BY: ARTFUL HOTELS
Rolling countryside, half-timbered villages, and a coastline lined with dramatic cliffs – Normandy is as rich in charm as it is in history. Days here might be spent exploring medieval towns, walking along windswept beaches, or sipping cider in a sunlit orchard.
And when it comes to places to stay, Normandy’s boutique hotels are as characterful as the region itself, from restored farmhouses and grand châteaux to design-led seaside escapes.
Here are five design hotels in Normandy to save for your trip.
A historic château retreat steeped in Normandy’s old-world charm
Step back in time at this 16th-century château set amid peaceful parkland. The rooms blend antique furnishings with modern comforts, and breakfast is served in an elegant dining room overlooking the gardens. Guests can wander the grounds at leisure, soaking in the romance of Normandy’s history.
A storybook countryside escape of thatched cottages
In the countryside near Honfleur, Domaine d’Ablon feels like a storybook escape. Thatched-roof cottages and landscaped gardens set the scene, while interiors are thoughtfully designed with rich fabrics, warm wood, and vintage details. Personalized service ensures each stay feels intimate and memorable.
A tranquil manor stay where art and heritage come beautifully together
Set in a restored 16th-century manor in Cerisy-la-Forêt, Les Rochers blends historic character with an artist’s eye for design. Stone walls and timber beams frame airy interiors filled with antiques, modern furnishings, and curated artwork. With just a few spacious rooms and a standalone cottage, the atmosphere is intimate and personal. Breakfast is served in a converted barn, and the surrounding gardens offer quiet corners to relax with a book or morning coffee. It’s a peaceful base for exploring the countryside, Bayeux, and the D-Day beaches.
A colorful manor retreat capturing the laid-back spirit of village life
In the picturesque village of Beaumont-en-Auge, Maison Mouche combines the charm of a historic brick manor with colorful, vintage-inspired interiors. Each of the five rooms is individually styled, some with countryside views and others overlooking the village rooftops. Guests can start the day in the café-boutique with homemade cakes and matcha lattes, relax in cozy common spaces with a fireplace and reading nook, or unwind in the spa with a sauna, massage, or yoga class. It’s a welcoming retreat that captures the easy pace of life in Normandy’s Pays d’Auge.
A seaside icon of Belle Époque elegance on Deauville’s storied coast
An icon in the seaside town of Deauville, Hôtel Barrière Le Normandy, a 5-star stay, blends Belle Époque grandeur with modern luxury. The half-timbered façade hints at the elegance inside—spacious rooms, a refined spa, and fine dining just steps from the beach.
