Day 1 - Chateau de Chantore and Avranches (Normandy)

After years since we moved back to the US, we finally found our way back in Europe for a road trip in northwest France.  Here is how our first day went: flight arrived on time despite the delayed departure but we got stuck in the airport for additional time that was not expected. The customs line was extremely long, and it took over an hour to get through. Then, the airport exit was locked down due to an a suspicious piece of luggage that was forgotten. 😞 We were told later that this happens often. Things definitely have changed with security is now.

Getting the rental car was no problem, and so off we go towards the west. Before long, we ran into a toll booth. One after another and another... we probably went through 5 toll booths and spent about 20 - 25 euros. I totally forgot how expensive it is to drive in France but Josh remembered it. 😂



After a while, Jet lag kicked in and the little one felt asleep. Can't blame her since getting out of Paris wasn't exactly very interesting.

Finally we approached our first stop Chateau de Chantore. The view of the chateau was breathtaking and certainly kept Sophie awake. Of course  she was completely recharged and ready to explore while Josh finally needed to crash.

We were welcome by 2 extremely excited roosters who kacodoododo nonstop and 2 beautiful peacocks... quite funny actually... so french... totally free range chickens that roaming around as if they owned the entire property. Our host was very nice and also welcome us with homemade apple cider and apple juice from the property in the room below.

Sophie and I took a walk around the property and checked out their pets which included horses, swans, ducks, chickens, peacocks, bees... Here is another view of the chateau. Sophie was so happy that she felt like she was in "Disney" and "she was in the fairy tale." (her exact words)

On our way to the dinner...
Josh asked Sophie: is France like what you imaged?
Sophie: It's even more MAGICAL.
😁😂 That's our girl!! So glad she is enjoying it as much as we are.

Our dinner restaurant was recommended and the reservation was made by our host. It was a short drive to the town of Avranches directly in the city center.

First course was salad in cream liquidized form and it's in a tiny cup. Sophie's reaction: Salad?? 😲😂😄

Second course:

Beef cheek

Foie gras

Pate (from kids menu)

 

Mullet 

Stuffed Pigeon

Veal (from kids menu)

Here comes the main course


 Can you believe what's on the kids menu! PATE and Veal!!! We were not sure how big the serving size was so we ordered some for Sophie as well.

After main course was local cheeses and the then finished with desserts. We were completely STUFFED.