Getaway to the Manoirs des Portes de Deauville

In this article, I’d like to take you on a getaway to the Manoirs des Portes de Deauville hotel, located not far from Deauville in the Calvados department in Normandy. It’s a region I adore and have traveled through extensively, but I hadn’t yet experienced the famous seaside resort of Deauville. This stay was quite short, but it has definitely inspired me to return for a longer visit to explore the area and uncover more beautiful hidden gems to share with you.

Half-timbered manors in Deauville, courtyard with main house and tall trees.

Half-timbered manor at Portes de Deauville with terrace and vegetation.

Les Manoirs des Portes de Deauville manor made of stone and half-timbering.

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Hotel Les Manoirs des Portes de Deauville

This beautiful 4-star establishment is located at the gateway to Deauville, making it an ideal place to recharge while enjoying both Deauville and its surroundings. At the heart of this 2.5-hectare estate lies a stunning 16th-century manor that was once the property of Corneille’s sister. The playwright himself stayed there for several summers during that era. The Manoir de Prétot (the former name of the estate) was built in 1540 in the Pays d’Auge style, famous for its half-timbering and steep roofs. It still retains its authentic charm today, including its original flint stone flooring. You can even see old graffiti, carved with a knife into the manor walls, depicting sailboats typical of the Normandy coast.

Following the site’s acquisition by the Buildinvest Group in 2017, it took several years of work to restore the property, and the hotel has been open since July 2019. This boutique hotel welcomes those seeking tranquility and currently features 27 rooms & suites (sleeping 70 in total) spread across a manor house and 9 cottages, each named after its former function (the coaching inn, the guard house, the forge, the press) or a location on the estate (the secret field, the pond, the hazel grove, the orchard). The cottages, scattered throughout the park, offer a very bucolic and intimate accommodation, like a little rustic bubble in the heart of Normandy.

The interior decoration was designed by architect Amélie Buvat and offers a minimalist aesthetic that pairs perfectly with the historical context and the “family home” spirit of the premises. The manor’s main living room, with its large fireplace, offers a particularly friendly atmosphere—the perfect spot to end your evening by the fire with a glass of Calvados in hand.

To reach the Manoirs des Portes de Deauville from Paris, the easiest way is by car (a drive of about 2 hours), but it is also possible to travel by train (the nearest station is Deauville), followed by a taxi ride to the hotel.

Half-timbered house at Manoirs de Deauville with lawn terrace.

Typical half-timbered house at Manoirs de Deauville. Photo by Nicolas Dioléz.

Norman manor with half-timbering and shingles and garden, Les Manoirs des Portes de Deauville.

Wooden staircase and half-timbering in a Norman manor with tapestry.

Bright wood fire in a large antique fireplace with a rusty poker.

Half-timbered manors with garden and tile roofing, Deauville.

Garden at Manoirs de Deauville with a circular flowerbed and half-timbered houses.

Hammock hanging between a tree and a post in a green garden.

Ancient stone millstone with lichen, near a birch trunk, Manoir Deauville.

Woman walking in an orchard lane under a metal arch at Manoirs de Deauville.

Our suite in the Manor

There are 4 rooms and suites in the main manor, and we were lodged in the suite located on the 2nd floor, under the eaves. The decoration in the rooms is minimalist, with soft, soothing tones. This attic suite has undeniable charm, and it feels like a little cocoon outside of time.

Attic living room with exposed beams, light-colored sofa, and red velvet armchairs.

Attic bedroom with exposed beams, white bed, and small-pane window.

Living room under the eaves with exposed beams, modern furniture, and antique chest of drawers.

Attic interior with exposed beams, mirror, red armchair, and Louis XV chest of drawers.

Modigliani-style painting on white wall, marble and black metal lamp.

The cottages

We also had the opportunity to visit a few cottages to see what they were like, and I’ve included some photos below to give you an idea. The old bread oven, once restored, was transformed into a summer pavilion. The stables, as well as the gatekeeper’s house, have been converted into cottages.

Half-timbered Norman house with garden, Les Manoirs des Portes de Deauville.

Norman half-timbered manor with deck chairs on the lawn.

Half-timbered Norman house, Les Manoirs des Portes de Deauville.

Attic bedroom with white bed, bedside tables, and artwork at Manoirs de Deauville.

Woman sitting in the sun in front of a half-timbered Norman house.

Relaxation at the pool house

The hotel features a wellness area with a heated outdoor pool, as well as an indoor sauna and jacuzzi. We used the bathrobes left in our room for this purpose to enjoy a moment of relaxation at the pool house, and we didn’t regret it!

Wooden building with signs "Le Pool House", "Salle de Réunion", "Spa - Sauna" and outdoor furniture.

Woman relaxed in a jacuzzi, wooden sauna nearby.

Woman relaxing in a wooden sauna with thermometer and hygrometer.

Woman relaxing in a bubbling jacuzzi at Les Manoirs des Portes de Deauville.

The hotel bar

The hotel offers a cozy bar in the manor’s lounge, featuring a mix of velvet, rattan, and black wood, as well as brass-rimmed bistro tables. In the evening, bottles of spirits, wines, and soft drinks are made available to guests in the style of an honesty bar. I particularly recommend ending your evening by the fire, with an old Calva… It’s a small pleasure that shouldn’t be refused and is meant to be savored.

Roger Groult Calvados Pays d'Auge Vénérable bottle and tasting glass.

Tasting of amber spirits in a tulip glass held by a person.

Breakfast in the manor lounge

Breakfast is served buffet-style (from 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM) in the manor lounge (or in your room), and on sunny days, you can also sit outside and enjoy the estate’s beautiful grounds. The hotel offers a lovely selection of local products, which I particularly appreciate (local cheeses and charcuterie, yogurt from a local farm, Normandy apple juice…).

Breakfast in a room with exposed beams and half-timbering.

Strawberry and orange tart on a white display stand, with fruits in the background.

Pastries and sliced bread on a buffet, serving tongs.

Woman having breakfast at Les Manoirs des Portes de Deauville.

Hotel Les Manoirs des Portes de Deauville ****
30 D677, 14800 Canapville
Rates: starting from 200€ per room in low season / breakfast 18€ per person
Link to the hotel’s website

Ideas for things to do in Deauville and the surrounding area

During our short stay at the Manoirs des Portes de Deauville, we took advantage of the time to go for a few walks in the area around the hotel. I’ve listed some nice ideas for visits nearby below. Obviously, a quick visit to Deauville is a must; unfortunately, the weather was bad on the second day when we went, so I have few photos of the city and weren’t able to walk around much, but I assume it’s very pleasant.

For a bit of history, the town of Deauville was built between 1860 and 1864 on an old marsh that had to be drained. With the arrival of the train and the construction of several leisure spots, the town grew and became a popular destination for the Parisian bourgeoisie. Later, after the Second World War, Deauville opened up to international and mass tourism in the 60s and 70s.

Villers-sur-Mer beach with rough sea and restaurants on the seawall.

Calvados Experience

This place offers a multisensory and interactive guided tour in the heart of Normandy, from the Viking era to the present day, following the trail of Calvados. You’ll learn about the transformation process, from the apples in the orchard to the most Norman of spirits. It was an opportunity for me to discover that Calvados is the result of double distillation (to earn the Calvados Pays d’Auge appellation), just like Cognac. This alcohol is made from apples and cider that is distilled and then aged in oak barrels, and then blended at the end of the aging process, at which point the product has reached approximately 40% alcohol.

The tour ends with a tasting of the Père Magloire brand’s products. Afterwards, you can visit the gift shop to take home a little tasty souvenir from your visit, or perhaps to share your new discovery with friends and family…

Light projection of yellow roots on a black background in front of an opening where people are entering.

Night market scene with a blue fountain and half-timbered houses, Calvados Expérience.

Cooper's workshop with tools and illuminated barrels, Calvados Expérience exhibition.

Spectators seated watching an immersive projection of an orchard, Calvados Expérience.

Exhibition scene with projection of a Norman orchard, stone wall, and old cart.

Copper still and red distillation tank at the Pere Magloire distillery.

Facade of Calvados Père Magloire and Calvados Expérience with visitors.

Bottle of Calvados Père Magloire X.O. on a counter, reflection visible.

Three bottles of Calvados Père Magloire, Fine VS, VSOP and XO, on a display stand.

Bottle of Calvados Père Magloire XO 200 years (1821-2021).

Calvados Expérience Pere Magloire shop with bottle displays and visitors.

Tasting interior at Calvados Expérience with wooden bar and barrel sculpture.

Calvados Expérience Père Magloire
Route de Trouville / 14130 Pont l’Evêque
Open all year round except December 25th and the first two weeks of January
Tour duration: approximately 40 minutes
Tour rates: 9 € adult / 6 € child / free for children under 6
Pro tip: in October, on the occasion of International Calvados Day, admission is free for everyone!
Link to the Calvados Expérience website

Visit to the Villa Strassburger in Deauville

This beautiful villa, a listed Historical Monument, is an archetype and the flagship of Deauville’s Belle Epoque style. It was built in 1907 on the site of an old farm in a mix of Norman and English architecture. The villa is best known for its last owner who gave it its name, Mr. Strassburger (a press publisher) who bought it in 1924, mainly because it was located right across from the racetrack. He then donated it to the town of Deauville in 1980, and today you can visit it through guided tours (for dates, see the Deauville tourism office website, for which I have provided the link below) or rent it for events.

The villa also has a very beautiful Norman garden with apple trees, which produce a confidential cider vintage served at cocktail parties organized by the town or that you can buy at the Deauville tourist office.

Villa Strassburger with half-timbering and checkerboard patterns, Norman style, by Nicolas Diolez 2022.

Entrance of Villa Strassburger: staircase, paintings, and glass door.

Antique bedroom decorated with bed, fireplace, and large curtains near the windows.

Old framed painting of a brown horse in a landscape with a wooden fence.

Plaster bust of a man in a suit, reflection of Villa Strassburger, Dr. Nicolas Diolez.

Historical red living room with chevron parquet flooring and striped curtains.

Period bedroom furnished with desk, floral armchairs, and bed, La Villa Strassburger.

Antique bedroom with grandfather clock, classic furniture, and large French doors.

Majestic interior staircase with carved banister and blue carpet at La Villa Strassburger.

Antique wooden phonograph on a small table in a furnished room.

Villa Strassburger
Av. Strassburger, 14800 Deauville
Guided tour rates: 7.50 € / 5 € reduced (from 5 to 17 years old) / free under 5
Link to the page with information and tour booking

Discover Les Franciscaines Deauville

This incredible and unique place opened its doors in May 2021 in the heart of Deauville. Les Franciscaines is a multiple cultural venue that brings together a cultural space, a media library, a museum (which houses the André Hambourg collection), a performance hall, an exhibition space, around an uncompartmentalized and cross-disciplinary project. And it is above all a place to live, revolving around a cultural offering, since you can completely spend the whole day there as the offer is so rich and varied (by the way, I won’t hide from you that if such a place existed in Paris, I would certainly spend a lot of time there).

This project (begun in 2011), takes place in a 19th-century historical building, the former Saint-Joseph orphanage of the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters, covering an area of more than 6,000 m2. The renovation of this historical heritage by the Moatti-Rivière architectural agency is clearly a success, and the scenography and layout of the building really make visitors want to make the place their own. The result is a friendly and bright atmosphere for the site, which offers many spaces (open or more intimate) for multiple experiences. I was particularly charmed by the cloister, covered by a high contemporary glass roof that covers the old interior garden and is illuminated by the prism of a very beautiful monumental chandelier.

Entrance of Les Franciscaines Deauville with information panels and woman with a red umbrella.

Les Franciscaines Deauville building, facade and outdoor artwork.

Modern interior Les Franciscaines Deauville with stone walls and contemporary furniture.

Interior Les Franciscaines Deauville: round table, director's chairs, bookshelves, and paintings.

Paintings exhibited in a gallery at Les Franciscaines Deauville.

Bright reading area at Les Franciscaines Deauville with yellow armchairs and shelves filled with books.

Portrait of a woman with blond hair by Kisling in a golden frame at Les Franciscaines Deauville.

Reader in an orange reading corner at Les Franciscaines de Deauville with bookshelves about horses.

Modern reading room at the libraries of Les Franciscaines Deauville with white table and shelves.

Interior of Les Franciscaines Deauville: modern library with glowing shelves and painting.

On the program: shows are offered in the venue’s auditorium, which is located in the old chapel; the museum, which presents the André Hambourg collection, a 20th-century painter very attached to Deauville; quality temporary exhibitions (until June 5, 2022, you can discover the exhibition “You are a tree!”); a refectory with all-day dining; a beautiful and large media library with plenty of content to consult on-site or borrow.

Painting of an alley lined with yellow trees, characters walking on a street in Deauville.

Sepia sketch of Les Franciscaines Deauville by Nicolas Diolez.

Interior exhibition Les Franciscaines Deauville, visitors looking at paintings near a modern staircase.

Expressive close-up painting of a dark tree trunk and branches, blue sky visible. Nicolas Diolez.

Wall sculpture made of wood and twigs seen at Les Franciscaines Deauville. Photo Nicolas Diolez.

Art gallery interior at Les Franciscaines Deauville, tree photographs.

Amazonian tribe walking in the forest near a painted tree. Photograph Nicolas Diolez.

Les Franciscaines Deauville
145b Av. de la République, 14800 Deauville
Open every day except Monday (outside school holidays) from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Pro tip: access to Les Franciscaines is free and open in the media library spaces and the various universes (outside of exhibitions)!
Exhibition rates: 10 € full price / 8 € reduced / 3 € youth and solidarity price
Friendsciscaines Pass: annual subscription that allows borrowing from the media library collections, free access to the André Hambourg museum, and reduced rates for shows and temporary exhibitions, 60 € individual or 100 € family
Les Franciscaines is celebrating its 1st anniversary of opening with a special evening on May 21, 2022: free access to the “You are a tree!” exhibition and an anniversary ball!
Link to Les Franciscaines website

My top spots in Deauville and surroundings

As usual, you will find below my selection of top spots around the Manoirs des Portes de Deauville (several restaurants) that we had the opportunity to test during our stay with the favorite photographer, and also a suggestion that we were unfortunately unable to test because of the weather (the Trouville fish market). These addresses often offer the chance to discover local products and some regional specialties to taste if you come to Normandy.

Three pieces of grilled abalone served in their shells on a bed of salt.

Fresh oysters on ice with lemon and mignonette at restaurant La Digue de Villers.

Where to eat in Canapville? Auberge Du Vieux Tour

This restaurant, located in Canapville, offers in collaboration with the Manoir des Portes de Deauville, a Room-Service menu that is accessible to hotel guests by prior order. I recommend it, because we were able to test the quality of this address during a dinner buffet that had been prepared for our arrival at the hotel.

Platters of smoked salmon and appetizers with toothpicks.

Rillettes or spread with garlic croutons in a black bowl.

Platter of assortment of mini fruit tarts and meringues Les Manoirs de Deauville.

Caterer buffet: canapés, skewers, toasts, and appetizers on wooden boards.

Mini-sandwiches and appetizer canapés on wooden board near a glass of red wine.

Grilled langoustines and shrimp on a white plate.

Auberge Du Vieux Tour
Closed Wednesdays in winter season
36 D677, 14800 Canapville
Link to the restaurant’s website

Where to eat by the sea in Villers-Sur-Mer? Restaurant la Digue de Villers

This beautiful restaurant is located facing the sea in a modern and comfortable setting. It offers high-quality fine and inventive cuisine that brings regional classics back to the fore and offers good local products that are very well prepared.

To taste: the 6 Asnelles n°3 oysters (Calvados production / 15 €); the Plouguerneau abalone roasted with hazelnut butter (25 €); the “label rouge” salmon with black sesame and tangy citrus cream (24 €); the tuna tataki with curry sauce (25 €); for dessert, the apple cooked in caramel with a fleur de sel shortbread and vanilla ice cream (9 €); for drinks, I recommend you taste a Pays d’Auge cider because I always find them excellent.

Poached egg on toast, creamy sauce, and edible flowers, Restaurant La Digue de Villers.

Restaurant La Digue in Deauville with woman sitting on the wall.

Salmon steak with black sesame crust on a bed of sauce, decorated with salmon roe.

Revisited Tarte Tatin with vanilla ice cream and caramel at restaurant La Digue de Villers.

Lemon cream tartlet, redcurrants and blackberries, meringue, restaurant La Digue de Villers.

Interior of restaurant La Digue de Villers with sea view and diners seated.

Entrance of restaurant La Digue with wooden terrace and retractable roof.

Restaurant la Digue de Villers
Avenue de la République 14640 Villers-sur-Mer
Price: menu with starter + main course + cheese or dessert at 42 €
Link to the restaurant’s website

Where to eat seafood in Trouville? The Fish Market

Due to the weather, we weren’t able to eat there as planned, but the idea is to sit at the tables in front of the Trouville fish market and feast on the good seafood products found at the stalls.

Trouville Fish Market in front of a wet paved square.

Trouville Fish Market with heated terrace "Les P

Trouville Fish Market with seafood display and red sign.

Seafood platter: oysters, langoustines, crab, lemon and parsley.

Trouville Fish Market
Halles aux poissons / 152 boulevard Fernand Moureaux 14360 Trouville-sur-Mer
Open every day from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Where to eat in Trouville? Restaurant Les Vapeurs

This “Parisian-style” brasserie with an Art Deco flair is ideally located in front of the Trouville fish market and has been cultivating its simple and friendly atmosphere since 1927. It’s the right place to enjoy a seafood platter and shellfish, fried smelt, or mussels Normande style (so with cream, of course).

To taste: seafood platters (58 € for 1 person but in reality I find it is sufficient for two); bouchot mussels in Norman cream (18 €); the ice creams and sorbets are from Martine Lambert, an ice cream maker established in Deauville since 1981; for a drink, once again I recommend you taste the farmhouse cider from the Pays d’Auge (18.50 € a bottle).

Moules marinières as a main dish with seafood and oysters on a platter.

Fresh seafood platter with langoustines, crabs, and oysters.

Seafood platter with shrimp, oysters, whelks, ice cubes, lemon, and sauces.

Bistro interior Les Vapeurs Trouville with dining room and staircase.

Restaurant Les Voiles Les Vapeurs Trouville red and white facade with striped awnings.

Brasserie interior Les Vapeurs Trouville with red bench seats and set tables.

Crème fraîche in a red ceramic pot with a spoon, dessert in the background.

Restaurant Les Vapeurs
160 quai Fernand Moureaux 14360 Trouville-sur-Mer
Link to the restaurant’s Facebook page

Thanks to the Manoirs des Portes de Deauville and Tiffany from the Fort et Clair agency for the warm welcome. And thanks also to the In Deauville tourist office!

Villers-sur-Mer beach with coastal restaurant and cloudy sky.

I hope that with all this, I have made you want to discover Deauville, and if you also have your own top spots and tips for this destination, feel free to share them in the comments!

White goat with a beard looking at the camera in a green field, near the Moulin d'Andé.

Find all my articles about the Normandy region below:
⇒ All my articles about Normandy

MY ARTICLES ABOUT THE DEPARTMENTS OF NORMANDY
⇒ The Orne
⇒ The Seine Maritime
⇒ The Eure
⇒ The Calvados
⇒ The Manche

Photo credits: Nicolas Diolez
Photos not royalty-free, photographer's authorization mandatory before any use