Hotels

Normandy: the finest hotels and guesthouses near the D-Day Beaches

What are the best hotels, guest houses and gites near the D-Day Beaches? Our selection of the best accommodations – both charming and luxury – for history buffs and D-Day enthusiasts, in Calvados and La Manche.

In Calvados or La Manche, between bocages and verdant plains, renovated old mansions offer romantically-charming stays on the legendary beaches of the D-Day Landings of June 6, 1944, such as Omaha Beach or Utah Beach. Châteaux, manor houses and other refined addresses invite you to make a chic stopover in the Normandy countryside. YONDER’s editors have selected the must-see hotels and accommodation close to the D-Day beaches, here.

At the rear of the château, a garden in the wild, free style so dear to England, in a setting of absolute romanticism.

1. Château d'Audrieu | A splendid 5-star Relais & Châteaux property

The setting? The historic walls of Château d'Audrieu stand in the bucolic landscape of the Normandy countryside. In the middle of a thirty-hectare estate bordered by a wooded park, forest and natural ponds. Designed as a traditional family home, the property features a home-grown vegetable garden. As soon as you enter this 5-star hotel, classicism takes center stage, with formal gardens designed by Louis Benech. At the rear of the castle, a wild, free-style garden dear to England: hydrangeas, roses and tulips... in a setting of absolute romanticism.

Château d'Audrieu facing its park © YONDER.fr

The style? Member of Relais & Châteaux since 1977, this historic 18th-century building is part of the young 2L Collection hotel brand (Cinq Codet in Paris, Château de Fonscolombe in Provence). Refurbished in 2019, the hotel perpetuates the heritage of the Enlightenment: classic 17th and 18th-century furniture, period fireplaces and a courtyard of honor.

Gastronomy? Chef Samuel Gaspar - a graduate of the double-starred Taillevent restaurant - is at the helm of the Le Séran gourmet restaurant. His committed, creative French cuisine focuses on local, seasonal produce. Adorned with original panelling, the cocktail bar and convivial restaurant Le 1715 offers the classics of the genre, as well as a fine range of "Calva", the most famous of Norman brandies. Last but not least, the poolside gazebo features a dedicated snack bar. Ideal for combining idleness and indulgence.

The extra tip: Another option is to take advantage of the 30-hectare park to enjoy a picnic lunch or dinner in the great outdoors (baskets available on request), or to get together for a private BBQ.

Wellness? With a year-round temperature of 26 degrees, the in-house swimming pool adjoins a beauty center nestled in an outbuilding of the château, where you'll find all the wellness treatments by Sothys to pamper you!

All rooms have retained their authentic caché © DR

How many keys? 29 classically styled rooms and suites, with exposed beams, Norman wardrobes and masterful headboards. Bathed in natural light, the interiors are like sleeping in a château, while offering the full panoply of five-star comfort: top-of-the-range bedding, bathrooms with bathtubs and walk-in showers.

Who's it for? Lovers of château life. Definitely.

What makes the difference? The extreme tranquility of the location, ideal for a country retreat far from the hustle and bustle of the city. The ultimate disconnection of a tree house, a veritable suite perched in the trees.

Where is it? Halfway between Bayeux and Caen. Its location allows you to reach the D-Day beaches of Omaha Beach and Utah Beach in 30 and 50 minutes respectively. And the hotel's proximity to Bayeux means you can visit its cathedral, one of the most beautiful in France, where you can admire the famous 70-metre-long 11th-century tapestry!

5 things we loved about Château d'Audrieu

  • The refined atmosphere of a tastefully restored historic setting
  • The estate's vast wooded grounds covering thirty hectares
  • The outdoor swimming pool in the gardens, with its deckchairs inviting you to la Dolce Vita
  • Michelin-starred cuisine for the evening meal
  • Breakfasts and lunches served on the sunny terrace.

Château d'Audrieu
29 rooms and suites ( 1 "cabane" suite). From €288 per night.
14250 Audrieu

2. Le Domaine de Ravenoville

Head for the Cotentin peninsula, where this magnificent Norman property nestles just a stone's throw from the village of Sainte-Mère-Eglise. A former seigniorial estate dating back to the 17th-century, this historic jewel has been renovated to offer the very highest standards, with the Channel at your feet. Built between sea and bocage, Domaine de Ravenoville is just a 10-minute walk from Utah Beach, one of the beaches where American troops landed on June 6, 1944.

The yacht salon at Domaine de Ravenoville © Pierres d'Histoire

Abandoned, this landmark of Manche's heritage has risen from the ashes to deliver a perfectly desirable hotel score: four accommodations with rustic charm: a Louis XIII period manor house accommodating 8 people, the "Pavillon", an elegant refuge with the look of a hunting lodge, the "Écurie" rehabilitated as a cosy 3-bedroom dwelling and the "Pigeonnier" with the cocooning atmosphere typical of the region's country houses. Each home has its own unique decor, with wood panelling, antique furniture and crackling fireplaces, as well as a seaside feel. All set in the lush greenery of a magnificent French garden. A secret little corner of paradise to be discovered without delay, before it becomes a victim of its own success.

Bonus tip: orchestrated by Pierres d'Histoire, the restoration work was carried out according to the highest professional standards. Every architectural element was carefully preserved to preserve the soul and authenticity of the site.

Getting there: 3h30 by car from Paris, 3 h by train from Gare St Lazare to Carentan.

Le Domaine de Ravenoville
From 245€ per night.

2 route du Mesnil, 50480 Sainte-Mère-Eglise

A former seigniorial estate dating back to the 17th century, this historic jewel has been renovated to offer a high standard of service, with the Channel at your feet as a high added value

3. Chez Laurence du Tilly, L'Annexe | A design refuge

In Colomby-Anguerny, halfway between Caen and the English Channel, this former janitor's cottage has been purchased and renovated by designer Laurence du Tilly, already behind a delightful guest house on the edge of Caen's historic center. Tastefully decorated and perfectly configured, this chic " Annexe" combines ancient stone with contemporary architecture, offering a Scandinavian-style living room, a fully-equipped open-plan kitchen and a cosy upstairs bedroom with walk-in shower. At the rear, a vast garden awaits you for a barbecue evening. The cottage can accommodate between 2 and 4 people. The lady of the house takes great care of her guests, delivering fresh bread from the baker every morning. It's like being at home.

Chez Laurence du Tilly, L'Annexe
House for 2 to 4 people; from €200 per night for 2 people (minimum 2 nights).

21 Rue de l'Église, Chemin de Colomby, 14610 Colomby-Anguerny

4. Domaine Utah Beach - Hôtel le Grand Hard | A manor farm with rural architecture

In the heart of the Parc naturel des Marais du Cotentin, this 17th-19th century estate is located near the village of Sainte-Mère-Église, one of the first French communes to be liberated during the Battle of Normandy. The rectangular buildings form an attractive inner courtyard. In each of the 19 rooms, the classic decor harmoniously blends Norman vernacular style with contemporary furnishings. Overnight stays range from the standard 24m2 room to the spacious 70m2 duplex family suite. Four gîtes are also available on the estate. The hotel's restaurant, Chez Arsène, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and offers brunch on Sunday mornings. Breakfast and dinner? All served at the same table, or in the kitchen, using local, organic produce.

Domaine Utah Beach - Superior Room © 2020 Domaine Utah

Good to know? The meat comes from the estate's own Limousin cows bred in the open air.

Domaine Utah Beach - Hôtel Le Grand Hard
Rooms from 143€ per night.

14 la Rivière, 50480 Sainte-Marie-du-Mont

5. Hôtel Les Villas d'Arromanches | In the heart of the historic district

On the road to Deauville and Mont-Saint-Michel, this charming 19th-century hotel is an excellent base for visiting the beaches of the 1944 D-Day landings. Set in a wooded park, this Norman half-timbered residence offers 28 rooms with parquet flooring and contemporary design. Light fabrics, pastel colors and white woodwork combine to create a bright, luminous atmosphere in every room. The menu at the lounge bar, whose bow window overlooks the park, includes plates of regional produce accompanied by a glass of wine. Breakfast is served buffet-style in the dining room. For lunch, packed lunches are available for walks along the coastal path.

© 2021 les villas d'Arromanches

Good to know? The romantic Deluxe room offers a sea view.

Les Villas d'Arromanches
28 rooms, from €125 per night
1 Rue du Lieutenant Colonel Job, 14117 Arromanches-les-Bains

All locations are independently selected by our specialist journalists. If you make a reservation, we may receive an affiliate commission.

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