Normandy

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At a Glance

A Hamptons-meets-secret-garden mansion with French sensibilities, including gastronomic prowess in the kitchen and an incredible backyard.

Indagare Loves

• Central location convenient for visiting the D-Day landing beaches
• Lush grounds with fragrant rose bushes, a tennis court, jogging trail and croquet greens
• The airy and understated dining room at the hotel’s gourmet restaurant Le Botaniste

Review

This chateau rests at the end of a long, grand country driveway and still feels like the elegant 18th-century manor it once was. There are 29 rooms and suites, 15 of which are located in the main building. In the main building the décor is neutral with greys, beiges, whites, creams and browns as the dominant colors. The annex buildings incorporate more color into the rooms with pale blues, yellows and pinks. The suites in the annex offer a bit more privacy and sit in an L-shaped annex, formerly the commanderie (commander’s quarters) and forge (blacksmith). All rooms are different in their details, but share the same winning combination of 18th-century country elegance and contemporary amenities. And air conditioning was added to all rooms over the last few years so those who are heat sensitive needn’t worry. Views are of the grounds or other buildings on property, all of which are charming

The fine dining restaurant Le Botaniste is open for breakfast and dinner. The food is excellent (it’s considered one of the best in the area), and the dining room is elegant yet unfussy. The hotel also has a more casual farm-to-table restaurant open for lunch and dinner, Le Petit Jardin, which is great for in-house guests or those touring the sites in the area during the day. Diners can sit outside in the garden or in the atrium next to the pool.

The outdoor grounds and gardens are beautifully manicured and maintained. Younger visitors and nature-lovers will enjoy the hotel’s complimentary tree guides, which label each tree on property. Guests can also grab one of the complimentary bikes for a ride around the property and into neighboring Port-en-Bessin. The hotel also has an outdoor pool and a small gym as well as a massage room, and e-bike rentals are available on property for touring around.

Situated just outside the small fishing village of Port-en-Bessin (about 5 minutes driving or 15 minutes walking) and a 20-minute drive from Bayeaux, the chateau is an ideal jumping off point for those who want a countryside experience near Normandy’s towns. It’s also ideally located for D-Day touring along the coast.

Who Should Stay

Families or couples visiting the must-sees of Lower Normandy who want a countryside experience with access to nearby towns.

Author

• Marley Gibbons