Most Romantic Hotels in Normandy

The 21 romantic rooms in this converted 19th-century dungeon are fancifully decorated with colorful draped fabrics and dark-wood furniture that cleaves more or less to a historic and opulent French manor aesthetic. This beautiful, if somewhat ramshackle, property might not be for everyone -- some might find the grounds a bit too rustic. Some guests believe the food is overpriced, and doesn't always seem fresh. Most, though, seem enchanted with the lush gardens, the  heated outdoor pool, and the general air of romance that pervades the property. It's a 10-minute walk to the charming fishing village of Etretat.

La Petite Folie is undeniably special. It's a luxurious B&B in a charming mansion with a few high-end apartments spread over two nearby 14th-century buildings. Interiors are particularly impressive, and each room has been lovingly and distinctly styled with luxury touches. The property is set right in the heart of Honfleur, within walking distance of local attractions and restaurants. Beware that there's no elevator (in keeping with historical preservation laws), and stairwells can be steep. Parking is limited. Rates may be high for a B&B, but are reasonable for a hotel with such class and attention to detail.

Le Manoir Des Impressionnistes certainly makes quite an impression upon first sight: the 18th-century manor house surrounded by pretty gardens and ancient woods could easily be the subject of a postcard or a magazine cover. Its setting on a hill overlooking the Seine estuary is quite special, too, and some rooms enjoy lovely sea-view sunsets. The on-site spa in a converted farmhouse is well received, as is the restaurant that uses locally sourced ingredients. There's no pool, but rates are nevertheless reasonable for such charming package.

La Maison de Lucie is a charming and intimate boutique property built in a historic 18th-century house within walking distance of the equally charming village of Honfleur. Couples stay here for the stylish rooms lovingly decorated with antiques and curated art, though some rooms are small and storage is hard to come by. A simple breakfast is served for a fee in the lovely courtyard gardens and there's a romantic hot tub in the basement level. Parking requires reservations in advance and costs extra, though both practices are common in this region.

There's very little to find fault with at La Maison du Parc, with its lovely gardens, beautifully maintained townhouse, five superbly finished rooms, and excellent fresh continental breakfast. It's located in a quiet neighborhood, a short walk from the town center and its amenities. As the Maison du Parc is a bed and breakfast, don't expect much in the way of facilities -- there's no pool, spa, or business center. Rates are a little higher than at your average B&B, but this place is well above average.

The 34-room La Ferme Saint Siméon is a high-end, luxury hotel housed in three charming period buildings in lovely gardens overlooking the sea and an industrial area across the estuary. Situated on the tranquil heights of Honfleur, the town center is a short stroll away as are local beaches. Rooms are nicely finished with a refined rustic charm and marble-clad bathrooms, while the spa and restaurant are both well up to scratch. Standard room rates are reasonable for an upscale property, though beware that prices escalate for upgrades.

The Normandy Barriere is a striking and swanky hotel with a whopping 290 rooms. It's located in an enviable position in the heart of Deauville overlooking the seafront. On-site dining is excellent and facilities are impressive, though they lack any real wow factor. Some rooms are worn and lack air-conditioning, but many have lovely sea views. All in all, the Barriere offers a high-end experience at a grand old hotel at rates that won't necessarily break the bank, but for no-holds-barred luxury, check out its sister hotel, the Royal Barriere.

Villa Lara Hotel is a charming and intimate four-pearl boutique hotel with 28 rooms located in the historical center of Bayeux. The property is popular with tourists visiting World War II sites in the area. Though the building is small, there are some great features including an on-site gift shop selling locally made gifts and textiles, a fitness center, and a breakfast room with a bar in the library-style lounge. Spacious rooms are individually decorated and spotlessly clean. Each is air-conditioned and has varying views of the cathedral. Wi-Fi and parking are free, but breakfast and laundry services cost extra. The neighborhood is walkable and loaded with restaurants, shops, and cultural sights.

Chateau de la Roque is a historic, upper-mid-range hotel surrounded by 45 acres of farmland and maintained gardens. It rests in the French countryside and is within driving distance of Hébécrevon, Saint-Lô, and D-Day attractions, although there’s not much near the hotel itself. Rooms, similar to the rest of the property, are decorated with antique wood furniture, detailed vintage wallpaper, and wood beams. The lack of privacy in some rooms between the bathroom and bedroom may be an issue for some. This hotel also has a wonderful spa located in a lovely, original vault with massages and facials. 

The Hotel Du Golf Barriere is a grand, upscale property which provides a peaceful golfing oasis away from the bustle of central Deauville. The ocean is visible from the golf course and from many of the hotel's 178 spacious rooms, as well as from one of the two on-site restaurants. The property also has tennis courts and a heated outdoor pool, but there's little else to do in the immediate area. Rates are comparable at the more luxurious Normandy Barriere, the hotel's sister property in the town center, so if golfing isn't your thing, you're better off booking there.