A hint of Provence in the hearth of Calvados

It was love at first sight that brought the Dutch-British couple, Corey Koch and Bob Kyle to Calvados, and that led them to settle in an idyllic corner of Suisse Normande, near Condé sur Noireau. "It was perfectly located between London and Amsterdam," jokes Corey.

A few years back, they renovated their house and transformed their small plot of undulating land into a lavender field. Corey and Bob chose a rather sturdy variety, to ensure it would resist any local sub-zero temperatures (just in case!).
Since then, they have been distilling kilos of lavender blossom, to obtain a little less than 10 litres of a very precious essential oil. And by choosing environmentally friendly agricultural methods, their essential oil is 100% organic.

A little café-tea room

In 2007, the couple decided to open their farm to visitors and transformed a nearby chalet into a tiny café-tea room offering, from its patio, splendid views of the lavender field. The "Café la Paix" menu includes not only a variety of teas, coffees and fruit juices, but also wine and cider. And visitors can enjoy a traditional English cream tea.

They can also purchase the organic essential oil extracts made on the farm, along with other products such as lavender sachets or homemade jam. On weekends, they can visit the greenhouse to discover the secrets of lavender distilling.

Picnic in the midst of a lavender field

Also on offer, the possibility to order a "picnic hamper" for 2 and to take to one of the small tables under the weeping willow in the midst of the lavender field, or even directly on the lawn (in which case, blankets and cushions are provided).
The picnic hamper costs 25 Euros (for 2) and includes: starter, salad, cooked meats, cheese, French bread, coffee and a choice of a bottle of cider, wine, perry or water.

For further information

Open during the Summer months - Visits from June to late August - open to both individuals and groups - Free access to the garden - Introduction to lavender distilling on weekends.
Corey KOCH and Bob KYLE, LA FERME AUX LAVANDES, La Rebourserie, D512, 14110 Saint-Germain du Crioult, Tel: 02 31 67 62 73


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