: 5km |
| Family friendly? | Suitable for children of all ages Unsuitable for people with restricted mobility |
| Notes: | No pets allowed No smoking at this property Self-catering |
Facilities
| Luxuries: | Log fire, Internet access, DVD player |
|---|---|
| General: | CD player, Wi-fi available |
| Standard: | Kettle, Toaster, Iron |
| Utilities: | Dishwasher, Cooker, Microwave, Fridge, Washing machine |
| Rooms: | 2 Bedrooms, 1 family bathroom |
| Furniture: | Single beds (2), Double beds (1), Cots (1), Dining seating for 4, Lounge seating for 4 |
| Other: | Please check with the advertiser regarding linen and towels |
| Outdoors: | Balcony / Terrace, Private garden, BBQ |
| Access: | Parking space |
Further details indoors:
The cottage is set on a slope overlooking a valley and has accommodation on three floors. On the main floor is the living/dining room, with views of the valley and waterfall. There is an open fireplace with woodburner, and seasoned wood from our woodlands is available and included in price. Stairs lead to the upper and lower floors. At the rear is the kitchen, fully equipped with electric oven, gas hob, microwave, fridge and dishwasher.
On the lower floor is a double bedroom with beamed ceiling; a shower room with WC; a washing machine; and a door leading out to the garden. On the top floor is a twin bedded room with exposed (low) roof timbers and a view of the waterfall.
All rooms have electric convector heaters.
Gas and WiFi included in price.
Each bed has a non-feather duvet and 2 non-feather pillows per person. The double bed is a standard double. Bedlinen (100% cotton) and towels are available for hire (see below) and beds will be made up for when you arrive. Beach towels are not included.
A cot is available on request.
Further details outdoors:
The private fenced garden has a small area of lawn and a terrace (approached by steps) with garden furniture and a barbecue. There is a private parking area a few yards from the cottage.
Please note -
• Because of the nature of the site and the fairly-steep stairs, the cottage is unsuitable for disabled persons or those with reduced mobility.
• There is unfenced water nearby.
• For practical reasons, we cannot accept dogs.
Further details
A security deposit is payable on arrival and will be returned after your visit.
The Normandy / Calvados region


The cottage offers an excellent base for those wishing to explore the D-Day beaches and the many war museums, including those at Arromanches, Bayeux and the renowned Peace Museum at Caen. A visit to the American cemetery at Colville is a moving experience. Below the cemetery lies Omaha Beach with its vast expanse of golden sand, a favourite with children.
A little to the north, in the Manche region, are the wetlands of the Marais, much praised by birdwatchers.
Other attractions that have proved popular include William the Conqueror's castle at Caen, The Haras National at St Lô, Jurques Zoo, picturesque Honfleur (a favourite with artists), and for the more adventurous, A J Hackett's Bungy jump from the Souleuvre Viaduct.
Mont St Michel is only 1½ hours drive away, and should you fancy a day in Paris, a regular train service runs from Bayeux taking only 2 hours.
The Bayeux / Balleroy area
Balleroy lies on the edge of the beautiful Foret de Cerisy. Its Chateau, designed by Mansart and now owned by the Forbes family of America, offers daily guided tours in English and French. Within the grounds are a Hot Air Balloon museum, a gift shop and a cafe overlooking the knot garden. 4 kms to the north are the beautiful gardens of Planbessin, several times featured on English television.
The historic town of Bayeux is famous for its tapestry depicting the Norman Conquest and the Battle of Hastings. In July it hosts a Medieval Festival, with street markets and entertainers. Just north of Bayeux is the fishing village of Port-en-Bessin, and the Sunday morning market on the quay is well worth a visit.
Also at Port-en-Bessin is the renowned Omaha Beach Golf Course (Two 18-hole courses)
How to get there
Click map icons for more information
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| Nearest Travel Links | |
| Airport: | Carpiquet: 40 km |
| Railway: | Bayeux: 20 km |
| Ferry: | Caen, Ouistreham: 62 km |
Contact the advertiser for further details on the best way to reach this property.
Activities near Bayeux
Tennis in town
Horse Riding
Golf within 30 mins drive
Fishing
Walking holidays
Rural / countryside retreats
Cycling holidays

Guestbook for Le Moulin des Essards
We have been letting the cottage since 1997 and our Visitors’ books are filled with lovely comments. Here are just a few…
“Having arrived late in the evening on our wedding day, we were initially delighted with the interior of the gîte but had to wait until morning to be equally amazed at its glorious surroundings.”
“A great location for exploring the D-day beaches, museums and countryside. Must visits – Pointe du Hoc, Pegasus Bridge, Arromanches and the war cemeteries. I have never been so moved by a place…”
“We had a lovely two weeks here – very relaxing, but action-packed too. There is so much to do in this part of Normandy…”
“We feel that here is the world as God intended it to be, tranquil, beautiful and full of wildlife. We have seen a kingfisher and a red squirrel amongst other things, and feel so privileged to have been able to share your special piece of ‘heaven.’”
Rental prices
| Rental prices originally quoted in: British £ | Convert to: |
| Prices for group size 4 | ||||||
| Period | From![]() | To![]() | Weekly![]() | Nightly rate | Minimum stay | |
| Weekday | Weekend | |||||
| Early Summer | 2 Jun 12 | 7 Jul 12 | £ 270 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Summer | 7 Jul 12 | 25 Aug 12 | £ 360 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Late Summer | 25 Aug 12 | 1 Sep 12 | £ 270 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Autumn | 1 Sep 12 | 6 Oct 12 | £ 210 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Late Autumn | 6 Oct 12 | 22 Dec 12 | £ 195 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Christmas & NY ** 2012 ** | 22 Dec 12 | 4 Jan 13 | £ 270 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Easter ** 2013 ** | 23 Mar 13 | 6 Apr 13 | £ 215 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Spring | 6 Apr 13 | 25 May 13 | £ 205 | - | - | 1 Week |
| D-day (6-Jun) & Half-term | 25 May 13 | 15 Jun 13 | £ 270 | - | - | 1 Week |
| 15 Jun 13 | 22 Jun 13 | £ 285 | - | - | 1 Week | |
| 22 Jun 13 | 29 Jun 13 | £ 300 | - | - | 1 Week | |
| 29 Jun 13 | 6 Jul 13 | £ 330 | - | - | 1 Week | |
| 6 Jul 13 | 20 Jul 13 | £ 365 | - | - | 1 Week | |
| Summer break | 20 Jul 13 | 10 Aug 13 | £ 395 | - | - | 1 Week |
| 10 Aug 13 | 24 Aug 13 | £ 385 | - | - | 1 Week | |
| 24 Aug 13 | 31 Aug 13 | £ 355 | - | - | 1 Week | |
| 31 Aug 13 | 7 Sep 13 | £ 270 | - | - | 1 Week | |
| La rentrée | 7 Sep 13 | 14 Sep 13 | £ 225 | - | - | 1 Week |
| 14 Sep 13 | 26 Oct 13 | £ 205 | - | - | 1 Week | |
| Half term | 26 Oct 13 | 2 Nov 13 | £ 215 | - | - | 1 Week |
The property's weekend rates apply to: Saturday and Sunday nights
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.
Bedlinen & towels are available for hire at £10 per person, payable in advance.
First 40 units electricity per week are included, additional units charged at cost.
Payments by Bank Transfer to UK account preferred, or UK cheque

Availability
See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here
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Contact the owner
* Required fields Please check the following errors: | You are contacting Stephen & Caroline B
Payment accepted
Languages spoken ![]() The owner is based in France and has advertised with Holiday Lettings since 2012. This gite has so far received no reviews. ![]() |
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