Meet the Guardians of the Gîte 🦙💚

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First published: July 2025

Last updated: November 2025

If you've ever dreamed of meeting llamas in Normandy, this might be your moment. At La Ruche, right next to Ursula Gîte in Nicorps, we share our land with three long-necked guardians: Ursula, Janet and Pichou, (and no, they're not giraffe-sheep!).

They're not circus performers. They're not zoo animals. They live freely here, on their terms. But if you earn their trust (and bring a carrot or two), they might just make your holiday unforgettable.

🐾 Why Llamas? A Very Normandy Origin Story

We never set out to become the British family with llamas near Coutances. But life has a funny way of rewriting your plans.

It all started with the ducks. We wanted to let them roam safely, but needed a natural way to deter foxes. No barking, no fences, just a calm, quiet presence. Enter: the llama.

Where do you even buy a llama in France? The answer, as always, was Leboncoin, my favourite on-line marketplace in France that always seems to magically have what i need, when I need it!. Imagine our surprise when a 13th-century château in Cerisy-la-Salle (less than 10km away!) was selling its entire herd of llamas. A few messages, some local help, and a Sunday morning later, we had our new family members.

With the kind help of our neighbour Louis Robin, his grandson Louis, and their horsebox, we drove to the château. The owner was selling everything — the estate, the animals, the lot. The herd was impressive: a giant white male llama and his harem of females and cria (baby llamas). He walked right up to me and kissed me on the nose. At that moment, I knew: we were in (and I also felt somewhat owned by a male llama!!).

We left with Ursula and her six-month-old daughter (unnamed at the time). That cria soon became Janet. And so began our life with llamas in Normandy.

🌿 Surprise! Llamas Come with Bonus Llamas

When we adopted Ursula, the château owner casually mentioned she might also be pregnant. Apparently, an adult fertile female llama will spend around 70% of her life either pregnant or nursing. Who knew?

For weeks we watched Ursula closely. Nothing. Then months passed. Still nothing. One Sunday, after declaring she was definitely not pregnant, we went out for lunch. We came home to find a new baby llama in the field.

We named her Dalai. Yes, Dalai Llama.

She was beautiful. On day one she was already zooming around the paddock faster than I can run. Sadly, Dalai lived only 19 days. Life can be cruel. She's buried here on the land, and though her time was short, she left a llama-shaped hole in our hearts.

🦙 Then Came Pichou

A year or so later, we felt something was missing. Two llamas felt too few. So back to Leboncoin we went. There we found a gelded male, a year older than Janet. He looked gentle, handsome, and – as it turned out – was from the same Cerisy château herd. Janet’s half-brother.

After some persuasive messaging (and maybe a little begging), we convinced the owners to let us adopt him. And that’s how Pichou joined the family.

When the three met, it was immediate recognition. They sniffed. They hummed. They knew. And just like that, our little llama herd was complete.

🌾 Not Just Cute: They’re Here to Work

Our llamas are working animals. They help protect our chickens and ducks by simply existing. Their size, posture, and stare-down skills are enough to keep most foxes at bay. No fences. No fuss. Just silent guardians.

They don’t bark. They don’t chase. They just stand, watch, and radiate "don’t even try it" energy. This is the llama experience you didn’t know you needed.

💙 Meet the Herd

👑 Ursula – The Shy Matriarch

Ursula is calm, quiet and watchful. A beautiful chestnut brown with darker ears and snout, she prefers to observe from a safe distance. Even with us, she keeps her space. She's not aloof – just dignified. And definitely in charge.

⬜ Pichou – The Gentle Guardian

Light chestnut with white patches and a distinctive split in his ear, Pichou is the softest of the trio. Sensitive, sweet-natured, and thoughtful. He takes his time trusting people, but once you’re in, you’re in. Even the ducks steal food from his bowl – he doesn’t mind.

🥕 Janet – The Bold Snack Queen

Mostly chestnut like her mum, Janet inherited her dad’s white markings. She has a white neck with brown spots and a forehead stripe. Confident, curious, and obsessed with carrots. She's usually the first to approach and the last to leave. And she knows she’s fabulous.

🍏 Their Favourite Treats

If you’d like to say hello (under supervision!), bring:

🥕 Carrot sticks (cut into small 2-inch pieces)
🥬 Mini lettuces
🍎 Apple quarters

But remember: they only come close if they trust you. And no, they don’t walk on leads. That’s not how llamas in Normandy roll.

🙋 Can Guests Meet the Llamas?

Yes – sometimes! We occasionally offer supervised llama encounters as part of your stay at the gîte. If the weather’s right and the llamas are in the mood, you might get a visit.

Tips for a successful llama experience in Normandy:

→ Never enter the paddock without us
→ Don’t grab or chase
→ Let them come to you

Be calm, be still, and carry carrots. They are naturally shy but endlessly curious.

📖 The Illustrated Llama Guide

In your welcome pack, you’ll find our handmade Llama Guide, full of quirky insights and tips:

How to approach a llama without alarming it
Understanding llama body language
Why our llamas don’t do leads, tricks, or TikTok
What a real llama encounter looks like (spoiler: no kissing!)

They may not pose for selfies, but if you watch and wait, you’ll see something better: trust.

🌾 Life with Llamas in Normandy

Living with llamas in the Normandy countryside is magical. They bring rhythm, peace, and a touch of the surreal. One minute you’re collecting eggs, the next you’re being silently judged by a llama on a hill.

In the evenings, they graze in the mist. In the mornings, they sunbathe in their favourite spots. And when the mood strikes, they climb the mound in the paddock to play "King of the Castle" — winner gets the highest vantage point (and first pick of the snacks).

💖 Final Thoughts

Our llamas aren’t here for show. They’re family. They keep us grounded, make us laugh, and remind us that the best things in life often have long necks and opinions about carrots.

If you're planning a holiday and want a taste of something different – a llama experience near Coutances that combines nature, peace, and just a little bit of magic – then come and meet our herd. They’ll be watching. Silently. From behind a hedge. Like they do.

💚 Want more animals and outdoor adventures?
Check out our Family Activities in Normandy blogs – full of fun ways to connect with nature.

Or browse our Celebrating Normandy series to explore rural life, local traditions, and everything in between.