06 Jan 2016
Self-Catering & B&B: Le Domaine d'Ablon
Pays d'Auge
Combining the 5* service of a top hotel with the warmth of a family home, le Domaine d'Ablon in the Pays d'Auge offers a new take on luxury accommodation. Guests can stay in one of two suites or in a charming 14th century half-timbered cottage which sleeps up to 4. All interiors combine the finest upholstery with choice antiques and tasteful works of art. Chef Jerôme Billochon looks after guests' culinary needs with à la carte room service while the estate's 5 hectares invite guests to stroll through the manicured gardens, apple orchard and vast parkland.
http://www.domainedablon.com/le-domaine-dablon-en
B&B: La Queurie
Suisse Normande
Overlooking the Orne River and surrounded by views of uninterrupted countryside, la Queurie's idyllic situation invites guests to switch off and slow down. The estate's 15th century barn has been painstakingly restored and transformed into stylish, modern and sustainable accommodation. The stripped wooden floorboards, minimalist furniture and huge windows offer a sense of space and tranquillity in keeping with the natural surroundings. Two bedrooms are available and breakfast features fresh eggs from la Queurie's own hens.
B&B: Lakeside cabin, Château du Bec
Etretat
Just a short drive from the spectacular cliffs at Etretat and the buzzy city of Le Havre, the Château du Bec estate is an oasis of calm. The new lakeside cabin exudes the tranquillity of its surroundings and offers a secluded countryside getaway. Inside the cabin the nature theme continues with contemporary wood panelled walls and floor to ceiling windows that open out from the bedroom onto the private lakeside terrace. Breakfast can be served in the cabin, on the private terrace or in the estate's old stable conversion.
Self-Catering: La Vieille Dame
Near Villedieu-les-Poêles
Recently renovated, this 19th century country house boasts rustic wooden beams, exposed stone walls and original fireplaces. Tastefully combining rustic and elegant, the house is spacious with a master suite and twin room. Occupying a valley with a river at the edge of the property, a lake a few hundred metres away and woods to the rear, this is an idyllic spot for walking, cycling, fishing or simply relaxing and spotting wildlife. The cottage is a short drive to the charming medieval village of Villedieu-les-Poêles, not far from the Mont-Saint-Michel and the beach at Granville. http://lavieilledame.com/
Self-Catering: Le Domaine de Gauville
Saint-Pierre-de-Salerne near Brionne
Deep in the Normandy countryside and boasting seven double rooms, this beautiful property is ideal for a group of friends or an inter-generational holiday. A private garden surrounds the house and bikes, a ping pong table and BBQ are at guests' disposal. Set on an organic saffron farm, hosts will, on request, provide a gourmet picnic hamper, breakfast and cooking classes. www.domainedegauville.fr
Hotel 3*: Les 2 Villas
Trouville-sur-Mer
Minimal, modern and stylish, this new hotel is housed in two Belle Époque townhouses built in 1902. “Villa Carmen” and “Villa Micaëla” were named after the famous opera, the work of Georges Bizet and the architect's cousin. The hotel boasts four bedrooms and three suites, each individually styled and decorated in hues of grey and white. A bar and lounge overlooks a tree-filled courtyard where breakfast is served in warmer months. Situated in the heart of the fishing town of Trouville-sur-Mer, the promenade and beach is just a stone's throw away as are dozens of outstanding restaurants and the traditional fish market where you can enjoy a seafood aperitif. les2villas.fr/
B&B: Chez Colleen
Bréhal, near Granville
Recently opened as a B&B, this grand house with its spiral staircase and pretty garden boasts two guest suites, a guest lounge, kitchen and dining room by the sea. Dance teacher Colleen, and her opera singer husband Stephen, will give you a warm welcome and prepare a delicious breakfast. The coast and lively seaside resort of Granville where you'll find the Christian Dior Museum is just a short drive away and there are some fantastic walks and cycle routes in the area.
B&B: La Maison 1833
Domfront
Located just a few minutes from the medieval town of Domfront owners of this beautifully restored mansion house, Katherine and Christophe, will give you a warm welcome and will make you feel at home. Situated on the crossroads of two cycling routes - the new VéloFrancette that runs from Ouistreham to La Rochelle and the Véloscénie between Paris and the Mont-Saint-Michel – la Maison 1833 offers a welcome rest-stop for tired and hungry cyclists. Guests can join their hosts for a delicious dinner and will enjoy a hearty breakfast to prepare them for the road. www.lamaison1833.com/
Le Domaine du Centaure
Sylvains Les Moulins near Evreux
Deep in rural Normandy, Karen and Didier are in the process of building a wooden domespace accommodation – a little like a yurt – that will rotate when the sun shines! This original accommodation will be a first for Normandy and, all being well, will be ready for bookings from May! www.facebook.com/ledomaineducentaure.fr/timeline
Hotel 4*: Radisson Blu
Rouen
In autumn 2016 the Radisson Blu hotel group will open a brand new 4* hotel on Rouen's right bank, in the heart of the city and in the shadow of the Tour Jeanne d'Arc – the 13th century tower where the young girl was imprisoned during her historic trial in Rouen. Radisson Blu will apply their innovative contemporary design and attention to detail to this hotel project that will boast 90 bedrooms, a restaurant, bar and spa.
