Normandy, with its picturesque coastline along the English Channel, is a must-see destination for seaside holidaymakers. View of the cliffs? A hotel with its feet in the sand? View of the sea and the infinite horizon? What are you looking for?
Here’s our guide to the best seaside hotels in Normandy, with our reviews and details of their beach access or sea views.
Our selection is made independently, based on our experience and research. When we go to a hotel, we remain anonymous and pay in full.
Seaside hotels in Normandy near beaches
The Normandy coast
The Normandy coast stretches for some 600 kilometers along the English Channel, offering a wide variety of landscapes and beaches. We love this variety with it:
- The Côte d’Albâtre, its cliffs and pebble beaches
- The Côte Fleurie and its vast stretches of sand
- The historic landing beaches
- Cotentin beaches with fine sand and dunes
- The Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, a must-see.
You can also check out our list of the most beautiful beaches in Normandy.
Seaside and beach hotels
This is not the region with the most seaside hotels. Many coastal towns are not highly developed in terms of tourism.
Our selection in this article takes into account proximity to a beach, or exceptional sea views. We don’t list them all, we’ve chosen the hotels that offer a charming experience.
Hotels with the best views
If you want a quick answer and don’t want to read the whole article, here’s a best-of:
- Hotel with the best view: Hotel Dormy House in Etretat
See prices, pictures and availability - Hotel facing the sea, almost with your feet in the sand: Hôtel Flaubert in Trouville
See prices, pictures and availability - Hotel facing the sea, almost with your feet in the sand: Grand Hôtel de Cabourg
See prices, pictures and availability
Map of seaside hotels in Normandy
In this article we focus on hotels, for weekend ideas by the sea, check out this article.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
1. Dormy House Hotel (Étretat)
Why stay at the Dormy House Hotel
The Hôtel Dormy House is a must-see in Etretat. You can see it well on the heights when you walk on the beach.
This is the hotel with one of the best views: it overlooks the sea and is surrounded by a 4-hectare park. Something to relax with a drink!
Here everything is turned towards the sea, including the breakfast room. You can enjoy the moods of the Norman sky, with the beautiful changing colors, which the impressionist painters loved.
Seaside location
- View of the beach and cliffs above Etretat from rooms and garden
- View of the cliffs from the restaurant
- Less than 10 minutes walk from the beach
- Etretat beach is a pebble beach
Practical information
- Location: Downstream cliff at Étretat
- Type: Hotel
- Price range: 3 stars
- Restaurant: 2 on site
- Family rooms: yes but few
- Facilities: bar
- Parking: free, on site
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
2. Hôtel Le Donjon Saint Clair (Étretat)
Why stay at Le Donjon Domaine Saint Clair hotel
If you’re looking for charm and originality, look no further.
This is one of the most inspiring hotels we have stayed in.
The 3 buildings have been decorated with care. Between the stylish curtains, the textured wallpapers and the work on light, it is a fascinating discovery in every corner of the hotel.
Our room overlooked the pool and the trees. A real moment of relaxation.
It is a cocoon of relaxation between the trees, with a veranda filled with comfortable armchairs and a snack with homemade cake…
What more could you ask for? Not going out to eat? Of course, because you have the choice of 2 restaurants on site, one of which is starred.
Seaside location
- Views of the city, distant sea and cliff arches from the garden and terrace with Jacuzzi and some rooms
- Less than 10 minutes walk from the beach
- Etretat beach is a pebble beach
- For more things to do, see our article on Étretat
Practical information
- Location: Upstream cliff at Étretat
- Type: Boutique Hotel
- Price range: 4 stars
- Restaurant: 2 on the spot: one gastronomic and one bistronomic.
- Family rooms: yes
- Facilities: bar, swimming pool, spa, snack bar
- Parking: on site, free, charging stations
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
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3. Grand Hôtel de Cabourg
Why stay at the Grand Hôtel de Cabourg
It’s an iconic establishment, steeped in more than a century of history, and has played host to famous personalities such as Marcel Proust, who was inspired by its charm to write some of his most famous works.
We love this place, imbued with elegance and refinement, located almost with our feet in the sand. You can wake up each morning gazing at the sparkling waters of the English Channel from your room, an irresistible invitation to relaxation and serenity.
The hotel is also famous for its gourmet restaurant, Le Balbec, which boasts a breathtaking sea view.
Seaside location
- Direct access to the beach
- Small private beach area with umbrella cabins
- Some rooms have a frontal sea view
- View of the sea from the restaurant
- Cabourg’s beach is long and sandy.
Practical information
- Location: on the Cabourg seafront
- Price range: 5 stars
- Restaurant: yes
- Family rooms: yes
- Facilities: private beach, Spa, sauna
- Parking: private with charge
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
4. Hilton Hotel (Le Havre)
Why stay at the Hilton Le Havre?
We have a real crush on this hotel. The design is very successful, in the shape of a boat with beautiful balustrades on the balconies.
Inside, we were thrilled by the decor, with lots of plants and objects in wood and natural textures.
Our room was elegant and attracted to the balcony and the view of the marina.
As Le Havre faces west, it’s the perfect place to watch the sun set.
Seaside location
- A stone’s throw from the Marina
- Some of the rooms have a front sea view, while others have a side sea view.
- The beach is a 5-minute walk along the seafront
- The beach of Le Havre is a page of large pebbles with sand that appears at low tide.
Practical information
- Location: waterfront, opposite the marina in Le Havre
- Price range: 4 stars
- Restaurant: yes, but also plenty of choice within a 10-minute walk
- Family rooms: yes
- Facilities: Gym
- Parking: private and paying, with recharging stations
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
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5. Hotel La Ferme Saint Siméon (Honfleur, estuary)
Why stay at the hotel La Ferme Saint Siméon
This hotel combines: history, the charm of old buildings, views of the estuary, restaurants and beautiful gardens.
Here you’ll find a typical 17th-century Norman building. Note the mix of blue-toned slate tiles and traditional half-timbered walls.
The rooms, where the impressionist artists stayed, have kept their charm.
We particularly appreciate the many little corners of the park that allow you to rest with magnificent views of the Seine estuary and the Pont de Normandie.
Estuary-side location
- Not exactly a sea view, but a beautiful view of the Seine Estuary and the Pont de Normandie from the garden and some rooms.
- Nearest beach: Plage du Butin is 3 minutes by car and 12 minutes on foot.
- It’s a sandy beach
- For more things to do, see our article on Honfleur
Practical information
- Location: Honfleur beach side
- Type: luxury
- Price range: 5 stars
- Restaurant: yes, 2 restaurants (Les Impressionnistes is a gastronomic and La Boucane is a bistronomic)
- Family rooms: no
- Facilities: spa, flower garden
- Parking: yes, free on site
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
6. Hotels on Mont-Saint-Michel
Why sleep on Mont-Saint-Michel
Mont-Saint-Michel is impressive by day, but seeing it at night is magical!
It’s definitely worth spending a night on the mountain, or nearby, to take the time to admire a sunset or a sunrise, and also to wander the streets after dark(see our photos).
The crowds have left, and you can hear the wind in the stones whispering the secrets of this unique place.
Seaside location
- The island is surrounded either by the bay or, when the tide is high enough, by water.
- Be careful not to venture out onto the sand alone, as there is quicksand.
- All hotels have a few rooms with a sea view, either directly on the edge of the village or on higher ground overlooking the village and the bay.
- For more things to do, see our article on Mont-Saint-Michel
Practical information
There are several hotels within the city limits. None of them really stands out. You’re in old houses, in a medieval village, on a tiny island. That means lots of stairs, small bathrooms…
Almost all have sea-view rooms, and some even have terraces.
- Hotel La Mère Poulard
– see prices, pictures and availability - Hotel Les Terrasses Poulard
– see prices, pictures and availability - Auberge Saint-Pierre Hotel
– see prices, pictures and availability - Hotel La Croix Blanche
– see prices, pictures and availability - Hotel Le Mouton Blanc
– see prices, pictures and availability - Hotel La Vielle Auberge
– see prices, pictures and availability - Hotel Le Du Guesclin
– see prices, pictures and availability
See our article on the 7 inner-city hotels
7. Hotel Villa d’Arromanches
Why stay at the Villa d’Arromanches hotel?
And if you want to spend the night by the sea, yet still be close to Bayeux and the D-Day landing beaches, you can spend your stay a little higher up at Villa d’Arromanches, in a charming, leafy setting.
The hotel is a stone’s throw from Arromanches beach, nicknamed Gold Beach, with its famous Mulberry harbor pieces that you can see at low tide.
With the calm and the fresh air of the sea, this stay has invigorated us! We particularly appreciated the atmosphere of the bar facing the sea.
Seaside location
- Partial sea view from the bar
- Sea view from some rooms
- 5-minute walk from Arromanches beach, aka Gold Beach
- It’s a sandy beach with giant chunks of Mulberry Harbor appearing at low tide. We find this beach fascinating.
Practical information
- Location: Arromanches-les-Bains, Normandy.
- Type: traditional.
- Price range: 3 stars.
- Restaurant: bar-lounge.
- Family rooms: yes.
- Facilities: outdoor pool, airport shuttles, PRM access.
- Parking: yes.
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
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8. Hôtel Le Normandy (Deauville)
Why stay at Le Normandy
Choosing the Hôtel Barrière Le Normandy in Deauville means immersing yourself in the history and timeless beauty of this iconic establishment. This legendary hotel, an institution since 1912, combines the charm of traditional architecture with modern, luxurious facilities. We’re still fascinated by the building, with its elegant façade and Neo-Norman style, reminiscent of the golden age of this seaside resort.
One of the hotel’s major assets is its renowned restaurant. Gourmets will enjoy refined, creative cuisine featuring local produce from the region.
For those in search of relaxation and well-being, the hotel offers a heated spa and indoor pool, perfect for unwinding after a busy day of exploring.
Seaside location
- Some rooms have a front sea view
- Other rooms have a side sea view
- Just a few minutes’ walk from Deauville beach
- Deauville’s beach is long and wide. It’s a sandy beach
- And you can also enjoy the famous seafront promenade: Les Planches de Deauville
- For more things to do, see our article on Deauville
Practical information
- Location: Downtown Deauville
- Price range: 5 stars
- Restaurant: yes
- Family rooms: yes
- Facilities: indoor pool, gym, spa
- Parking: Private, paid parking
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
9. Hôtel Flaubert (Trouville)
Why stay at the Hotel Flaubert
As soon as we arrived, we were won over by its magnificent half-timbered house, which exudes traditional, authentic charm. Its privileged location, almost with your feet in the sand, gives you direct access to the beach and lets you take full advantage of the marine atmosphere.
The hotel’s elegant decor is in perfect harmony with its picturesque setting. The rooms are pleasantly appointed and offer all the comforts you need for a relaxing stay. But what makes this establishment even more special is the opportunity to sit on your room’s private balcony and enjoy a breathtaking view of the sea as far as the eye can see. There’s nothing like relaxing and contemplating the infinite spectacle of the waves caressing the shore.
Seaside location
- Rooms with front sea view
- Some rooms also have sea-facing balconies
- Direct access to the beach
- Trouville beach is a very long sandy beach.
Practical information
- Location: Trouville, next to the beach
- Price range: 4 stars
- Restaurant: no, but plenty of options around
- Family rooms: no
- Facilities: beach access
- Parking: private with charge
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
10. Novotel beach hotel (Deauville)
Why stay at Novotel Deauville plage?
If you’re looking for a sea view, this hotel offers a privileged location, just a few steps from the beach. For some lucky guests, the rooms offer an unobstructed view of the sea, allowing them to take full advantage of the coastal atmosphere. What’s more, the small balconies in some rooms let you breathe in the sea air and soak up the gentle breeze.
The Restaurant L’étage, located at the very top of the building, is also an excellent place to enjoy dinner overlooking the sea.
Rooms are decorated with care and attention to detail, highlighting the atmosphere of the city. The rooms are decorated with photos of Deauville, evoking the charm and elegance of this famous seaside resort. And we also love the warmth of the communal areas.
Seaside location
- Some rooms have a front sea view
- Other rooms have a side sea view
- Just a few minutes’ walk from Deauville beach
- Deauville’s beach is long and wide. It’s a sandy beach
- And you can also enjoy the famous seafront promenade: Les Planches de Deauville
Practical information
- Location: In the heart of Deauville, facing the beach
- Price range: 4 stars
- Restaurant: yes, at the top of the hotel with sea view
- Family rooms: yes (with sofa bed)
- Facilities: Garden with furniture
- Parking: private and paying, with recharging stations
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
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11. Hôtel Les Cures Marines (Trouville)
Why stay at Les Cures Marines hotel
We particularly like the elegance of this building, a historic casino, with a palatial-looking architect. It embodies the elegance and charm of a bygone era, adding an extra dimension to your stay.
Situated directly on the coastline, this establishment offers breathtaking ocean views from some of its rooms. Wake up each morning to the murmur of the waves and let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of the sea.
It’s also famous for its marine spa, where you can recharge your batteries and relax in a wellness area featuring a swimming pool, sauna and steam room. The treatments on offer use the benefits of seawater to offer you an invigorating and soothing experience.
Seaside location
- Rooms with front sea view
- Beach access in 2 minutes
Practical information
- Location: Trouville seafront
- Price range: 5 stars
- Restaurant: yes
- Family rooms: yes (with sofa bed)
- Facilities: Marine spa (pool, sauna, hammam)
- Parking: private, pay parking lot with recharging stations
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
12. Hôtel Outre-Mer – Villa Le couchant (Villers-sur-Mer)
Why stay at the Outre-Mer hotel
Hotel Outre-Mer Villa Le Couchant is a small, family-run hotel offering a warm, authentic experience on the Normandy coast. Nestled in a picturesque setting, this establishment enjoys a privileged location both by the sea and in the heart of the lively city center. You’ll enjoy the benefits of direct proximity to the sandy beach, while being just a short stroll from stores, restaurants and local attractions.
Wake up each morning to the sparkling waters of the English Channel before enjoying an excellent breakfast featuring local produce.
Seaside location
- Rooms with sea view
- Breakfast room with sea view
- Almost toes in the sand
- The beach at Viller-sur-mer is a long stretch of sand. And, at low tide, you can admire the Vaches Noires cliffs.
Practical information
- Location: in the center of Villers-sur-mer
- Price range: 3 stars
- Restaurant: no
- Family rooms: yes
- Facilities: Loungers for the beach
- Parking: private with charge
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
13. Hotel Les Maison de Tatihou
Why stay at Maisons de Tatihou
If you’re looking for a completely unique experience in Normandy by the sea. We recommend boarding the amphibious boat at Saint-Vaast-La-Hougue to reach the island of Tatihou.
On this magnificent island with bunkers and a Vauban fort, you can recharge your batteries in this small hotel that’s a haven of peace.
We love the idea of being able to savor the beauty of this island once all the day’s tourists have left. The calm is intense and relaxing!
Seaside location
- On an island
- deserted island at night
Practical information
- Location: Iles de Tatihou, in the Manche department (north ofUtah Beach)
- Price range: 3 star equivalent
- Restaurant: yes
- Family rooms: yes (with sofa bed)
- Equipment: /
- Parking: no, but you come by boat, not by car…
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
14. Hotel Face à la mer (Merville)
Why stay at the Face à la Mer hotel
This little corner of the beach is a little less well known than others in Normandy. It lies close to OuistrehamSword Beach).
We love the hotel’s modern decor with lots of wood, it’s very warm.
But what attracts you most to this hotel is the calm: the environment, the uncluttered design, the relaxing sea views, the long walks in the sand…
Seaside location
- Front sea view rooms
- Rooms with balconies overlooking the sea
- A stone’s throw from the beach at Merville-Franceville
- It’s a long sandy beach
Practical information
- Location: Merville-Franceville-Plage
- Price range: 3 stars
- Restaurant: no
- Family rooms: yes
- Facilities: gym, spa, sauna, jacuzzi
- Parking: private with charge
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
15. Hôtel Le Grand Pavois (Fécamp)
Why stay at Le Grand Pavois hotel
Le Grand Pavois hotel in Fécamp is the perfect choice for those looking for a marine right in the heart of this charming Normandy port town. With its breathtaking view of the port, this establishment offers a captivating panorama that can be admired from the large picture windows in the rooms. You’ll be enchanted by the spectacle of boats coming in and out of the harbor, creating an enchanting maritime atmosphere.
The spaciousness of the rooms is also a plus, with modern decor. There’s plenty of space to relax and feel at ease throughout your stay.
Seaside location
- Rooms with harbor and/or sea view
- Beach less than 5 minutes’ walk away
- Fécamp beach is a pebble beach
- For more things to do, see our article on Fécamp.
Practical information
- Location: In the center of Fécamp
- Price range: 3 stars
- Restaurant: no
- Family rooms: yes
- Equipment: /
- Parking: private with charge
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
16. Hôtel Le Paquebot (Villerville)
Why stay at Hotel Le Paquebot
This hotel offers a marine experience inspired by ocean liner cabins. What sets this establishment apart above all is its breathtaking sea view. From the rooms and private balconies, you can watch the waves roll majestically onto the beach, creating an atmosphere of absolute serenity.
The decor is a tribute to the style of ocean liner cabins, with details such as portholes and exotic, retro or elegant decor.
Seaside location
- Only sea view rooms with small balconies
- An almost waterfront hotel
- In a fishing village
Practical information
- Location: Villerville, between Deauville and Etretat
- Price range: 4 stars
- Restaurant: yes
- Family rooms: no
- Facilities: tennis court
- Parking: private with charge
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Normandy
Inspiration destinations
- Deciding where to go in Normandy – the best destinations
- Our weekend ideas: best-of, romantic, unusual, seaside, luxury, family
- 16 seaside hotels in Normandy
- The most beautiful charming hotels in Normandy
Practice
- Where to stay in Normandy – best places and hotels
- See our tips for renting a car at CDG airport, Orly airport, Beauvais airport, Caen, Rouen, Bayeux…