Page 72 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - France

70 BACK ROADS FRANCE

Drive on along this road and look out
for a right turn, the D24, to Massy.
Follow signs through Massy village to
arrive at Artmazia.
7 Artmazia
Seine-Maritime, Haute-Normandie;
76270
This huge spiral “art-maze” has been
created out of 5,000 beech trees by
British artist Geoff Troll (open daily Jul–
Aug, Sat & Sun May–Jun and Sept–Oct).
As visi tors make their way around it,
they discover all kinds of colourful
and offbeat artwork, animals and
beautiful vistas, and it is great fun for
children. There are also innovative
exhibitions and a relaxing little
Above left Part of the art maze at Artmazia café, which hosts concerts and
Above right Gothic church at St-Saëns 6 Forges-les-Eaux other entertainment.
Below Grand Casino at Forges-les-Eaux Seine-Maritime, Haute-Normandie; ª Take the C3 Bellozane, and at the
76440 roundabout turn left onto the D928,
One of the main towns of the Pays then right onto the D929 for St-Saëns.
de Bray, Forges-les-Eaux became a Take the D225 to Grigneuseville and
fashionable spa in the 17th century. Étaimpuis. After visiting the gardens
The town has a 19th-century casino there, turn back along the D929 and
WHERE TO STAY and there are some pretty walks in then left (north) onto the D97 for
the Bois d’Épinay woods. To the Beaumont-le-Hareng.
FORGESLESEAUX north near Sommery is the La Ferme
de Bray, owned by the Perrier family 8 St-Saëns
Forges Hotel moderate–expensive
A sleek modern spa hotel. It has a for generations and now a remark- Seine-Maritime, Haute-Normandie;
whole range sports facilities too. able farm-museum (open daily Jul–Aug, 76880
Avenue des Sources, 76440; 02 32 89 and Sat, Sun, holidays Easter–Oct), with a St-Saëns is one of the prettiest Bray
50 57; www.forgeshotel.com
15th- to 18th-century watermill, towns, with a charming old town
STSAËNS cider-press and dairy. It houses square. In the countryside to the
fascinating exhibits on rural life. west are three remarkable gardens.
Le Logis d’Eawy moderate
A colombage former coaching inn has Ferme de Bray also has very pretty L’Agapanthe at Grigneuseville (open
been tastefully renovated into this bed-and-breakfast rooms. There are Thu–Tue Apr–Nov) is a labyrinth of
chambre d’hôtes. There is an antique- amazing views over the Bray valleys intimate spaces over flowing with
furnished breakfast room, a bright
courtyard and a large garden. The four from the D915 heading north. roses, agapanthus and other flowers.
bed-and-breakfast rooms have plenty ª Retrace the route out of Forges-les- Le Clos du Coudray at Étaimpuis
of charm. Eaux, but turn right onto the D915 (open daily Apr–Oct) is a more conven-
1 rue du 31 Août 1944, 76680; 06 19 15 Dieppe road for La Ferme de Bray. tional, elegant garden. Les Jardins de
52 04; www.logisdeawy.com
NEUFCHÂTELENBRAY
Le Grand Cerf moderate
This traditional hotel is a very likeable
local institution. The rooms are
comfortable and the hotel now has
some modern extras (even Wi-Fi), and
the staff is very helpful. The restaurant
has enjoyable, good-value local cuisine.
9 Grande Rue Fausse Porte, 76270; 02
35 93 00 02; www.logis-de-france.fr
Le Cellier du Val Boury
inexpensive–moderate
This huge farm is on the edge of the
town, but feels very rural, with ample
space for relaxing. The rooms are in an
impressive 17th-century wine store.
3 rue du Val Boury, 76270; 02 35 93
26 95; www.cellier-val-boury.com
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under €70; moderate, €70–€150; expensive, over €150