jlpx2

We will be going to the Normandie area for five nights late October. Do you have any esuggestions for fabulous hotels-chateauxs in this area?

Our 1st night we thought we would drive to Rouen but we are a hard time finding a great hotel in this area. We have stayed at many of Chateaux & Hotels of France group before- and always found them wonderful. We arrive in Paris around 9:30 and then thought we would drive to Rouen the 1st day-stay either in the city or nearby.

We want to see St. Michel, the beaches Le Havre and could stay anywhere in the area.

Any insights will be appreciated--thanks so much. Jan

Doble_Vergasser

There is a group called Bien Venue au chateau (www.bienvenue-au-chateau.com). They have about 170 chateaux listings in western France. They have a pretty good website (the printed catalog would take a while to get to you.) We stayed at the Chateaux Fontaine Etoufor, just outside Caen.

Underhill

Rouen does not, unfortunately, have much in the way ot interesting hotels. However, for your first night in Normandy you would very likely enjoy the hotel/restaurant La Chaîne d'Or in the town of Les Andelys (it's actually in Petit Andelys). The hotel isn't R&C standard (we've stayed in a fair number), but it's very, very nice nonetheless, and the restaurant is quintessential French Country.

The hotel is on the banks of the Seine; rooms at the back have lovely views. The small town is interesting and picturesque, and high above are the ruins of Château Gaillard, built on the orders of Richard Coeur de Lion long ago.

The restaurant is excellent--we still remember the warm apple tart with Calvados. Sigh.
The drive from de Gaulle to Les Andelys takes a little under two hours and requires little tough driving.

jlpx2

Thanks so much for the tips--on I go researching. I really appreciate the advice. Jan

xRoadWarrior

Have you condiered Deauville? The Hotel Normandy is a beautiful property right on the coast. And the hotel restaurant: amazing.

Dave_in_Paris

Les Andelys makes sense as a first-day stop if you are coming from a Paris airport after a long flight. Otherwise, I would say not on a five-day tour of Normandy. (Too many other more fascinating places to explore.) Stayed at the Hotel Normandy in Deauville and was underimpressed, but I do have some trouble with many things that large. The Ferme St. Simeon on the outskirts of Honfleur may please. Normandy and "fabulous" hotels is a tough combination. Enjoy your trip.

Underhill

What we especially liked about Les Andelys was that it was an easy drive from CDG and a good spot to relax after a long, long flight. Good sightseeing abounds in the area, and there are two excellent routes to take for Rouen the following day with lovely villages and historic abbeys.

jlpx2

Thank you for your suggestions--I was having a hard time finding a hotel--other areas of France always have an abundance of great choices. Your suggestions of La Chaine d'Or and Ferme ST. Simeon sound great. THanks jan

Underhill

A godo alternative to the priced La Ferme St-Siméon is the Manoir du Butin, under the same ownership (I think). There's also the Château Audrieu in roughly the same area.

What takes you to Le Havre? It was largely devestated during World War II, and there's not a whole lot to see there aside from the art museum and port. Interesting sightseeing to the north, however.

GoSox

Hôtel de charme en Normandie, www.ranconniere.com
Try this place. It is lovely and located near Arromanches. We stayed there in a triple room which was quite large. Great food. Easy day tripping. We also stayed at Mont St. Michel at Le Mere Poulard - kitchy but fun. I enjoyed it for a night although out "first floor" room involved about 70 steps and a stroll outside along a cat walk. If you forgot something back in the room, it stayed in the room.

LynFrance

Chateau de Sully in Port-en-Bessin is a terrific hotel and conveniently located near the landing beaches.It is as nice as the many Relais and Chateaux places we've stayed in.

The Grand Hotel de Cabourg is an old fashioned hotel right on the beach and the deluxe ocean view rooms have terraces that measure about 20 feet by 20 feet.Really spectacular!

The Manoir de Butin is also a cute place to stay right outside of Honfleur.