Fête de la Musique is one of the few annual cultural events for which I’m strict about sticking around town. Musicians, concerts and crowds of jovial locals infuse a new vigor into the city spirit. And since it coincides with the first day of summer, positive energy reaches new heights. This year, however, we set our sights on a different type of experience outside the city.
We were headed to Gouvix, a tiny village in Normandy about 12km south of Caen, to spend the night in an old country manor called The Priory at Gouvix that friends of ours raved about. They make annual trips to Normandy for Easter and always rent a house big enough to accommodate their three children and two other families. When they mentioned that the host prepares what can properly be described as a feast for all guests (which caters to all dietary needs), I checked the calendar and made a plan. Since I perpetually travel by belly, this sounded like the perfect opportunity to try something different and meet some new people.
The property dates to the 18th century and boasts 8,000 square meters of orchard and garden. The multi-level home, situated between the town…
