Between countryside, city and sea, you have the choice to spend a luxury weekend in Normandy.
Discover the marine benefits of the coast, the lights adored by the impressionists and the charm of the half-timbered houses… A moment of relaxation and pleasure guaranteed.
Here are all our favorite places with 5 star hotels in Normandy and other luxury hotels.
This selection is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the area anonymously, making our own choices, and paying all our bills in full.
To see our best-of weekends in Normandy, all styles, read this article.
1 – Luxury weekend in Honfleur
Why spend a weekend in Honfeur
A historic and picturesque town located on the Seine estuary, Honfleur is famous for its charming architecture, its colorful half-timbered houses, its Vieux Bassin and its cobblestone streets.
Honfleur allows you to spend a charming weekend with good restaurants, proximity to beaches and excellent museums depending on your interests.
Even in winter, it is an ideal destination thanks to its beautiful lights so dear to the impressionist painters.
In Honfleur, you will enjoy a discreet luxury full of charm.
Hotel Ferme Saint-Siméon (with view)
This hotel combines: history, the charm of old buildings, views of the estuary, restaurants and beautiful gardens.
You will find a typical Norman building from the 17th century. 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.
You have to walk a bit to visit the center of Honfleur… that’s normal, to get the views.
See photos and availability – and book!
Hotel St Delis (in the center)
In this former residence of the painter Henri Saint Delis, we appreciate the mix of the charm of the 17th century residence, the discretion of the place and the warm and elegant decoration.
If you are a fan of the painter, his room was the actual Number 3. He was painting from the landing, which led to his apartment.
There is also a small half-timbered house on the grounds.
It is located in the center of Honfleur.
See photos and availability – and book!
Best things to do in Honfleur
- Marvel at the wooden church of Saint Catherine
- Wander and get lost in the cobblestone streets (you’ll never be far from the center) to see the half-timbered houses.
- Go up to see the Panorama of Mont-Joli with Honfleur and the bridge of Normandy
- Book a guided tour of the city to discover it more intimately – see availability and book
- Visit the Eugène Boudin Museum to admire works of impressionism
- Admire the changing colors of the sky over the old port, especially at sunset
- Enjoy a good meal in one of the many excellent restaurants (see our article on where to eat)
- See our complete guide on What to do in Honfleur.
2 – Luxury weekend in Deauville / Trouville
Why spend a weekend in Deauville / Trouville
Deauville is a glamorous 19th century seaside resort. Its reputation is partly due to the American Film Festival of Deauville which takes place there every year.
It offers a luxurious experience with iconic hotels, spas, a casino, golf, horse racing, high-end boutiques…
It is emblematic for its walk along the flat sandy beach.
Trouville is its twin city on the other side of the harbor.
In Deauville and Trouville, luxury is more ostentatious than in Honfleur.
Hotel Barrière – Le Normandie (Deauville)
Built in 1912, the Normandy Hotel is an institution. Impossible to miss it between the beach and downtown.
It was the first large hotel built in Deauville, in the Anglo-Norman half-timbered manor style.
Some rooms have a view of the sea and some have a small terrace where you can have breakfast in peace.
And the indoor pool with the glass roof over the half-timbering is excellent.
See photos and availability – and book!
Hotel Barrière – Le Royal (Deauville)
Opened in 1913, it is a very impressive building just a few steps from the sea.
Many of its rooms have a view of the sea. And all of them have a decoration that mixes traditional and contemporary styles.
You just have to like red!
See photos and availability – and book!
Hotel Cures Marines (Trouville)
Only 200m from the beach, this impressive building offers a very light and airy decor. It is ideal for a thalassotherapy weekend, to recharge your batteries and enjoy a good breath of sea air.
See photos and availability – and book!
What to do in Deauville and Trouville
- Stroll on the beach
- Search for the names of your favorite stars on the boards of Deauville
- Shopping
- Admire the imposing villas
- Take a horseback ride on the beach
See our complete guide to the best things to do in Deauville
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.
3 – Luxury weekend at Mont-Saint-Michel
Why spend a weekend at Mont-Saint-Michel
Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the first idea that comes to mind for a romantic weekend, because of the crowds it attracts.
But if you stay for a weekend, you can go there in the evening: the crowds are gone, the lights go on, the silence takes over… it’s really an exceptional experience! See more pictures of Mont-Saint-Michel by night.
Hotel Ermitage Mont-Saint-Michel
The Hermitage is a five star hotel. It is one of the smallest in Europe in a 19th century building. It offers only a few rooms and suites but they are very spacious and elegant.
The accommodations also have balconies or terraces (but unfortunately no view on the Mont-Saint-Michel).
We really appreciated the calm of the place, far from the crowds of the Mont-Saint-Michel. And even more so by tasting the local products offered in the room… what gourmands we are!
See photos and availability – and book!
Boucéel Castle
If you’re looking for more of the French art of living, look no further.
In this great 18th century residence, the Count and his family welcome you in rooms in the castle or in a house in the park.
Particular care has been taken to decorate the castle, you keep the authenticity of its time.
And above all, the castle is located in a magnificent park, a green setting to discover while strolling.
See photos and availability – and book!
What to do at Mont-Saint-Michel
- Walk to the Mont-Saint-Michel and admire the views
- Walk on the ramparts
- To visit the impressive abbey, we advise you to do so at first light before the arrival of the groups – be careful! – book here
- Try a new experience, by taking a microlight tour over the Mont-Saint-Michel – see availability and book
- Watch the sunset from the mountain, and the beautiful bay all around
- More ideas in our article on what to do in Mont-Saint-Michel
See our article on luxury hotels around Mont-Saint-Michel
4 – Luxury weekend in Etretat
Why spend a weekend in Étretat
The Alabaster coast is made of high white cliffs very impressive. And in Étretat, the elements have sculpted them by creating several arches and a marine pile with needles.
It’s a magical place, where it’s nice to walk or to stop and admire the views!
The place has inspired many artists, including the author Maurice Leblanc with his character of Arsène Lupin.
This is a great weekend idea all year round. It will be more pleasant outside of the summer because the crowds can invade the village.
There are no 5-star hotels in Étretat, but we have a few luxurious options to suggest.
Hotel Le Donjon
We fell in love with this atypical hotel.
The hotel le Donjon is on the heights of the city in a beautiful and well decorated building with a spa and gourmet restaurant.
What a pleasure to sit in the veranda, surrounded by plants, with the fire crackling and the small snack offered in the afternoon.
They made the place cocooning and elegant at the same time.
See photos and availability – and book!
Hotel Les Pins de César (surrounding countryside)
If you are looking for luxury, nature and calm (as Etretat is very touristic), we recommend the hotel Les Pins de César. It is located in the countryside 15 minutes from Étretat, and 5 minutes from the cliffs.
It is the perfect place to recharge your batteries because you are surrounded by trees (Austrian pines) and greenery, with a park of 20 hectares.
We fell in love with the serenity that reigns there. We felt like we were entering another world when we got there.
And if you like spas, and relaxation, the offer is excellent.
See photos and availability – and book!
What to do in Étretat
- Walk on the cliffs to admire the views from the cliffs on either side of the valley
- Visit the Gardens of Etretat, surprising: nature, art and view on the cliffs! You’ll be inspired together! Reserve your entrance
- Read together the stories of Arsène Lupin and the Aiguille Creuse while admiring the landscapes that inspired them.
- Admire the sunset from the beach
- See our complete guide on What to do in Étretat
USE OUR GUIDE TO PLAN A
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- 8 maps that make planning easier
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5 – Luxury weekend in Rouen
Why spend a weekend in Rouen
Rouen is a cultural and historical city. In terms of historical buildings, it is the most fascinating to visit!
The historical center has a lot of charm with its churches, half-timbered houses and carved palaces.
If you are looking for a city and cultural weekend, this is, in our opinion, your best option.
Hotel de Bourgtheroulde
In the heart of Rouen, discover an exceptional 15th century building.
A boutique hotel with charming rooms, some with views of the city or the beautiful historic courtyard.
The hotel is also known for its spa.
See photos and availability – and book!
Best things to do in Rouen
- Stroll in the old center of Rouen, with half-timbered houses
- Visit the Big Clock and admire the view from its tower
- Explore the impressive cathedral
- Book a private tour with a local to learn more and discover their hidden secrets – see availability and book
- Visit one of the many museums according to your partner’s interests: Art, Joan of Arc, Ceramics, Ironworks…
- Watching the lights on the cathedral at night
- and several abbeys are less than 40 minutes away including the Abbey of Jumièges
- See our complete guide to the best things to do in Rouen
6 – Luxury weekend in Bayeux
Why spend a weekend in Bayeux
Bayeux is one of our favorite places in Normandy.
This city has a lot to offer: it is a city with a charming historical center. Its center sometimes looks more like a village than a city.
It was fortunate to avoid most of the destruction during the Second World War. And since it’s not too big, you don’t have too much traffic to get out of town and explore the area.
Moreover, it is famous for its Unesco listed tapestry, probably from the 11th century. And it is very well located to explore the D-Day beaches, the Mont-Saint-Michel and the sandy beaches of Normandy.
Hotel Villa de Lara and Villa Augustine
In another style and still in the Old Bayeux, you will discover the Villa Augustine and the Villa Lara, two buildings sheltering presidential suites with view on the garden. This luxurious accommodation is very well located in the city and offers several services to its guests. We also loved the tour of the city center in an authentic Piaggio, a different way to visit the city!
See photos and availability – and book!
Best things to do in Bayeux
- Stroll through the historic center
- Explore the cathedral and its crypt
- Listen to the audioguide, in synchronicity, along the Bayeux Tapestry
- Go to Arromanches, only 15 minutes away, at low tide, to walk on the sand around the remains of the WWII port.
- Explore the botanical garden, a Norman jewel dating from the 19th century, and its magnificent weeping beech in the heart of the park.
- See our complete guide on What to do in Bayeux
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7 – Luxury weekend in Cabourg
Why spend a weekend in Cabourg
The town of Cabourg, by the sea, is one of the most emblematic of the Normandy coast.
You will discover there magnificent private mansions of the XIXth century. Its main building is the Grand Hotel, where Marcel Proust used to stay.
The city is very lively, with a long promenade that ends at the estuary with a tongue of land made of sand dunes.
Between the beach, the long boardwalk, the dune and the beautiful buildings, it’s hard to get more romantic!
The Grand Hotel de Cabourg
The Grand Hotel de Cabourg is also a must in Normandy, built along the promenade. Many rooms have a magnificent view of the sea, one of the greatest assets of this hotel.
And Marcel Proust lived there for several years in a row!
Its restaurant, Le Balbec, with a panoramic view of the promenade and the sea, serves cuisine with typical Norman products.
See photos and availability – and book!
What to do in Cabourg
- Stroll along the 4 km long promenade along the waterfront
- Sit on the main square to admire the “Belle Epoque” houses
- Spend a crazy night at the Casino
- Walk on the sand dune to observe the estuary and lights
- Deauville and Honfleur are not far away!
- Visit the charming Honfleur
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
Best of
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…
Other luxury weekend ideas in Normandy – 5 star hotels
Castle of Audrieu
In the Normandy countryside, not far from Bayeux and Caen, the château d’Audrieur is a magnificent eighteenth century building.
The place is elegant with surprising little touches.
You can’t help but smile as you explore the rooms and relax as you stroll through the grounds.
See photos and availability – and book!
Honfleur: Hotel Manoir des Impressionnistes
The hotel is located in an 18th century manor house. We particularly like the 3 hectare park facing the sea.
Unlike other hotels that have chosen a modern interior design, the eleven rooms of the manor house keep a more authentic look (while providing modern comfort, of course).
See photo and availability – and book!
Luxury Suites and Gite around Honfleur: Domaine D’Ablon
Close to Honfleur, this charming place offers several Normandy thatched cottages, a beautiful garden and a lot of calm.
This place is ideal for a peaceful retreat to recharge your batteries.
See photo and availability – and book!
Port-en-Bessin – Hotel Château La Cheneviere
In Port-en-Bessin, in the heart of the D-Day landing beaches, the Château de la Chenevière dates from the 18th century.
This hotel offers you a charming weekend with century-old trees, a rose garden, a vegetable garden, and lots of peace and quiet!
We like the cocooning rooms with a decoration that mixes period furniture and contemporary touches.
See photos and availability – and book!
Caen: Hotel Restaurant Spa Yvan Vautier
Hotel in the suburbs of Caen for a complete experience with gourmet restaurant and spa.
See photo and availability – and book!
Château du Boulay Morin
Located in the countryside around Evreux, discover a castle built in 1695 by Louis XIV for Madame De Maintenon.
The rooms are spacious with lots of charm and color.
And you can enjoy a large park and an adjoining forest.
See photos and availability – and book!
B&B: Manoir de Cléronde
A charming luxury B&B in the heart of the D-Day beaches.
Beautiful spaces with the charm of the beams and an elegant country spirit.
See photos and availability – and book!
