Castles and Battles (+ matters gastronomique) - with photos

[megrumpy]

Well 3 weeks until 3 weeks in France!!!

Cast: Me + DD (10)

Have been to DLP many times but, due to a broken ankle at Easter and under consultant’s orders, will be using a wheelchair for the first time.

We will use Eurotunnel again, this time staying at Holiday Inn Folkestone the night before.

We are staying at Dream Castle for 4 nights and then going to several destinations staying in or near to chateaux and visiting WW1 and 2 sites as well as including lots of wonderful eating experiences (hence title of TR).

At Disney DD is looking forward to BTM + chilling and soaking in the atmosphere. Food choices are leaning towards, but not necessarily in this order, Blue Lagoon, Annette’s, Cafe Mickey and BBWWS.

I know lots of Disers have asked about feasibility of visiting other areas and if you have a car, all the places we are going to are certainly possible.
After Disney, we are staying for a night here at Giverny to visit Monet’s garden.

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Then we move into Normandy to have a night in a luxury chateau...

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We will then stay for 3 nights at the site of D- Day landings in Arromanches, also visiting Bayeux.

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Then we have a week of R&R at Les Ormes near Dol de Bretagne

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Our homeward journey will include a few nights in the Somme area to visit some WW1 sites.

Food is an important part of our French experience!

I will try and keep this as a live trippie depending on wifi/ Europe roaming allowances so feel free to fire away with questions!

Now it’s time to start to think of packing for 3 weeks ... have I got 21 pairs of socks???

:laundy::cool1::yay::cheer2:

[DLPdaft]

Wow those are some amazing locations :worship:!

[sarahb74]

That's quite some itinery, hope you have a wonderful time :goodvibes

When you are looking at WW1 sites you should try to get to Vimy Ridge - I havent been for years but remember it as being great fun as well as educational as they have rebuilt the trenches and you can actually climb in them and walk around, gives you a real idea of what it must have been like.

[tashybea]

Woozers, i am very jealous. Sound's like you have an awesome trip planned.

[Mum to Belle]

Wow! That is a holiday and a half!! I hope you take plenty of photos, especially of Monet's garden & all the food!

Can't wait to read all about it! :goodvibes

[stargatebarbie]

wonderful loving that chateau have a lovely girls trip:wizard:

[ExpatDisneyLover]

Sounds fabulous!!!!!:wizard:

[megrumpy]

wonderful loving that chateau have a lovely girls trip:wizard:

Its dad and daughter but we will still have a lovely trip. The rooms at that chateau are amazing!

[megrumpy]

Well, set off tomorrow so thought I had better pack.
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This is just for me - dd has own case. Testing my iPhone to see how easy it is to do live updates - wifi permitting as my last abroad 'phone bill was over £350!!! ( but I did break my ankle).

[LoodlesNoodles]

Sounds like a great trip planned!
And some incredibly moving sights. Went on a school trip to Somme when I was 12(ish) and found it all incredibly moving.
Have a fantastic trip! :goodvibes

[Mum to Belle]

Have a great trip!! :goodvibes

[Ware Bears]

Wow :earseek: at that chateau ~ hope you have a wonderful trip. :goodvibes

[megrumpy]

After a little detour to visit the site of an amazing Roman villa in Sussex with some spectacular mosaics + another minor route deviation to partake of 'tunch' at Franky & Bennys, we have just arrived at the Holiday Inn Express at Folkestone ready for a silly-o'-clock get up tomorrow.
We have the services of 'Gwendoline' (think Wallace + Grommit) aka Garmin 1690 to keep on on the straight and narrow!
All our bags are packed, we're ready go... Alarm call set, packed breakfast ordered and plans a-d for Disney meals agreed. What, no plan e NO PLAN E!!!

So far
Tomorrow - Annette's for lunch + BBWWS 9.30 show
Wed. Plaza Gardens @ 1pm
Thur. Cafe Mickey breakfast @ 9.30 (after EMH) then Inventions at 6
Friday. Blue Lagoon at 1
Sat. Cafe Mickey at 12.:car::car::car::car:

Don't miss the next exciting instalment ...

[tashybea]

Have a fab time, looking forward to your TR on your return.

[megrumpy]

Just sat by the lake on a balmy evening waiting for our 9.30 BBWWS. The journey was a breeze. However we implemented plan B for lunch as I didn't realise disabled parking was by DLH and so we went straight into the park, got my Easy Access pass and then had a croque at the Deli for lunch. A quick visit to get DD a Dream Pass and then to try the easy access to IASW (normal queue right down to start of path). My main observation is that there is often not enough room allowed when propelling own wheelchair. However DD has provided turbo boost on hill climbs!
We then left park to get tickets for tonight and then check in to Dream Castle and an absolute dream it is!!!

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DD had a swim after dad had a coffee and then headed back to village.
Shops were quiet and saw some bargains at 50% off plus dream pass 20% discount so DD got a denim bag and purple bambi sweatshirt for a total of 25€ reduced from 76€!!! It would have been rude not to as there were so few left.

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Tip for the day - if using disabled parking for second and subsequent times, enter via DLH.
Will add pictures on return as I refuse to pay 6 euro for wifi !!
Now, to practise our Yee Hahs!!

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[Mum to Belle]

Just sat by the lake on a balmy evening waiting for our 9.30 BBWWS.

Shops were quiet and saw some bargains at 50% off plus dream pass 20% discount so DD got a denim bag and purple bambi sweatshirt for a total of 25€ reduced from 76€!!! It would have been rude not to as there were so few left.


Ahhhh, sounds wonderful! :cloud9:

Indeed, would have been rude not to shop - looking forward to all the photos!! :goodvibes

[megrumpy]

Sitting waiting for the parade so will give update. Intended to do full EMH but wanted extra zzzz as well as Dream Castle breakfast ( certainly on a par with DLH). still made it for 8.45 just as Buzz had overcome his technical problems (poor Buzz). Then PP and Dumbo (nice paint job)

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and carousel before rope drop for POTC. Had to wait 15 minutes for our easy access slot so perused Blue Lagoon menu (yum yum).
Then across to get a slot for BTM giving us time for an iced tea and toilet stop!
We window shopped down the arcades before our tummies suggested we see if Plaza Gardens would let us in a little early. One look on 2 hungry faces and we were seated. What a fantastic buffet - brilliant starters and mouth-watering mains with melt- in- your- mouth puddings including floating islands.

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Sufficiently replete, we waddled back to the car and returned for post prandial naps. Zzzzzzzzz
Back for 6.45 ready for the parade.
PS Thank you Eeyore for hugging DD.
A train circuit counting Disney bunnies then tea at Victoria's - the pizzas were delicious; a pizza royale, pizza enfant, a flan and 2 magical hot chocolates for less than 20€ (with dream discount).
Just sitting in Discovery Arcade waiting for Fantillusion..........

[DLPdaft]

:cloud9::cloud9: sounds just about perfect

[tashybea]

Sounds like you are both having an amazing time. I'm looking forward to all your photos on your return.

[megrumpy]

Today has been an anticipation of the wonders of the Inventions buffet, the participation in a major gastronomic symphony. We lazily ambled down to breakfast at 9.30 - the taste buds activated, the gastric juices primed. First and only stop was the Studios - animagique, flying carpets, a look into the world of Buzz and friends and then cinemagique.
We decided to skip lunch and headed back to the hotel for crisps and a drink, sufficient to sharpen the anticipation for tonight. DD had a swim and I began my second book before setting off to allow time to savour that unique smell of DLH. And so we sat in the Fantasia Bar as the orchestra of culinary delights began to tune up.
And so, on the stroke of 6 we were first in. I took photos of all the untouched delights.

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Before we could partake, DD was surrounded by Pluto, Donald and Mickey astounded by her £1 massive Toy Story pen ( should have done a Del Boy - bought the lot and flogged them for 5€ outside the train station!)

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Like Handel's Zadok, the meat starters then the fish starters began the crescendo of flavours before the mighty main course exploded on the palate. Then desert then a chorus of cheeses before the finale of coffee and chocolate (donated to DD).
(tip of the day - for best food and character interaction book for 6).
We are now recovering in the Fantasia bar preparing for all the evening shows...

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Tomorrow well.......

[loladelorean]

It's great to read about your trip as it happens, it sounds as though you and your daughter are having a truly magical time.
Inventions sounds incredible, looking forward to seeing your photos.

[Ware Bears]

Love your description of Inventions! :thumbsup2

[megrumpy]

Today we stretched plan c to the max and remember, NO PLAN E! We intended having a morning in the park and chilling at the hotel after our Blue Lagoon lunch. However the weather was beautiful and being welcomed into the park at 9.30, we just couldn't leave. We started with Buzz where DD got her highest ever score hitting at least 1 Zurg round badge. Then Orbitron then Autopia ( straight on thanks to easy access pass ).
We skipped breakfast so had a hot chocolate and Mickey brioche to keep us going. Then it was back to Discoveryland for more Autopia and Captain EO (better than I had anticipated, particularly the early dose of asteroids! ).
We trekked to Fantasyland for a quick fix of IASW before getting times slots for PP and POTC (after our BL lunch). With 45 minutes to spare, we/I (as I was giving DD a well deserved ride in my wheelchair) hobbled to BTM to find it had a problem technique. Back to BL we trudged. I have never had a disappointing meal here and the positive experience continued. DD ate from the teenagers menu - lovely breaded chicken in a bun with chips followed by a chocolate and hazelnut ice cream sundae.

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Then POTC, PP followed by even more Autopia. We crossed to the Studios for the Stars and Cars parade

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before heading back to the Park for Iced Tea before waiting for the OUAD Parade ( I am writing this in note form ready to copy as we wait - I4 best phone I ever had).
We will then watch the New Generation show as DD was so impressed before a BTM finale.

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We seem to have done so much today without a break and yet, incredibly, Disney has been so relaxing.

[megrumpy]

We both agreed to get up early and have a last park visit and so we packed as much into the car the night before. We were up, checked out and parked just after 8 and managed Buzz, orbitron, PP x 2, Dumbo, carousel and tea cups by about 9.15. A refreshment break was called for so we went to Cable Car for a rest. Fortified we headed back to Discoveryland wafting our APs to gain access before 10 and noticed humongous queues at Autopia.

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Still with my pass we rode it twice (DDs favourite ride this time) before finally leaving park, waving at castle through centre arch at the station.
We wandered through the shops in the Village and noticed that both the items DD liked and got at the start of the had sold out!
Time for our last meal at Cafe Mickey. The food was excellent as always but for some reason Daisy seemed to miss DD. Eeyore noticed and gave her a big hug (DD not Daisy) then the CM directed Mickey, Chip and Dale over together - a superb experience.

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A last finishing touch was to go into DLH and exit to the disabled car park through the front door. I wish you could get a DLH car smelly!!!!
And so on to Giverny - about 60 miles from Disney off the A13. There was a bad hold up on the Peripherique and so my satnav automatically took me through Paris and the St Cloud area. I have to say absolutely no problems - just did exactly what Gwendoline said.
The place we are staying is amazing.

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The property dates back hundreds of years and with genuine period furniture I am half expecting Monet to pop through the door. We will be served breakfast in our room tomorrow so we can sit by an open window looking out onto part of the garden.

[A Small World]

sounds as though you are having a great time :goodvibes

[DLPdaft]

It sure does - loving your trip report so far :goodvibes

[mommy2ash]

sounds like an amazing trip

[megrumpy]

After an amazing sleep, we were served an incredible breakfast in our room.

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From there we went the short drive to Giverny and Monet's house and garden. DD fell in love with the lily pond and wanted to live there in Monet's day.

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It is a very doable trip from DLP if you have a car.
I then programmed ' Gwendoline' and, following every instruction, arrived at Château de Saint paterne in less than 2 hours.

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What an amazing place - our room in the 16th century chateau had a 4 poster bed,

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bathroom with massive roll top bath,

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reading room, period antique furniture and overlooking the grounds.

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DD had a trampoline

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and a swim before we scrubbed up for a posh meal - aperitif ; starter of watercress soup on top of a foie gras mousse;

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pork with hot cucumber and wild mushroom soufflé;

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cheeses and then a most delicious chocolate pudding with caramel sauce in the middle + coffee to finish. Needless to say, all we were able to do after was waddle up to our room to read.

[megrumpy]

Just got free wifi at a cafe in Bayeux where we have just visited the tapestry. With the opening in October of a new stretch of motorway before Caen, it is possible to visit from DLP for a day trip including D- Day beaches. We had a fantastic breakfast at 'our' chateau - it turns out that the owner is also a renowned chef in France and he made our meal last night. Well am about to catch up on disboards ...

[tashybea]

After an amazing sleep, we were served an incredible breakfast in our room. From there we went the short drive to Giverny and Monet's house and garden. DD fell in love with the lily pond and wanted to live there in Monet's day. It is a very doable trip from DLP if you have a car.
I then programmed ' Gwendoline' and, following every instruction, arrived at*Château de Saint paterne in less than 2 hours. What an amazing place - our room in the 16th century chateau had a 4 poster bed, bathroom with massive roll top bath, reading room, period antique furniture and overlooking the grounds. DD had a trampoline and a swim before we scrubbed up for a posh meal - aperitif ; starter of watercress soup on top of a foie gras mousse; pork with hot cucumber and wild mushroom soufflé; cheeses and then a most delicious chocolate pudding with caramel sauce in the middle + coffee to finish. Needless to say, all we were able to do after was waddle up to our room to read.*

Ummm, sounds yummy.....

[TheTizardFamily:0)]

:love: :cloud9: Wonderful....keep us updated! :cloud9: :love:

[megrumpy]

We've just had 3 days at Arromanches. If you want to visit the D Day sights + Bayeux then it would be about 2.5 hours round the peripherique then A13 I think. Our hotel overlooked the sea

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and this morning. DD was body-boarding by 9.30 and swimming in the sea for a long time this afternoon. We had the only wet day of our holidays yesterday and so went to visit the Pegasus bridge museum and see the first French house to be liberated, a cafe that has been in the same family since 1944.
We have had many delicious meals - DD had mussels tonight and declared them superb (no more menu enfant)!

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Lunch for the past 2 days has been a freshly made ham baguette, a shared portion of chips followed by 2 scoops of ice-cream ( think creme brûlée, caramel salted butter, cookies, White chocolate etc etc etc yum yum).
So as the sun is setting over the remains of Mulberry Harbour, DD is digging a hole in the sand and I a letting my pork medallions in apple sauce followed by floating islands digest.

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[DLPdaft]

The area you're staying in now sounds just beautiful :flower3:.

[megrumpy]

Would you believe this is the main block of our holiday - 6 nights / 7 days the hotel at Domaine Des Ormes.

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This is a fantastic site about 20 minutes from St Malo and 90 minutes from Caen. We have stayed here many times before but usually in a tent or caravan prepared by well known companies. You can get a Brittany Ferries crossing as part of the deal and can include days not staying in aforementioned accommodation so could tag on a Disney week as I guess it is about a 4/5 hour drive to DLP from here ( I will consult Gwendoline later - her French pronunciation is worse than mine so we get along well).

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DD has just clocked up 3 hours in the wave pool and indoor heated "lazy river" - there are several other pools on site with a small exclusive one at the hotel.
We have just had home made pizzas with fries, drinks, deserts and coffee for less than 20€ at one if the eateries on site. DD gone for a wander and I am accessing free wifi. The sky is blue, all is well with the world and free fireworks tonight after a parody of Robin Hood. Absolute bliss!

[megrumpy]

Yesterday was sunny and hot,

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today is wet and cold. No problem. Yesterday DD had several hours in the pool, another go on the bungee trampoline thing and twice on the zip wire.

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We ate at the campsite restaurant for under 25€ - DD had steak hache and chips followed by chocolate crepe whilst I had a salad starter, pork filet mignons cooked on an open fire (+ chips) and creme brûlée - excellent food and excellent value.
Today we visited the market in Dol and invested in a brolly - a stall was having a "destockage" of "designer" parapluies and doing a brisk trade at 10€ each.
We then went for a drive around the coast to St Malo before returning for DDs swim ( only 2 hours).
Dinner was at my favourite restaurant- a sublime vegetable soup followed by steak and chips with red wine sauce then chocolate liegeois and coffee. DD had ham and chips + caramel ice cream. Now back at site having booked a return visit for Tuesday (actually DD did with chef who was cooking over a log fire).

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[megrumpy]

On Sunday we stopped at a village near Cancale to inspect the French equivalent of a car boot sale - a "Vide Grenier" or empty attic. Unfortunately no hidden treasures but good fun. Then on to lunch at Cancale - both DD and I love mussels, eaten overlooking the sea.

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Then back to campsite for DDs daily swim before dinner at our favourite local restaurant. It is so good DD booked to go again on Tuesday.
Monday was an activity day for DD - zip wire followed by a horse ride - we looked funny with me leading horse with one hand and using crutch with other!

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DD had her usual swim before we went to Mont St Michel in the evening and had a wonderful meal at Mere Poulard's - the omelettes are superb.

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Today we have been very lazy although I did pop down for breakfast at 10 whilst DD decided to stay in bed until 12.
Zip wire followed by swim then another tasty meal. Tomorrow we leave for the poignant WW1 battle sites.

[scampbunny]

fab trip report, do love that area of france that ur visiting, spent a lovely week nr dinan many yrs ago (wonderful creperie.... lol)

lookin forward to seeing some pics when u return, and thanks for sharing ur holiday with us all - almost like being there! :goodvibes

[Ware Bears]

Your holiday sounds amazing :cloud9:

[megrumpy]

Yesterday we said a sad goodbye to the Hotel, horses, swimming pool, wifi room that had meant so much over the past week. We travelled avec "grand vitesse" to our Premier Classe 45€ a night hotel in Bethune and had a KFC for tea. In some ways I am saddened that fast food is spreading in France - we must have passed over a dozen McDs in the space of 250 miles. Is it progress?
Today we started (but failed) to find the grave of Rudyard Kipling's son. We were more successful in visiting Vimy ridge and had an excellent guided tour.

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From there we jumped to WW2 and visited La Coupole - the V2 site neat St Omer. Both fascinating visits.

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On the trail of Poirot, we nipped into Belgium (as one does). DD was more confident than I that my iPhone would provide appropriate Flemish translation. And so, without a border guard in sight, we arrived at Leper and bought ice creams (next best thing to Belgium chocolate).

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We got back to Bethune, washed the car to remove all the now 2D insect life and headed to a Flunch for tea after consulting Gwendoline about possible options. Main courses, cheese, pudding, drinks and coffee for less than 26€ (me and DD)!
Tomorrow we return to the uk - euros low, clean clothes few, washing - loads but happy memories - many and priceless!

[Dianetigger]

WOW! What a fantastic trip, I've been away from here for too long!
Looking forward to pictures too!

[hildasmuriel]

What a fantastic trip you both had. Husband is reading Forgotten Voices of the Somme and was very interested to hear about your travels. It's something he would be keen to do.
Your daughter is looking so grown up now!

[A Small World]

For some reason all the photos you have just posted arent showing up for me

[megrumpy]

Now that I have posted some of the photographs, the post holiday 'quiz' would be to guess which ones were taken with the Fuji Finepix S1500 and which with my iPhone 4 - (not as straightforward as it might seem).

:scratchin

[loladelorean]

What fantastic photos! Your daughter obviously loves her Bambi jumper, and no wonder, it's fab and such a bargain.
I especially love the photos of the Inventions buffet - WOW! I might need to show these to my mum and sister the next time I see them and modify our dining plans for our next trip.
You visited some beautiful areas in France, this is very helpful to me because my boyfriend and I are planning a driving holiday and he is keen to visit interesting sites like these.
A great and very useful trip report - thanks so much for sharing

[ExpatDisneyLover]

Love, love, love it!:lovestruc:lovestruc Thanks for all the great food reviews/photos too!:)

[Ware Bears]

Fantastic photos :thumbsup2 thanks for sharing them. :goodvibes