This week I’ll be sharing the benefits of swimming with you, in our gorgeous heated pool and at our local beaches, then I’ll hand you over to some very special swimming guests, Louise and Tony at the end – it’s worth swimming the length of the blog to hear to their story!
In the idyllic green landscape of Normandy, where picturesque countryside meets the enchanting blue coastline, lies a rural haven for those seeking relaxation amidst nature’s beauty. Nestled within this tranquil setting are Le Pressoir gîtes where we offer not only charming accommodation but also a unique opportunity to indulge in the therapeutic wonders of swimming, both in our outdoor, heated azure swimming pool and the breathtaking local beaches.
For most of us, there is nothing more refreshing on holidays than taking a dip in the refreshing waters of a beautiful swimming pool and ours is here waiting for you to enjoy. Not many gites in Normandy have an outdoor pool so you’ll be in for a treat when you dip your toes in our special Swimming Pool in Normandy!
Relax in water’s embrace… The Azure Swimming Pool Experience
Imagine if you can, the gentle caress of warm water against your skin as you swim effortlessly through the azure waters of an outdoor swimming pool or bubble your troubles away and as you lie back and enjoy the soothing bubbles of our warming hot tub. Well, here in Normandy you can do just that to your hearts content. Our lovely swimming pool is more than just a place to cool off on a sunny day; it’s a sanctuary for the mind, body, and soul. And if you just want a bit of fun in the sun we’ll give you your own unicorn, flamingo or even orca to splash around with.
Even without an inflatable unicorn the benefits of swimming in our gorgeous heated pool start as soon as you step into the water, and they extend well beyond the time you leave the pool – according to many well-being experts.
“The unique properties of a dip in the water have immediate physical benefits, with, not only short-term but also long-term benefits to mental health, with longer-term benefits including potentially reducing the risk of heart issues, supporting healthy aging, and giving individuals who find it difficult to be active on land another way to exercise.
Here’s the science bit about swimming’s benefits –
• Therapeutic Relaxation: There’s something inherently soothing about being surrounded by the beauty of nature while you swim. The azure pool, set in our countryside courtyard and under the open sky, provides the perfect backdrop for relaxation. As you float weightlessly, the stresses of everyday life seem to melt away, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
We’ll even provide you with floating drinks holders and pool safe glasses so you can sip while you dip!
• Fitness and Well-being: Swimming is one of the most effective full-body workouts, and our heated pool allows you to enjoy its benefits. Whether you’re looking to improve your cardiovascular health, build muscle strength, or simply stay active, swimming offers a low-impact exercise option that’s suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Plus it’s great fun while on holiday.
• Family Bonding: Our pool is a place where families come together to create cherished memories. From teaching little ones to paddle for the first time to playing games and sharing laughter with loved ones, the pool fosters moments of joy and connection that are truly priceless.
We can’t tell you how much laughter echoes around the pool all summer long.
When you can drag yourself away from the pool you’ll discover coastal bliss very nearby…
Exploring Normandy’s Stunning Beaches
Beyond the comforts of our gîtes lies a world of coastal splendor waiting to be discovered. Normandy’s coastline boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in France, each offering its own unique charm and allure.
Plus every one of them is perfect for a swim in the sea.
• Natural Beauty: From the rugged cliffs of Étretat to the golden manicured sands of Deauville, and the wide open space of nearby Omaha Beach, Normandy’s beaches are renowned for their natural beauty. Whether you’re seeking solitude amidst the dunes or revelling in the lively atmosphere of a seaside resort town, there’s a beach for every mood and occasion.
• Water Sports Paradise: With its expansive coastline and favorable wind conditions, Normandy is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Whether you’re into paddle-boarding, windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, or just swimming, you’ll find ample opportunities to indulge your water based passion along the shores of Normandy.
Even Cooper likes to make a splash in the waves on Omaha Beach!
And I bet you’d love to make a splash back at Le Pressoir’s heated pool
Here are a few interesting pool options a short distance from Le Pressoir –
GRANVILLE’S SEA WATER SWIMMING POOL
If you’d like to take a dip in a pool at the beach then you can do your laps in a glorious natural swimming pool on Granville’s beach of La Plage du Plat Gousset, a few minutes’ walk from the town centre, and its free to swim there. This seawater pool is a great option to cool down when the sea is at low tide.
Granville is about 1.5 hours from the Pressoir
LE HAVRE’S DESIGNER SWIMMING-POOL
About an hour from Le Pressoir is the Bains des Docks in Le Havre, designed by the French architect Jean Nouvel. With modern designs and interesting features, this 5000 square metre aquatic centre has 12 pools, including a 50 x 21 metre outdoor pool, several leisure pools, a sauna, steam room, spa and fitness room.
Here is a link to their site in France (you can just translate it into any language form your menu bar)
https://www.les-bains-des-docks.com/
DEAUVILLE’S SEA WATER SWIMMING POOL
The water of this Olympic size pool stretching over 50m long is pumped offshore and then heated to 28° to offer a splendid bathing experience. You can enjoy a swim with the kids at the Pompeian Baths near the main pool, which feature stunning art deco architecture. Beach cabins can also be rented for a day.
The architecture is gorgeous and the beach with its colourful parasols are just a few steps away.
https://www.indeauville.fr/la-piscine-olympique-deau-de-mer
As you can see, in Normandy, swimming is more than just a recreational activity; it’s a journey of discovery and delight. Whether you choose to take a dip in our azure swimming pool or explore the wonders of the local beaches, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world of beauty, tranquility, and adventure. So come, dive into a little bit of heaven, and let Normandy’s azure waters wash away your cares and awaken your senses to the magic of the moment.
Now I’d like to hand you over to some very special guests (and friends of ours) Louise and Tony who gave our pool the thumbs up – and they really know what they’re talking about with all things swimming so we ‘re over the moon they approved and enjoyed it.
Over to you Lou –
I was first drawn to the Normandy coastline following my husband and my own Channel Swimming experiences and the emotions linked to revisiting the areas of coastline we both landed many of our respective many swims at.
I was particularly drawn to the open water having spent most of my youth not being able to swim at all, I’d taken up cycling at an early age and never learnt to swim before I was the grand age of 43! I remember after completing that first length in a pool thinking about the open water and the incredible people who swam across to France… and so I hatched a plan to swim across the channel, solo, in a relay team or both, which then led to meeting my husband, Tony, a fellow Channel Swimmer.
We had planned our return to Normandy for many months during the swim season whilst swimming and crewing for others. With the help of Shu and Rob at Le Pressoir de la Vieville, we booked our trip and travelled down the coastline from Calais down through Sangate, Wissant and the beach at Deauville to the Gite. We visited both of our swim landing sites and dipped our toes in the bracing but beautiful waters of the coastline, looking back at the UK.
The Normandy coastline offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical richness, and modern comforts, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a holistic aquatic experience. Our excursions took us to visit the many beaches where the D-Day battles unfolded and the realisation of the emmense losses incurred by all sides during those traumatic and devastating years. When not swimming we took our time to reflect on these moments and whilst swimming it was overwhelming looking back at the coastline to see what many young men saw as they landed. A visit not to miss.
The sunlight on the azure waters of the English Channel paints a mesmerising picture for swimmers embarking on their aquatic journey along the Normandy coast. The cool and tidal pull of the sea provides a stark contrast to the warmth of the sun and reminded of the power of the oceans and gave us an experience that invigorated both body and soul. The real delight was knowing our base was not far away and the beautiful and enticing décor of the gite enabled relaxation and recuperation from our hard season of swimming. This is a place held close to our hearts and with the local scenery, historical links and beautiful beaches for swimming and coastal exploration, it is a must to visit and return!
Le Pressoir de la Vieville proved to be a sanctuary for recovery from the channel swimming with the lovely azure blue pool and hot tub on site available to all residents, our time was spent relaxing, enjoying the local food and drink and relaxing and doing a few lengths in the pool and relaxing in the hot tub.
We hope you get to enjoy it too.
Louise x
Thank You Louise, you are a hero of mine, to go from not being able to swim at all to swimming the English Channel is truly remarkable.
Shu x
If you’d like your summer to go swimmingly, come and make a splash at Le Pressoir.
If you want to come and dip your toes then check out our availability or send me a message – we’d love to welcome you, just bring your swimming trucks or your Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini (or wetsuit)
https://lepressoirgites.com/availability/
p.s. the pool didn’t always look so alluring….
