From the mythical Normandy Barrière of Deauville to the romantic Donjon of Étretat with its rooftop jacuzzi, stopping by the manor of Tourgéville, built by Claude Lelouch… look no further: here are the 5 most beautiful jewels for an exceptional Norman getaway.
Iconic: Hôtel Barrière Le Normandy de Deauville
The pitch: Les Planches are celebrating their 100 years. Even more reason to head to the Norman Riviera to the mythical Normandy, the sumptuously preserved palace of the Barrière group, one of the most beautiful hotels of Normandy. Its façade is a work of art with its Anglo-Norman style, its tiles and sage green frames. A marvel. Peek at the little animal figurines perched on the roofs. Cross the revolving door: here you are immersed in the refined world of Belle Époque seaside palaces, in a decor of mosaics, carved wood and a monumental floral composition throning in the lobby. Despite the grandeur of the place, an enveloping feeling emerges. We love to take refuge from the showers in the cosy lounges, the bar or the flowered patio. The rooms and suites are real cocoons, in white and burgundy tones. And that toile de Jouy... we get lost dreaming admiring the carriages, the ships and the country scenes! On the relaxation side, the Diane Barrière spa, which occupies the whole right wing of the ground floor, is just sublime, whether for the decor or the ultra-luxury treatments with must-have brands. Nice little bonus: the no-children slot at the pool, from 8pm to 9pm.
We love: Don’t miss the Sunday brunch, one of the most renowned in Deauville! Whether in the large restaurant room or the small veranda with view on the flowered inner courtyard, it’s a true orgy of refined dishes awaiting you: oysters, whelks and clams, hot dishes, cold starters, an impressive collection of Norman cheeses with a variety of flavourful breads, 2-kilo blocks of butter, fine pastries, chocolate fountain... and especially, a rice pudding with its salted butter caramel, absolutely decadent!
Price: from €390
38 rue Jean Mermoz, 14800 Deauville
Botanical: Château d’Audrieu
The pitch: Between Caen and Bayeux, this historic gem, transformed into a Relais & Châteaux hotel, offers 29 elegant rooms within a 25-hectare park known throughout the region. No wonder, it's the cult Louis Benech (landscape designer of Versailles and the Tuileries) who arranged the sumptuous gardens where flower beds meet ponds, rose gardens and vegetable plots. One already imagines wandering like a 19th-century heroine in a Zimmermann dress, before lounging in the grass to enjoy a picnic prepared by the chef, then diving into the heated pool.
We love: Beneath the romantic varnish, this château-hotel unfolds all the attributes of a five-star: gourmet restaurant, wellness area by Sothys, concierge service, private transfers, baby-sitting service, bike availability…
Price: from €355
Château d’Audrieu, 14250 Audrieu
Bucolic: Château La Chenevière
The pitch: Located in Port-en-Bessin, near Bayeux, this former 18th-century manor screams luxury at full volume. The patina of eras meets the hotel standing of a five-star. One feels pampered in the boudoir-style rooms, with pale colours and charming decor. Nestled in an English garden, the heated pool invites a few laps on sunny days (not so rare in Normandy) or simply to relax on a deckchair, a good book in hand. Also available: in-room massages, a tennis court and electric bikes for rent.
We love: The bucolic atmosphere is at its peak at the Petit Jardin, the table nestled in the former orangery of the château. Under the glass roof, surrounded by lush plants and seated on rattan chairs with a view of the pool, one enjoys a bistronomic cuisine made with vegetables from the permaculture garden.
Price: from €421
Escures-Commes, 14520 Port-en-Bessin
Erotic: Le Donjon – Domaine Saint Clair
The pitch: Overlooking the cliffs of Étretat, this charming hotel combines luxury and confidentiality, offering a view of the ocean and a deliciously romantic atmosphere that stimulates the imagination. Each room is its own little world, named after celebrities like Sarah Bernhardt, Flaubert, Maupassant… At the gourmet restaurant, the young chef Killian Allain offers a bold cuisine, exploring new flavours, techniques and textures, while a softly-lit bar invites to flirt over a creative cocktail. And if that’s not enough to arouse the senses, the spa offers couples massages in a magical setting with sauna and hot tub, which can be privatized for even more intimacy.
We love: The most beautiful view of Étretat on the Aval cliff dear to Arsène Lupin, even more enjoyable from the private rooftop with jacuzzi, perfect for a sexy evening.
Price: from €190
Chemin de Saint Clair, 76790 Étretat
Cinematic: Les Manoirs de Tourgéville
The pitch: One might think this typically Norman manor has been part of the landscape for centuries. Not so. It was built by the director Claude Lelouch in the 1970s as a film set! Composed of a half-timbered mansion and four small houses with bucolic charm, it houses 57 rooms, including 35 suites, named after movie stars. The plan? Enjoy the sun on the terrace with a house cocktail, then sit down at the gourmet restaurant where chef Emmanuel Andrieu reinterprets Norman dishes with a modern twist.
We love: The cinema room with 50 comfortable seats, available for private screenings.
Price: from €203
668 Chemin de l’Orgueil, Tourgéville, 14800 Deauville
Also discover Where to go for the May long weekends in 2025? and 5 ideas in France to sleep in a château.
