May Delights in Normandy
Book into a pretty Normandy chateau in May and you could be blessed with the sight of a Pocket Handkerchief Tree in bloom. This difficult tree flowered for the first time at Le Castel near Coutances last year.
The tree is very aptly named as the large white bracts hang down and flutter in the breeze just like large white handkerchiefs.
These trees don't usually begin to bloom until they are about 10 years old and even then some trees don't flower every year. When the flowers start they last for just three weeks in May.
The species, which is also known as the Ghost Tree or Dove Tree, was discovered in China in the 1860s by the French explorer Pere Armand David - this was around the same time as Le Castel was being built by a French nobleman.
But don't worry if you miss this blooming lovely as Normandy is full of stunning gardens. You will find 39 horticultural suggestions on http://www.normandy-tourism.org/ including the gardens of Christian Dior and the painter Monet.
The picturesque village of Giverny was the home of the French impressionist Claude Monet and visitors can wander through his house and the exuberant garden which was the inspiration for his famous waterlily series.
Christian DIOR was born in Granville a hundred years ago and a number of celebrations are planned during 2005 at his house in Granville, which is now a museum. Check out the secret garden he enjoyed as a child.
Also, don't miss the stunning public gardens in the cathedral town of Coutances. Les Jardin des Plantes offers a blend of French and English gardens with fountains and floral sculptures. They are immaculately kept and surrounded by woodland.
Le Castel is an ideal base for garden tours. You can stay in the Napoleon III chateau from £35 a night per person for B&B. Ask about three nights for the price of two at certain times. Evening meals are from £20 for three courses plus sorbets and wine.
Guided tours of local gardens can be arranged. Le Castel has an eight seater Mercedes min bus and offers tours from £30 per person, based on a minimum of four people. Tours can include magnificent picnics on the spectacular beach at Monmartin Sur Mer. Check out http://www.le-castel-normandy.com/ or call 00 33 2 33 17 00 45.
Le Castel is set in four acres of mature parkland and has views over rolling countryside. It has just five bedrooms decorated in period style with a few contemporary twists.
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