Visitors to Normandy have many options to choose from when it comes to accommodations. If you're looking for medieval history, stay at an indulgent guesthouse in the medieval center of Bayeux, with its famous tapestry. Travel to the seaside at the harbor of Honfleur or the beach at Cabourg for a shoreline stay, or opt for a romantic garden park at one of these hotels.

Hôtel Tardif—Noble Guesthouse

Photo courtesy of Hotel Tardif Noble Guesthouse

The Hôtel Tardif Noble Guesthouse dates back to the 18th century and is located in the heart of medieval Bayeux. The former mansion sits in a park that used to belong to the botanist Moisson de Vaux, where many plants were first introduced to the European climate. You may even be able to spot their centuries-old relatives on the grounds.

There are five rooms in the main residence as well as eight more in nearby apartments, all richly decorated. Enjoy views of the nearby Bayeux Cathedral from the outdoor pool, landscaped garden, or terrace. The Bayeux tapestry museum, shops, and restaurants are all nearby and easily booked with the aid of the helpful staff.

Villa Lara Hôtel

Photo courtesy of Villa Lara Hôtel

Also in the center of Bayeux's old town, the five-star Villa Lara Hôtel offers proximity to the cathedral and tapestry museum as well as easy access to the D-Day beaches. Rooms combine classic French elegance with modern conveniences, with touches like marble bathrooms and furniture created by famous French cabinetmakers Moissonnier. The Villa Lara offers 28 rooms, while its neighboring Villa Augustine houses four presidential suites.

Start your day with local specialties at the breakfast buffet, or stop in the bar for a glass of Bordeaux. The hotel offers its own heritage tour in a petite Piaggio vehicle, and the hotel boutique sells artwork and furniture if you want to bring part of your stay back home.

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Château La Chenevière

Photo courtesy of Château La Chenevière

You'll find plush Château La Chenevière on the Norman coast between Bayeux and the World War 2 landing beaches at Port-en-Bessin. Its 29 refined, pastel-toned rooms sit inside an 18th-century manor, which itself is inside a romantic park. Botanical details and delicate accents cover the rooms, common spaces, and the outdoor pool.

Guests can spot the hotel's attention to detail and local spirit at every turn. Honey at the breakfast buffet comes from the resident beehives, while the seasonal fine dining at Le Botaniste restaurant includes seafood fresh from the local port and wines from the house cellar. For a more bistro vibe, visit Le Petit Jardin in the old conservatory with products from the permaculture vegetable garden, or stop into Zanzibar, the hidden cocktail bar decorated with souvenirs from the owners' travels abroad.

Les Maisons de Lea

Photo courtesy of Les Maisons de Lea

Located in the harbor area of Honfleur, Les Maisons de Lea offers a quaint Norman style ideal for couples in search of a romantic setting. The ancient building was once an old salt storage warehouse, plus three 16th-century houses. The decor in each room is carefully curated to blend modern and historical touches with themes inspired by different aspects of the city's past.

Sit by the fire in the library lounge or stop in the bar for a cocktail and platter of oysters. Take afternoon tea in the cozy lounge or out under the lemon trees on the terrace, or go for a full meal at the Tourbillon restaurant. Top it off with a hammam session or massage in the stone cellar at the Nuxe spa.

Grand Hotel de Cabourg

Photo courtesy of Grand Hotel de Cabourg

Enjoy five-star amenities and views over the wide sand beach of Cabourg at the Grand Hotel de Cabourg, with rooms overlooking the sea or casino flower gardens. Decor is inspired by the romanticism of the early 1900s when figures like Marcel Proust strolled the beach in search of inspiration. The location gives easy access to families who want to combine World War II historical site tours with relaxation by the sea.

Visit the jewel-toned Le Balbec restaurant for a gourmet meal or a Proust-inspired cocktail and snack at La Belle Epoque bar. If you'd rather stay by the sea, opt for a drink at the outdoor Le Promenade. Then unwind at the spa Une Parenthèse de Bien-Être with body and face treatments along with a sauna and sensory shower.