Having arrived recently, feeling a bit run down and on the verge of exhaustion due to my hectic Parisian life, it was essential for me to take a break. When Weekendesk offered me the chance to go for a short weekend in Normandy to discover the Hôtel la Licorne in Lyons-la-Forêt and the Nuxe Spa attached to the establishment, I felt like someone, somewhere, had heard my SOS and wanted to save me from the burnout that was starting to loom…
The only problem with the trip was getting there, because like most Parisians, I obviously don’t have a car, and Lyons-la-Forêt isn’t exactly accessible by public transport (to be completely honest, I didn’t even check where the nearest station was)… If a little getaway like this tempts you, I advise you to take a look at the Weekendesk travel agency website and their packages for weekends and short-themed stays. You will find high-quality, turnkey getaway ideas near you, and at attractive prices too, so why deny yourself?…
The pro tip: don’t hesitate to check out the current promotions section!…
Indeed, managing a car in Paris is quite a pain, not to mention that it costs an arm and a leg… So, we used the peer-to-peer car rental service Drivy to get there. The experience was really nice; the owner was very pleasant, she spent quite a bit of time with us at the start explaining how her little car worked, and she even dropped us off at the metro at the end of the stay. Great!
In short, it’s a collaborative consumption system (a topic I’m thinking more and more about writing a full post on!) that remains a really great deal. Cheaper than a regular rental service and so much more human, it’s a win-win for both the owner and the borrower, and everyone is happy.
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Table of Contents
Discovering the village of Lyons-la-Forêt
The idea of the weekend was to discover a short relaxing break less than 2 hours from where I live. Mission completely accomplished with these 2 days spent relaxing in the magnificent setting of Lyons-la-Forêt, considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. It is truly an architectural gem with its Norman half-timbered houses, colorful wattle-and-daub facades, and brickwork along the Lieure river, as well as its superb 18th-century market halls that stand majestically in the center of the village.
This commune, located in the Eure department in Upper Normandy, is part of the Vexin normand area and is located 40 km east of Rouen. It is truly the ideal place for a weekend getaway far from Paris.
The pro tip: on Saturday morning under the market halls, you can buy some local products and bring back some gourmet souvenirs from your stay. That’s what we did (poiré and pommeau are still in my luggage when I return from a trip to Normandy).
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The Hotel La Licorne
The hotel itself is also very conducive to relaxation. Very quiet (it had been ages since I slept so deeply) and with undeniable charm (I recommend it for a little romantic getaway for two), all the assets are gathered for a good time. The Hôtel La Licorne building dates back to the beginning of the 17th century and is said to be one of the oldest inns in France. It houses about twenty rooms and a gourmet restaurant run by the young chef Christophe Poirier.
Before hitting the road and returning to the Parisian bustle, we enjoyed the hearty breakfast at the Hôtel La Licorne and then had one last little dip in the spa pool, so as not to regret anything…
27 Place Isaac Benserade, 27480 Lyons-la-Forêt
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The Nuxe Spa
The relaxation part of the trip was provided by the Nuxe Spa, accessible on foot 5 minutes from the hotel, in a beautiful 600m2 Flemish-style Norman house. On the agenda: a large pool, part of which opens to the outside, a relaxation area with loungers, unlimited herbal tea and tea, a hammam, a sauna, and the option to get massages on-site. We tested a 30-minute duo relaxing massage in the perched cabin. A magical place with a beautiful view of the surrounding forest, perfect for relaxing under the expert hands of the masseuses.
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The Hotel & bistro Le Grand Cerf
Located right next to the La Licorne hotel, the Hotel Le Cerf is installed in a former 17th-century post house, and its decoration is inspired by the “forest” theme, highlighting the charm and warmth of wood throughout its 13 rooms. We didn’t stay there during our visit, but we were able to visit a few rooms…
The bistrot du Grand Cerf (which we tested during dinner) is a more affordable table than its neighbor, the Hôtel La Licorne. It remains of very good quality, with simple and well-prepared products and local cuisine. Expect to pay €31 for a starter, main course, and dessert for the “Découverte du Terroir” (Discovery of the Terroir) menu. Special mention for the excellent wild boar sausage.
The setting of the restaurant, all in wood, raw materials, attic beams, and terracotta tiles, gives a warm and authentic look to the place, with a “forest chalet” atmosphere. The nice little extra is the open kitchen, which allows you to see the young chefs in action while you eat.
20 Place Isaac Benserade, 27480 Lyons-la-Forêt
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