Meet the Guardians of the Gîte 🦙💚

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Last Updated: July 2025

📣 This blog was featured in August 2025 as part of our Regular Featured Blog Series, updated every two weeks with hand-picked highlights from the Normandy region.

📲 As well as being published on our website, it was also shared across our Socials: Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

Did you know we have three llamas helping protect the property here at Holidays-Normandy?

🐾 Meet Ursula, Pichou and Janet – our four-legged guardians!

They’re not here to entertain. These beautiful animals live here freely, on their own terms, and they’re far more clever than they let on.

They don’t spit unless seriously provoked (which is rare), and they don’t walk on leads – that’s just not their style! With their curious eyes and queen-like attitude, they’re a sight to behold.

You’ll often see them watching you from the paddock or nearby field. Occasionally, we offer guests the chance to meet them (under supervision of course!).

🥕 🥬 🍎 Their favourite treats? Mini lettuces, carrot sticks, and apple quarters. But they’ll only come close if they trust you. Each one has a very distinct personality:

👑 Ursula – The Shy Matriarch

Mum to Janet, Ursula is cautious around humans — even us! She is a striking chestnut brown with darker ears and snout, and you’ll usually spot her keeping an eye on things from a safe distance. She's calm, quiet, and always alert — a natural leader, but very shy around people.

🤍 Pichou – The Gentle Guardian

Janet’s brother (same dad, different mums – very modern!), Pichou joined us later. He’s a lovely light chestnut with white patches and a white fur collar, a light grey face, and a unique split right ear. He's got the gentlest soul, he's sensitive and thoughtful – but a true softie once he knows you — often found quietly watching the world go by. He takes time to trust.

🤎 Janet – The Bold Snack Queen

Ursula’s daughter, Janet arrived with her mum when she was just six months old. She’s mostly chestnut brown like her mum, but inherited her father’s white coat in patches — including a white neck with brown spots, and a stripe on her forehead. She’s curious, confident, and very partial to a carrot (cut into small sticks, of course). She’s got a twinkle in her eye and is usually the first to approach for a treat.

💚 Not Just Cute – They’re Here to Work

Our llamas are not pets — they’re working animals. Naturally protective, they deter foxes without barking or chasing, simply by being present and watchful in the paddock.

It’s thanks to them that our chickens and ducks can roam in peace.

👋 Can Guests Meet the Llamas?

Yes – but always supervised.

We sometimes offer short llama encounters during your stay. Guests can bring their own carrots (cut into 2-inch sticks), but remember:

  • → Do not enter the paddock
  • → Do not chase or grab
  • → Let the llamas come to you – on their terms

They are shy but curious. Let them observe you first, and if you're lucky, they may come say hello.

📖 Before You Visit…

You’ll find our illustrated Llama Guide in your welcome pack – it tells you everything you need to know:

  • How to approach a llama
  • What not to do
  • What their body language means
  • Why OUR llamas don’t walk on leads
  • And what to expect during a llama encounter

And no – they don’t do kisses, cuddles, or TikTok tricks. But they are full of charm and character if you give them time.

📸 Share Your Llama Selfie & Get €25 Off!

Tag us in your llama selfie on social media and we’ll say thank you with a €25 discount off your next stay!

👉 Just tag @Holidays.Normandy on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok

📩 Then contact us directly to book your return

Contact Us

Close-up of Ursula llama with countryside views in the background
Close-up of Ursula llama with countryside views in the background
Close-up of Janet the llama at Normandy gîte
Close-up of Janet the llama at Normandy gîte
Free-range ducks and llama protectors in the gîte garden
Free-range ducks and llama protectors in the gîte garden
Peaceful Pichou llama at a rural gîte in Normandy, France
Peaceful Pichou llama at a rural gîte in Normandy, France
2 llamas guarding the ducks at a holiday home near Coutances
2 llamas guarding the ducks at a holiday home near Coutances
Llamas in a snowy field at a peaceful Normandy holiday home
Llamas in a snowy field at a peaceful Normandy holiday home
Close-up of Janet llama eating a Normandy carrot
Close-up of Janet llama eating a Normandy carrot

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