A bit of Paradise!

La Grosterie seen from the other side of the valley at Lasserie. Welcome to La Grosterie, our home in rural Normandy.

On this site you will find information about our location, environment and lifestyle.

If you are visiting us, you will also find travel information and maps.



"The Norman Charles Coat-of-Arms. We moved to Normandy in the summer of 2003, following nearly 20 years in Dorset.  Being of Welsh origin though, we never forget our roots!

According to some sources, the origin of our family name "Charles" is in fact Norman. Here is the Norman Coat-of-Arms for the Charles family.

The British version has 3 wine bottles in place of the 3 golden birds. It maybe best to say no more!


!! New !! We have been building a large pond and reclaiming some waste ground. Have a look at the 'La Grosterie' page for a picture.

!! Almost New !! I have pieced together parts from the "Cassini de St. Malo" to create a mini map (310kB) of the surrounding area. Click click here


"Muuum", our first goat finding some shade under the walnut tree. Denise & Tess on the beach at La Saline Gavray Market on Saturday morning
Arnie Richard at La Saline Le Mont St. Michel


We live in "Le Mesnil Amand", a village of about 120 people.  The nearest town is Gavray which provides most day-to-day needs.  The whole "canton" of Gavray, which includes the surrounding villages, has 1500 inhabitants.

We are less than 20 minutes from the coast, with endless sandy beaches and remarkably free spaces almost all year round.


Please let us know if you find any errors on this web site.