La Gourdinière - Animals and Nature
Welcome to the Little Educational Farm, a project in the early stages of development in Normandy, dedicated to discovering the animal world and respecting nature.
The farm is growing step by step and already welcomes chickens, ducks and rabbits, including our Giant Flemish rabbits, Peter and Poppy, as well as our gentle English Angora rabbits.
You will also meet Élie the pig, our horses Printemps and Uka, and our goats and sheep.
And of course, Lilas, our dog, keeps a watchful eye on all the animals and the farm’s surroundings.
A place of sharing, discovery and kindness, growing a little more every day.
🐶 Lilas – Our Beagle with a Big Heart (and an Incredible Nose)
Lilas is our adorable Beagle, famous for her gentle eyes… and her remarkable talent for detecting even the smallest treat.Affectionate, friendly and full of personality, she loves being around people and never says no to a cuddle.
Curious and cheerful, she is one of those dogs who naturally brings everyone together.
⚠️ A Friendly Warning:Never leave your snacks unattended… Her exceptional sense of smell might just lead her straight to them!But behind her reputation as a "professional snack thief" is a sweet-natured and sociable dog who wins over everyone she meets.
🌿 A Friend to AllLilas gets along wonderfully with all the animals on the farm, both big and small. Ducks, geese, chickens and rabbits are all part of her daily life, and she treats them with gentle curiosity and respect.She also loves meeting our guests' dogs. Every new arrival is an opportunity to make a new friend. Playful and sociable, Lilas is always delighted to welcome new companions to L'Étang de la Gourdinière.
🐔 Whitney - Our Gentle Ball of Feathers
Whitney is our beautiful Cochin hen, instantly recognisable by her magnificent fluffy plumage that makes her look like a true ball of feathers.
Shy but incredibly endearing, she prefers to observe quietly before approaching. She may not be the loudest member of the flock, but her calm and elegant presence brings a wonderful sense of peace to the farm.
With her abundant feathers extending all the way down to her feet, Whitney never fails to attract attention. It often looks as though she is wearing a permanent feathered coat.
🌿 The Cochin Breed – Grace and Gentleness
The Cochin is an ancient breed originating from Asia, renowned for:
🌸 Its calm and gentle temperament
🪶 Its spectacular, abundant plumage
👣 Fully feathered legs and feet
💛 Its peaceful nature, making it ideal for family farms and educational settings
This breed is admired as much for its beauty as for its sweet personality.
✨ A Truly Elegant Presence
Whitney perfectly embodies the gentle spirit of the farmyard. Quiet, peaceful and always impeccably dressed, she brings a touch of elegance and tranquillity to life at L'Étang de la Gourdinière.
🐷 Ellie – Our “Micro” Pig with a Big Heart
When Ellie arrived in May 2025, she was supposed to be a micro pig...Let's just say she decided to think a little bigger 😄Even though she grew much more than expected, she remains - and always will be - the baby of the estate.
Curious, affectionate and full of personality, Ellie loves rooting around in the grass, exploring her surroundings and seeking attention from visitors.Highly intelligent, she recognises voices, routines... and especially mealtimes! Her gentle eyes and expressive little face quickly win over both children and adults.
In early 2026, Ellie welcomed two new companions, Boris and Augustine, who joined the growing animal family at L'Étang de la Gourdinière. Together, they form a cheerful trio that delights visitors and adds even more charm to the farm.
🌿 The Micro Pig - Charming and Full of SurprisesMicro pigs (bred from Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs and miniature pig varieties) are known for:🧠 Their remarkable intelligence💛 Their strong attachment to their environment and companions🌱 Their ability to thrive outdoors with plenty of space and enrichment🎀 Their playful and affectionate personalitiesContrary to popular belief, a "micro" pig can continue to grow over time - and Ellie is living proof that bigger can sometimes be even better!
🪿 Mary – Our Feathered Guardian
Mary is our Guinea Goose, an elegant yet watchful presence at the heart of the farm.Naturally protective, she keeps a close eye on her surroundings and on the other animals. Whenever something new appears, Mary is the first to sound the alarm - a completely natural security system!Strongly attached to her home, Mary is an important part of life at L'Étang de la Gourdinière. Her confident personality and loyalty make her both a dedicated guardian and one of the farm's most memorable characters.
🌿 The Guinea Goose - Hardy and ProtectiveThe Guinea Goose is an old breed renowned for its resilience and strong protective instincts.Although its name suggests African origins, it descends from traditional domestic goose breeds that have adapted to a variety of climates. For generations, it has been valued in rural settings for its natural guarding abilities.
✨ A Memorable Encounter - During your stay, you may h ear Mary's distinctive call before you even spot her.She is one of those special characters that gives a place its unique charm. Mary perfectly embodies the authentic, lively and protective spirit of the farm — a true feathered guardian keeping a watchful eye over the estate.
🦆 Donald & Daisy – Our Diving Duck Duo
Always together and perfectly in sync, Donald and Daisy are one of the most beloved pairs on the lake.
Curious and energetic, they are diving ducks. Unlike surface-feeding ducks, they happily disappear completely beneath the water in search of food. One quick dive, a small splash... and moments later they reappear several metres away as if nothing had happened.
Inseparable companions, they spend their days exploring the lake side by side, delighting visitors with their natural and entertaining behaviour.
🌿 Diving Ducks – Masters of the Underwater World
Diving ducks are known for:
🌊 Their ability to dive beneath the water to find food
🐚 A diet consisting of small invertebrates, aquatic plants and molluscs
💧 Excellent adaptation to deeper lakes and ponds
🤍 Strong pair bonds in certain species
More compact and powerful than surface-feeding ducks, they are perfectly adapted to life on and beneath the water.
✨ The Keepers of the Lake
With their constant journeys across the water and their graceful dives, Donald and Daisy play an important role in the natural balance of the lake.
At L'Étang de la Gourdinière, they are a reminder that nature is always alive, always moving and often full of surprises beneath the surface.
🐓 Rubarb - Our Serama Rooster and His Ladies
Always proud and watchful, Rubarb rules over his little flock with elegance and confidence. By his side, Rosie, Cherry, and Blossom form a harmonious trio, each with her own unique personality and charm.
Small in size but full of character, Seramas are the smallest breed of chicken in the world. Despite their tiny stature, they are known for their lively energy, curiosity, and bold presence. Rubarb keeps a careful eye on his ladies, while Rosie, Cherry, and Blossom spend their days exploring the garden, scratching the ground, pecking for treats, and enjoying every corner of their surroundings.
🌿 About the Serama
Originating from Malaysia, Seramas are known for:
✨ Their tiny size and elegant appearance
🐾 Their lively and energetic nature
🍃 A simple but varied diet of seeds, insects, and fresh greens
🤍 Their strong social bonds and close-knit flock relationships
With their beautiful plumage and spirited personalities, Rubarb and his ladies bring colour, life, and endless entertainment to the enclosure.
✨ The Little Guardians of the Garden
Whether racing around on their daily adventures or relaxing in the shade, Rubarb, Rosie, Cherry, and Blossom are a wonderful reminder that nature's smallest creatures often have the biggest personalities. Their playful antics and close companionship make them a delight to watch and a cherished part of life at the lake.
🦆 Prince & Princess - Our Pair of Mandarin Ducks
Always elegant and perfectly matched, Prince and Princess bring a splash of colour and beauty to the lake with their stunning plumage and graceful presence.
Curious and refined, they are Mandarin ducks, a species renowned for its spectacular appearance and striking colours. Gliding effortlessly across the water, they capture attention wherever they go. Their gentle splashes and occasional dives offer a glimpse into the fascinating world beneath the surface.
Rarely seen apart, Prince and Princess enjoy exploring the quieter corners of the lake and wandering along the banks, providing visitors with a peaceful and colourful display of nature at its finest.
🌿 About Mandarin Ducks
Mandarin ducks are known for:
🌊 Their natural ease on the water and ability to dive when needed to find food
🍃 A varied diet including seeds, insects, small crustaceans, and aquatic plants
💧 Their preference for calm ponds, lakes, and wetland habitats
🤍 Their strong pair bonds and close relationships between mates
With their vibrant plumage and elegant silhouette, they are among the most beautiful and distinctive waterfowl in the world.
✨ The Jewels of the Lake
Whether gliding gracefully across the water or exploring the shoreline together, Prince and Princess add colour, movement, and charm to the lake every day. Here at the estate, they remind us that nature is a living masterpiece -full of beauty, wonder, and a touch of magic just beneath the surface.
🦆 Vera & Blanche - Our Muscovy Ducks
Always majestic, Vera and Blanche stand proudly in the garden, drawing attention with their impressive presence and distinctive way of moving. Alongside them, Mavise and a third companion complete the group, each with their own unique personality and charm.
Muscovy ducks are known for their robust build, calm nature, and curious temperament. They enjoy exploring the grounds together, basking in the sunshine, and searching for tasty treats among the grass, all while staying close to their flock.
🌿 About Muscovy Ducks
Muscovy ducks are recognised for:
✨ Their larger size and elegant appearance
🐾 Their sociable yet sometimes mischievous personalities
🍃 A varied diet of seeds, greens, insects, and other natural foraging treats
🤍 Their strong flock instincts and close social bonds
With their gentle nature and striking presence, Vera, Blanche, Mavise, and their companion bring a wonderful balance of tranquillity, curiosity, and character to the garden.
✨ The Garden Guardians
Whether exploring the grounds, relaxing in the sunshine, or quietly observing the world around them, they remind us that nature is both generous and full of surprises. Their peaceful presence adds a special charm to the estate and offers visitors a delightful glimpse into the diversity of life around the lake.
🐴 Printemps & Uka - Our Gentle Four-Legged Companions
Having arrived at the estate at the beginning of 2026, Printemps and Uka quickly settled into their new home and have become an important part of daily life here.
Printemps, our elegant Thoroughbred, combines grace, sensitivity, and a gentle curiosity. Friendly and people-oriented, he enjoys peaceful moments in the pasture and is always happy to greet visitors who stop by to admire him.
Alongside him is Uka, our lovely Connemara pony, whose kind nature and gentle temperament win hearts wherever she goes. Attentive and affectionate, she is a favourite with both children and adults alike.
Together, they enjoy the open spaces of the estate, grazing peacefully and bringing an added sense of tranquillity and authenticity to our little corner of Normandy. Watching them roam, play, and relax in their natural surroundings is a simple pleasure that our guests never tire of.
🌿 About Our Horses
✨ Friendly, curious, and accustomed to a peaceful rural environment
🐾 Gentle companions who enjoy observing the world around them
🌾 Living in spacious pastures where they can graze and roam freely
🤍 Valued members of the estate, contributing to its calm and welcoming atmosphere
✨ The Gentle Souls of the Meadow
Whether quietly grazing in the fields, enjoying the sunshine, or greeting visitors from across the fence, Printemps and Uka embody the peaceful spirit of country life. Their presence adds warmth, beauty, and a touch of magic to every day at the estate.
🐰 Tittof & Tammy - Our Adorable English Angora Rabbits
Having joined the estate at the beginning of 2026, Tittof and Tammy quickly settled into life at the lake and have become much-loved members of our animal family. With their beautiful silky coats and gentle personalities, these two English Angora rabbits never fail to capture the attention of visitors.
Calm, curious, and incredibly endearing, they enjoy quietly observing the world around them and spending their days in the comfort of their surroundings. Their distinctive appearance and wonderfully fluffy coats delight both children and adults alike.
🌿 About English Angora Rabbits
✨ Famous for their exceptionally soft and luxurious wool-like coats
🐾 Gentle, friendly, and curious by nature
🍃 Enjoy a varied diet of hay, fresh greens, and specially formulated rabbit food
🤍 Known for their calm temperament and affectionate personalities
With their cloud-like fur and sweet expressions, Tittof and Tammy bring an extra touch of warmth and charm to the estate. They are always a favourite among guests and a wonderful example of the diversity of animals that call the lake home.
✨ The Fluffy Ambassadors of the Estate
Whether relaxing in their enclosure, nibbling on fresh greens, or quietly watching visitors pass by, Tittof and Tammy remind us that some of nature’s most delightful creatures come wrapped in the softest fur imaginable. Their gentle presence adds a little extra magic, comfort, and joy to every visit.
🐰 Peter & Poppy Our Giant Flemish Rabbits
Arriving in 2025, Peter and Poppy are our magnificent Flemish Giant rabbits. Despite their impressive size, they are true gentle giants with affectionate personalities.
Calm, friendly and curious, they enjoy meeting our visitors and never fail to capture everyone's attention. Their majestic appearance often amazes children, who are delighted to discover rabbits much larger than they ever imagined.
Peter and Poppy love their life here at the estate and bring joy to guests of all ages, adding warmth, charm and a touch of magic to L'Étang de la Gourdinière.
