L’Epicerie du Pape

In Normandy, in the small, charming village of Vascoeuil near Rouen, lies the B&B “L’Epicerie du Pape”. About twenty years ago, hosts Karine and François and their children transformed the historic half-timbered house with its creaking floorboards and enchanted garden not only into their new home, but also into a place where they can welcome guests from all over the world. Once a café and corner store, Gustave Flaubert is said to have drunk his coffee there. Today, it’s a charming place created by its very own imaginative world of flea market finds, French craftsmanship and lots of cuddly housemates—Billy the dog, Charly and DjiDji the cats and Poppy the rabbit eagerly await gentle hands and loving strokes. There are two guest rooms in the main house: “Le Repos de la Mule” on the first floor with original ceiling beams, wooden floors and a vintage free-standing bathtub. One floor up under the roof is “La Pêche du Pape”, a cozy room with antique finds and its own entrance. A small hideaway for two is the “Cabane”. With a slightly Scandinavian feel, it features lots of wood, bright colors and a crackling wood-burning stove—hygge à la Normandie. A round tent with a terrace offers space for the whole family in summer. The large garden between the pool and wild meadow is a wonderful place to relax. On summer days, a retro caravan serves as a playroom, reading room or sleeping area for the little ones. Childhood dreams can come true—bienvenue to the colorful world of François and Karine!

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• The historic half-timbered house in typical Normandy style with lots of original details 
• It’s impossible not to be uplifted by the sight of all the little details and finds: Madonna figurines, apothecary bottles, antique chandeliers, old suitcases and photos—every detail seems to tell a story.
• There are original things to discover everywhere: A kitchen with a wood-fired oven in the garden hidden in an old greenhouse, the free-standing cast-iron bathtub in one of the guest rooms that calls out for long bubble baths, the small collections of curiosities throughout the house.
• The exceedingly hospitable owners, who personally look after the well-being of their guests and have many an address for restaurants, cafés and antique stores to hand
• Animal lovers can share their passion with Karine and François, so are in just the right place here, given the many friendly furry friends and chickens around.
• The heated pool, which ensures a refreshing dip in the summer
• The familiar and very cozy communal living room with fireplace
• Normandy attracts visitors with its beautiful landscapes, apple orchards, pretty villages and markets. 

GOOD TO KNOW:

• A delicious and fresh breakfast with fruit, baguettes and French pastries is included.
• Families are very welcome, baby beds are available on request.
• The house is about 20 minutes away from the Norman capital Rouen with its impressive cathedral, medieval center and many half-timbered houses—definitely worth a visit.
• Other places of interest include the castle of Vascoeuil (2 minutes on foot), Giverny with Monet’s house and gardens (around 50 minutes away), the pretty village of Lyons la Forêt with its many old half-timbered houses (10 minutes away) and the nearest beaches at Dieppe (one hour away).
• Riding lessons and excursions can be organized. The daughter of the family runs a riding school nearby.
• Bicycles can be hired for excursions through the beautiful countryside.
• If the pool isn’t long enough for swimming your lengths, there’s a public outdoor pool 10 minutes away.
• There’s also a tennis and badminton court nearby.
• Travel by train to Rouen is possible. The hosts can pick you up from there.