Château D'agneaux

My room, number 8, all the way at the top of the winding stairway and behind a sort of anteroom was a medieval treat. The bed was comfortable and I loved the view from my window. I am a romantic at heart and appreciate ambiance more than modernity. The old timberwork gave the room the feel of many centuries ago while the bathroom provided comforts they would have lacked. The manager was gracious, and while he spoke no English and my French is hit-and-miss, he took care of our needs. Before we left we showed him the picture of the people in our copy of the novel Chateau of Secrets, which was set there, and explained that one of our group was from a family named Agnew, from that region before the Norman Conquest, and he offered to show us the old kitchen and the chapel, very interesting. Breakfast was as good as any that we had during our stay in France. Boiled eggs, cheeses, sliced ham, bread and butter, croissants, pastries, fruits, and also coffee and hot chocolate (upon request the night before) all served with typically great French hospitality. Things to know: 1. 6pm check-in means you check in at 6pm. We tried to leave our things off when we arrived early in the afternoon and before we went to Normandy. 2. If you're there on the weekend, the restaurant will probably be booked up. The manager called to make us a reservation, but it was too late. In Agneaux, all the restaurants except one that was not to the taste of one of our group were booked up that evening. A very kind young Frenchman we asked on the street said there should be openings in St. Lo and led us to a very nice Brasserie, saying he was going that way anyway. 3. Try to learn a little French before you go. I had forgotten all I had learned in high school (1961-63) and decided to use Babbel for a few months before the trip. It came in handy in many places and made my enjoyment of the trip much deeper. Yes, many French people know basic English, and some are quite good, but it's helpful to have a link to those who want to be gracious to you but who know no English. Why should they, after all? They live in France. Bon voyage!