Chalet du Bel Event

As a new Parisian, one of the last skills learned is knowing how and when to escape. It makes sense: all your time is spent learning and exploring La Ville lumière, its quirks still charming. There’s no rush; you’ve just arrived. And somewhere is the hope you’ll meet the friend who casually says over a glass of red: “Of course you should come stay with us at our villa in the Loire.” But even if that does occur (and it does), you’ll still need to find your own getaways. Here’s one method. Wanting the seaside, I discovered that the town of Dieppe in Normandy is the closest beach to Paris, two hours by train at around 45 euros round trip. Nice as Dieppe is, it is still a town, one whose surrounding attractions are driving distance away. So, rent a car in Paris. Three or four people can get a rental car for three days for the same price as train tickets to Dieppe. And if you have a car, why stay in town? A quick search for accommodations around Dieppe and you’ve found The Chalet du Bel Event.    The Chalet du Bel Event is located on five grassy, wooded acres in La Chapelle sur Dun, an unassuming little village on the road between Dieppe and Fécamp. It is so unassuming that its namesake, the Dun river, is actually a few kilometers away. The Chalet is in reality a 19th century hunting lodge remodeled into a bed and breakfast—chambres d’hôtes in French—by the current owners who live on the property in a renovated barn that predates the revolution. Entering the Chalet, the first thing you notice is the paintings. This is a bed and breakfast that doubles as an art gallery. This and the keen décor give a museum ambiance while maintaining a homey, though spacious, feel. There are five rooms, some with showers, some with baths. Typically they have double beds though a few have sleeping couches for those with little ones. For what it’s worth, the ratings board has giving the Chalet a three épis rating, which is, of course, three stalks of grain. After breakfast of fresh baked croissants, breads, jams and other goodies, the day is yours. First stop has to be Veules les Roses, four kilometers away. It’s a small typical Norman town and home to the shortest river in France. The beach here is idyllic, with white cliffs stretching each direction, a swimming pool and playground, and a fishing operation that sells its catch from a roadside stand. Buy something to barbeque for dinner back at the Chalet. Continue on down to see the cliffs at Etretat or any of the dozens of sites to see. Ask Dan, the Chalet owner, for tips and suggestions, like most hoteliers, he’s a deep well of local information.  One of the must do’s however is right in La Chapelle sur Dun. It’s lunch at the local café, Le Champêtre. For nine euros, you get a starter, main course, cheese course, dessert and wine. This is said to be the best lunch in Normandy and I can’t argue. It’s a rousing atmosphere; you sit elbow to elbow with the local color (and sometimes their dogs), eat like a king, and shout to be heard. And at the end, all you want is a siesta. But don’t sleep. Exercise lunch off on the tennis court behind the Chalet. Yes, don’t forget your tennis rackets if you’re going to La Chapelle. Or you can play golf in Dieppe. Go for a stroll in any of the numerous villages, parks or beaches that are in the area. With the Chalet du Bel Event as your base, Normandy is yours to explore. And sleep is something to do in Paris.   Chalet du Bel Event www.chaletdubelevent.com76740 La Chapelle sur DunPhone: (33) (0)2 35 57 08 44E-mail: [email protected] Prices range from 48 to 55 euros  Le Champêtre 76740 La Chapelle sur Dun Lunch served 12-2 except Sundays