Landing beaches, charming villages, sea as far as the eye can see, countryside rich in greenery… This is the promise of Normandy, a perfect region for a stay in the fresh air not far from the capital. From Deauville to Etretat via Audrieu, a collection of high-end hotels nestled on the coast, offering beautiful wellness areas.
The Hotel Barrière Le Normandy Deauville
Built in 1912, just a few steps from the Planches and the sea, this five-star hotel has hosted personalities such as Coco Chanel and Charles III, as well as many actors for the American Film Festival. True emblem of Deauville, the Hôtel Barrière Le Normandy stands out for its Anglo-Saxon green half-timbered facade renovated in 2016. There are 271 rooms, including 48 suites, combining the canvas of Jouy with crystal chandeliers. This alliance between tradition and modernity is found in the restaurant Belle Époque where you can taste Norman dishes in a frame made of mouldings. The bar has an English club feel, with mahogany wood panelling and a collection of 147 whiskies. No wonder the place conquered Winston Churchill who had his habits. In terms of well-being, the Diane Barrière spa unveils a swimming pool, a hammam, a sauna and treatment rooms with Biologique Recherche, Bonpoint and Algologie products. Favorite for the large glass roof and green timbering that protect the place, always in the spirit of a hotel in Normandy. The residence also features the renowned Kids’ Club of the Barrière hotels, with sculpture activities or music to stimulate the little ones.
The Hotel Le Royal Deauville
Still under the aegis of the Barrière group, the Hotel Le Royal de Deauville has a long history behind it. Opened in 1913, the hotel has since welcomed many celebrities such as Liz Taylor and Michael Douglas, all of whom have come to enjoy a stay with us. This jewel worthy of a real palace on the Côte Fleurie has 219 rooms including 29 suites, decorated by designer Jacques Garcia who dressed them with silk draperies and crystal chandeliers. The experience continues at Chef Eric Provost’s restaurant, Le Côté Royal, which offers classics of French cuisine, as well as L’Etrier bar with its beautiful wood panelling and red velvet armchairs. After having enjoyed a good meal, the hotel de Normandie invites us in its heated outdoor pool for some digestive baths, and in the hammam and sauna to free ourselves from toxins. An individual sauna, based on infrathérapie, is also offered.
Le Donjon Etretat
Head for the heights of Etretat, on the Côte d’Albâtre. The Donjon – Domaine Saint Clair reigns supreme here but blends into this landscape made of a large pebble beach, Belle Epoque villas and, of course, a deep blue sea. Spread over three buildings, 25 uniquely decorated and cosy rooms promise an intimate romantic break in the fresh air. If travellers are attracted by its Michelin-starred Le Donjon, its Racines restaurant, La Table de Monet and the 1635 nestling in a dome, they stay for its bubble of relaxation. There’s a heated swimming pool, treatment rooms (including one with a sea view), a sauna in the park with a view of the cliffs, and, the highlight of the show, the rooftop at the top of the Donjon tower, called La Canopée, with its private Jacuzzi.
Manoirs de Tourgéville
Our Normandy getaway makes a stop at the Manoirs de Tourgéville, a must-see not far from Deauville. The four-star hotel nestled in a large park is more like a Norman country house than a standardized hotel. It was built for the filming of Claude Lelouch’s film “Hôtel”, which never saw the light of day. With its typical Norman decor, this half-timbered house composed of four mansions refers to the 7th art, both in the private cinema (50 seats) and in the 57 rooms named after an actor or actress. The cosy and confidential refuge offers the restaurant 1899 recently renovated, known for its Norman cuisine led by chef Emmanuel Andrieu. The manor also has a solarium, an indoor heated pool and a sauna. For treatments, the brand Esthederm promises relaxing massages.
The Château d’Audrieu
In the heart of the Normandy countryside, just a few kilometres from the D-Day beaches, the Château d’Audrieu is set in a vast 25 hectare park. The 18th century house, classified as a Historic Monument and stamped Relais & Châteaux, houses 29 rooms between classicism and warm elegance. Herringbone parquet, tapestry and old fireplace make up these keys carried by an almost princely side. For the more adventurous, head to the suite perched in the trees with private terrace overlooking the gardens, where you can take time to walk and picnic. The delights of the palate take place at the restaurant Le Séran, run by chef Samuel Gaspar who reinvents French cuisine with products from the garden. The wellness parenthesis is timed in several times. You must go to the old dependence of the property to enjoy the Sisley spa and its massages, then after some exercise in the fitness room, relax at the heated outdoor pool nestled in the trees.
Read also : Discover the Lodge Park in Megève, the new jewel case for ski lovers
Featured photo : © L’Hôtel Barrière Le Normandy Deauville
