The best restaurants and hotels in the region, from A-list accommodation to homely seaside eateries
Related articles: Calvados in Normandy: Tales from the Parisian Riviera
Not-to-Miss Remembrance Sites in Calvados, Normandy
Things to See and Do in Calvados
HOTELS
La Ferme Saint-Siméon
A hop and a skip from Honfleur, this five-star hotel was once a favourite haunt of Boudin and Monet. Baudelaire was also known to seek refuge from the capital’s grey monotony at the 17th-century farmhouse. Exposed beams, period features and gourmet fare are par for the course. www.fermesaintsimeon.fr
Le Grand Hôtel Cabourg
A triumph of Belle-Époque splendour on Cabourg’s beachfront, this luxurious hotel was put on the map by Marcel Proust (one of its most illustrious – and demanding – patrons). You can even visit Proust’s bedroom and munch on his famous madeleines in the tearooms. www.grand-hotel-cabourg.com
Le Normandy
The glitterati’s go-to retreat in Deauville, this neo-Norman hotel exudes sepia-toned glamour. If your budget doesn’t stretch to a room, why not pull up a stool at the bar and indulge in shameless celeb-spotting? www.hotelsbarriere.com
Best Western Hôtel Le Dauphin
A two-minute dash from William the Conqueror’s castle in the heart of Caen, this is a convenient base from which to explore the historic city. Feeling brave? Why not give the restaurant’s award-winning tripes à la mode de Caen a try? www.bestwestern.fr
Hôtel Le Fer à Cheval
Cosy and affordable, this three-star hotel is right near Trouville’s famous boardwalk. Wake up to wafts of freshly baked brioche! www.hotel-trouville.com
Château d’Audrieu
Close to the D-Day landing beaches, this 18th-century château has all the period trappings and then some. The swimming pool secreted amid the walled garden is the cherry on top. www.chateaudaudrieu.com
B&B/GÎTES
Auberge de la Luzerne
A short drive from Juno Beach, this freshly refurbished farmhouse in Bernières-sur-Mer boasts the tallest dovecote in Lower Normandy and offers a choice of hotel rooms, gîte facilities or a private studio. www.auberge-luzerne.fr
La Maison Matelot
La Maison Matelot’s three self-contained apartments in Port-en-Bessin-Huppain are a lesson in interior design! Midway between Parisian loft and beach house, the maritime theme blends effortlessly with more contemporary touches. www.lamaisonmatelot.com
Four Seasons
Fancy a sleepover with wild critters? Why not rent a log cabin on the edge of Cerza Safari Park near Lisieux. www.fourseasonsfrance.co.uk
RESTAURANTS
Dégustation de l’Île
An institution in Courseulles-sur-Mer, this seafood restaurant is one of
the most sought-after addresses in Calvados. Drop into the fishmongers/ deli next door and Mr Benoist may just treat you to an oyster tasting! www.restaurant-degustationdelile.fr
La Crémaillère
Overlooking Juno beach, La Crémailllère hotel and restaurant enjoys the best sea views in the entire Côte de Nacre – and the grub is quite a treat too. The seafood is literally ocean-fresh and the menu inventive. www.la-cremaillere.com
Le Bistrot d’à Côté
This small bistrot in Port-en-Bessin-Huppain certainly makes the most of its proximity to the sea. You can’t go wrong with the catch of the day. www.barque-bleue.fr
Le P’tit Bistrot
In the historic heart of Bayeux, this unassuming joint serves classic Normande fare with a twist. Bistronomy at its very best. www.leptitbistrot.com
Le Central
One of the finest hotel-brasseries in Trouville, it has retained many of the 1930s accoutrements that once charmed a coterie of artists and thinkers, not least author Marguerite Duras. The seafood platter is enough to feed a small army. le-central-trouville.com
Chez Le Bougnat
Decked out in a jumble of antiques and retro knick-knacks, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stumbled into a brocante. While the quirky ambience is one of the main draws of this Dives-sur-Mer eatery, it’s the cockles-warming fare that keeps locals coming back for more. www.chezlebougnat.fr
Bistrot Les Quatre Chats
All red lighting, Formica and 1950s banquettes, this American-style diner is the stomping ground of Hollywood A-listers in Trouville. Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow and Andy Garcia are long-time fans. www.facebook.com/les4chats
La Cantine de Deauville
The brasserie’s gargantuan portions have earned it a devoted clientele. Treat yourself to the oh-so indulgent café gourmand – a feast of four (not-so-mini) desserts washed down with an espresso! www.lacantinedeauville.fr
From France Today magazine
Oh my. one of the finest hotels in Normandy is the Villa Lara. How did you miss it? It is charming to a fault.