Hôtel Barrière Le Normandy, Deauville, Normandy

Among the exquisite five-star hotels and resorts branded Barrière, often located in popular vacation spots in France, Hotel Barrière Le Normandy is the flagship property — in one of the most beautiful seaside getaways in France.

Deauville has a special vibe. Located on the Côte Fleurie, it is just over two hours from Paris, and it has been popular with the wealthy classes from the capital since the 19th century. This stretch of coast is sometimes referred to as the “Parisian Riviera,” and as with its Cannes equivalent, Deauville has pretensions to be the filmgoer’s destination.

The hotel and its atmosphere

Hôtel Barrière Le Normandy is deeply integrated with the lore of Deauville. In fact, its opening in 1912 contributed to the high-rolling reputation of this seaside resort town. Today, the hotel is still widely regarded as one of the top hotels in the region. It’s the posh, chic choice for those choosing Deauville as their destination.

The design, atmosphere, and facilities of Barrière Le Normandy play on Deauville’s mythos and encompass its traditions — starting with the Anglo-Norman architectural vernacular, the half-timbered façade, and the unique roof. And the opulent Belle Époque interiors fit the heritage perfectly. Think thick rugs, needlepoint armchairs, crystal mirrors, and countless chandeliers.

The large reception salon, which is also the main thoroughfare of the hotel, is always busy. There is always some group checking out or in, valets and hotel porters pursuing errands, and guests of the restaurant and the bar always spill over to the main hall. In contrast — if you cut from the main entrance across the hall and to the courtyard — the outdoor bar space there feels remote and relaxing. Similar tranquility can be experienced in the garden courtyard adjacent to the restaurant.

Rooms and facilities

Speaking of which, the food at Hôtel Barrière Le Normandy was a highlight for us. Certainly, the breakfast selection left nothing to be desired. La Belle Époque restaurant, a contemporary brasserie, is where all meals are served, and the menus reflect inventive and delicious cuisine that enhances regional dishes with exotic flavors.

Another highlight of our stay was the guest accommodation. Our room was designed with the perfect mix of seaside chic with the French sense of elegance. High-quality linen and pillows ensured a luxurious sleep.

But this seaside city resort offers much more. The range of facilities includes health and fitness. There is an indoor pool and spa with a diverse menu developed around thalassotherapy themes and linked to the traditions of early-20th-century baths. A standalone facility is a casino located in another building, though a discreet corridor connects it to the hotel.

Hôtel Barrière Le Normandy’s location, right in front of the Deauville wide beach — with the Planches, the famous wooden boardwalk — puts it right in the heart of the action. And rightly so. After all, the famous beach is one of the reasons people continue to come to the town.

in our opinion

We came here to enjoy the sea breeze, walk on the beach, and soak up the atmosphere of Normandy's most popular beach destination — and that is exactly what we got. All that, plus the luxury and comfort of a heritage hotel. It's very easy to see why the hotel has many repeat guests.

Don't miss it: Barrière Le Normandy is one of our picks in The Best Hotels in Normandy for an Authentic French Escape.

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What we love

• The priority for the hotel is the comfort of the guest accommodation. The rooms have lovely decor, good views (fifty-six rooms have sea views), and quality linens for the best night's sleep. Twenty-one rooms come with private terraces.
• If you're looking for an extra special room, book the magnificent 58m² suite dedicated to A Man and a Woman, which Claude Lelouch filmed at the hotel (and for which he won Palme d'Or in 1966).
• Speaking of which, what makes the hotel unique is its history and a string of famous guests, including Churchill, who came to the beaches of the Côte Fleurie for his holidays. So did King Alfonso XIII of Spain. The Prince of Wales celebrated here his 30th birthday.
• The spa has a diverse and interesting menu, offering everything from facials to deep body to more unconventional items such as infrared and laser treatments or "aerial detox."
• Excellent breakfasts. The buffet selection is wide and diverse, and the staff is always on hand to ensure the coffee is topped up and any other extra needs fulfilled.
• In winter 2015-16, Le Normandy closed for a colossal renovation — for the first time since its inauguration in 1912. They've done a splendid job, as the interiors are top-notch.
• The hotel's seafront location calls for a special mention. Le Normandy is located by the seafront promenade, offering easy access to the famous Deauville beach.

What you should know

• The hotel is relatively large (271 rooms), and sometimes it feels crowded, though never chaotic. Breakfasts are busy, but the staff will find you a table in no time (don't count on a quiet table unless you can sit on the outdoor patio).
• We were happy with the roaming space in our suite, but many rooms are on the small side (and so are the bathrooms). Watch out for the minibar prices.
• Barriere also has a casino on separate premises, if you are interested in that sort of thing. As you check in, the hotel will present you with a champagne voucher to use in the casino. (We gave it a pass. TravelPlusStyle.com does not endorse gambling).
• What to see in the area? We stayed at Hôtel Barrière Le Normandy to experience the seaside resort life of Deauville. But, if you want to venture a bit further, check out the charming Trouville, picture-perfect Honfleur, or, in the other direction, the pretty village of Beuvron-en-Auge.
• It takes only two-and-a-half-hour to drive to Deauville from Paris, making it the perfect weekend beach escape. It can also be a great first stop on a Normandy road trip (You can visit Normandy by train, but it's better to explore the region by car. Check Rentalcars to compare car rentals and find the best price.)