Lesley OKEY's selection of French property for sale

About my area

I am very fortunate to live in a beautiful part of Basse Normandie on the edge of the pretty Suisse Normand region with it’s rolling hills and green valleys. My area encompasses parts of the Orne and Calvados, each with their own particular sites, from Falaise with its stunning medieval castle, birthplace of William the Conqueror, to the pretty spa town of Bagnoles de l’Orne and across the country side towards the horse breeding centre of France surrounding the national stud at Haras du Pin and the world famous cheese making villages of Camembert and Liverot. There are so many things to see and do, whether you are interested in watersports, fishing, horse riding, climbing, cycling, walking, there is an activity for you. You can take the Camembert trail to visit cheese making farms or go on a cider tasting tour, not forgetting to try Calvados, the apple brandy. For others, the area is steeped in history, particularly of WWII with the all important Falaise Gap and the counter attack area which saw the final battle for Normandy, remembered at the Montormel Memorial. There are lovely market towns and sleepy villages and the locals are very welcoming. It’s just an hour away from the ferry port at Caen or slightly longer to Le Havre and there are mainline stations where you can take the train and be in Paris in two hours.

About me

After many years of contemplating a move to France, a favourite holiday destination, I finally made the move nine years ago. Initially I intended to settle further south but as I have horses and wanted to pursue a long held ambition to breed them, Normandy seemed the obvious choice. I have loved every moment of being here and I’m always amazed by the kindness of the locals who have been so helpful and welcoming. The food is great, the lifestyle is relaxed and I live in a place surrounded by fields where I can watch my horses grazing, what’s not to like?