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and small groups in the heart of one of Europe's richest mycological
microcosms,
the Fôret des Andaines, Lower Normandy, France. Certified by the WWF (World
Wildlife Fund).
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Gîte Rural "La Pierre Levée"
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Family
Self-catering Holidays in Normandy. Capacity 2-4 people plus baby
In the heart of the Regional Park and the Forest d'Andaines,
5km from Bagnoles de l'Orne spa in Normandy
** 1hr south of Caen **
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Book now for :
Holidays in spring or early summer, or
Autumn breaks and "fungus forays" (wild mushroom picking)!
(See our Activities page for
details)
Or, take a course in country skills, and stay in the gîte. Details: http://www.lesavoirfaire.com
Please email or call us
now for 2009 season availability.
Contact Nigel / Catherine - Tel: 00 33 1 57 21
04 65
email: nigel.woodhead@lycos.co.uk
 
 
Recent guests have come from Australia,
Canada,
The Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, France, USA and UK
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Classified by the World Worldlife Fund (WWF) and Parc Régional
de Normandie-Maine as a "Gite Panda"
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Awarded 3 Wheatsheaves by Gîtes de France in 2004. Gîte no. 392
Or see our Terms and
Tariffs page for online booking link
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Wild Mushroom Hunting
The local forests are famous for the variety of fungus species that grow (literally hundreds of species), making them a paradise for mycologists and
gourmets alike. Several species of the boletus family (Ceps), as well as Chanterelles /Girolles,
Honey and Hedgehog Fungus are particularly common - we manage to pick at least a dozen
common, culinary varieties within walking distance, sometimes even on the
lawn, including "misunderstood" edible mushrooms such as the Amethyst
Deceiver and Spindle Shanks. The gîte at La Pierre Levée makes a
perfect base for mushroom-picking holidays, long weekends, short breaks, just
one hour south of Caen, in Lower Normandy, France.
The high season runs from
September to November, depending on weather, but some species can be found
at most times of year. It's only low or mid season in the gîte in the
autumn, so take advantage! You can take your finds to a local chemist for identification,
(though they tend to err on the side of extreme caution!). The gîte's kitchen features an identification chart for the best
gastronomic species, and we have a range of guide books. In October, La Ferté and Bagnoles play host to the
important wild mushroom festival "Journées Mycologiques du Pays Fertois".
Throughout the year, local restaurants such as the highly renowned Manoir du Lys
use wild mushrooms on their menus.
 | A range of possible mycological
activities including cooking lessons and guided tours in our woods or the Forêt
des Andaines (part of France's largest regional park) are possible by prior
arrangement with the hosts (supplementary tariffs). |
| When you book one of our half-day or longer "Fungus Foray" and
"Fungus Feast" activities you will be entitled to a complimentary (and indeed complementary!) copy of our Photo
CD, "Wild Mushroom Safari", with over a 1000 digital images of the
several hundred local species. (One copy per group reservation) |
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