Come and visit our lovely nature retreat in Lower Normandy!
La Volée is a ten-hectare farm with nine free-range rare-breed horses in a beautiful unspoiled setting. Behind the hamlet of our buildings at the top, the land falls away into a valley that feels both magical and secret. A spring feeds a pond at the head of the valley behind a post-and-rail fence. Here you can sit and listen to the sound of water falling as the stream descends the land, and meditate or watch the horses in peace.
Bocage with high beech trees divides the pastures, and you can wander in our private woodland and swim in the lower ponds amongst fish and dragonflies. Each season has its special attraction, even winter when the bare bones of the land are revealed, and it is stunning when frosted or pure white with snow. We mark the seasons here with a bonfire on the hill for the equinoxes, the solstices, or any other excuse, like a full moon in summer when the bats fly out! You will come away restored.
Who are we?
We are three households, a family and two singles, with dogs and cats and rare-breed chickens as well as our horses.
Most people who love the natural world fall under the spell of this special place, and it is our pleasure to share the privilege of living here with others, many of whom are repeat visitors.
What we offer
Don't miss out on our upcoming retreats!
What do we do?
We run retreats and courses based on learning about life on the land, natural building techniques, connecting to nature or horses, and coming home to yourself through exercises or therapies. We also do lower-cost team-work holidays.
When you attend these you can stay in the farmhouse as our guests, or privately in our luxurious and characterful little gite overlooking the horses; you can also rent the gite on holiday.
Upcoming retreats
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Come celebrate the summer solstice with us
19 June 2025 - 23 June 2025
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Coming home to yourself
5 July 2025 - 12 July 2025
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Confidence-building with horses
19 July 2025 - 26 July 2025
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Confidence-building with horses
23 August 2025 - 30 August 2025
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Coming home to yourself
6 September 2025 - 13 September 2025
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Healing from sexual and emotional abuse
20 September 2025 - 27 September 2025
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Coming home to yourself
4 October 2025 - 11 October 2025
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Mindfulness and photography
25 October 2025 - 1 November 2025
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Roll up your sleeves
8 November 2025 - 15 November 2025
Discover Normandy's treasures
From historic beaches and medieval castles to picturesque villages and culinary delights - the region around La Volée invites you to explore. Discover what this beautiful area has to offer.
What our guests say
“A wonderful holiday base where peace, space and nature come together with the warm hospitality of the Buster family, Erica and Michel, where both people and pets immediately feel at home in this timeless environment.”
“A wonderful experience with lovely horses, friendly People and amazing nature”
“I really appreciated the sense of comfort and welcome I felt there.”
“The farmhouse is beautifully furnished and has everything you need. My family and I loved our time here and can’t wait to return.”
“I knew nothing about horses, but with Erica's tutelage I was doing things I never thought possible.”
“The horses are so responsive and willing it is a real joy.”