
Some people come to Normandy on an historic pilgrimage to Mont St. Michel, or to see the Bayeux tapestry, but for many of us Normandy is most closely associated in our historical minds with more recent events: Dunkirk and the D Day landings. The D-Day beaches stretch along 80km of stunning coastline, steeped in history and emotion. From the powerful memorials to wide, windswept sands, this region is a must for anyone seeking to connect with the past. You’ll find a hotel to match every mood here—charming B&Bs in Bayeux for history buffs, stylish stays in Le Havre with sea views, or family-friendly options in Cherbourg. Wherever you land, our handpicked hotels put you close to the stories that shaped history.
For a D Day themed property

- Just two houses away from the seafront in Arromanches les Bains, the D Day Aviators is a townhouse turned four room B&B. You can probably tell from the name what the theme is here, and they have an excellent collection of WW2 aeronautical artefacts, mostly displayed in the lounge like a mini-museum. The four bedrooms are only tied to the theme with their photographs, and are otherwise simple and elegant, with beautiful fireplaces and lighting, wood floors and a balanced use of chintz fabrics. There’s also a courtyard where they have two real propellors rescued from crash sites!
For a Château Hotel

- Elegant and romantic, the Château la Cheneviere is an 18th century château just back from the coast at Omaha Beach. Offering all the luxury of a fine hotel, but in a château setting, these 29 large rooms and suites are decorated with the height of modern luxury in mind, and there’s a cocktail bar, a classical French restaurant, a heated pool and tennis courts. Plus you’re surrounded by the château’s beautiful gardens and parkland.
- The Château la Ferriere is less of a hotel, more the sort of place you come and imagine you’re paying a visit to well off friends with a country mansion! This is because it still feels very much like an elegant home, and there are just five rooms, individually styled with their own parquet and toile du jouy, chandeliers and drapes, antiques and busts. The location, just outside Bayeux, and set in beautiful grounds, helps too. There’s no restaurant, but they do offer breakfast.
- Classically beautiful, with the kind of huge elegant windows and ornate iron and stonework that châteaux are known for, the Château d'Audrieu was built in a beautiful spot in the 18th century, and is surrounded by elegant grounds. These days there’s a pool and tennis courts too. Inside there are 29 rooms, varying in opulence, but all boasting original features, antiques and pretty patterns. The restaurant is gourmet, and you’re not far from the coast around Arromanches les Bains.
For a family friendly hotel

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Le Grand Hotel, Cabourg is a large, elegant hotel right on the seafront, in the tradition of grand seafront hotels. It has 70 rooms and suites, in all sorts of shapes and sizes, many with huge windows or private balconies overlooking the sea. Expect all the mod. cons. and a choice of restaurants and bars.
- If you’d like a bit more space to yourselves, Les Rochers, a lovingly restored, 16th century rustic feeling manor house, has a gîte, which is perfect for families wanting their own space. It’s also got a large duplex room, also great for families, and six totally modernized, airy rooms decorated with an eclectic mixture of art, furniture and finds. You’re surrounded by fields here, aside from the courtyard, which is perfect for badminton or pétanque. There’s no restaurant, but they can provide gourmet suppers on request.
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La Ramade- A peaceful garden retreat with roomy family suites, games, and space to roam. Ideal for exploring Normandy’s coast, castles, and villages—plus nearby Mont Saint Michel is a hit with all ages.
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Le Clos St Martin, Caen- Stay in a stylish, history-packed mansion with spacious family suites. Kids get their own space, babies get cots, and parents enjoy chic surroundings just steps from museums, abbeys, and charming city strolls.
For a B&B

- Just a short walk from Pegasus Bridge, the Manoir'Hastings is a 17th century farmhouse, now offering four guestrooms for B&B. The farmhouses’s interiors have ben totally refreshed, retaining some of the exposed stone walls and beams, but creating a collection of light airy rooms, and an elegant restaurant in the process. The restaurant is known for its exemplary French cuisine, so useful to know even if you’re not staying here.
- If you want to accompany your explorations of the D Day landing sites with a rural escape perfect for contemplation, the right choice for you might be the Manoir de Benerville, a striking property in a wonderful position offering views of the surrounding area. Quintessentially French in design, both inside and out, the Manoir’s five rooms have just the right amount of chintz, the lounge is very elegant and there’s a beautiful garden with a pool. This is an adult’s only hotel.
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Clos de Bellefontaines is a stylish sandstone-fronted B&B in central Bayeux. Elegant rooms with chandeliers and high ceilings. Relax in the charming garden after visiting WWII landmarks or the famous tapestry. A warm, intimate base for history lovers.
The Best Value Hotels Near the D Day Beaches

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Ferme de la Ranconniere is a collection of four lovely old buildings, set in picturesque countryside, and combined to make a 35 room hotel complete with an atmospheric restaurant specialising in local delicacies, a tennis court, large grounds and some lovely courtyards and terraces. Inside there’s a traditional feel of exposed stone, and beams, pitched ceilings and tiled floors, and, as you can imagine, not many of the rooms and suites are alike. There’s plenty of family-sized options too, but we especially like it for the clever use of these four traditional charmers, and for the price.
- Soak up Normandy charm in Hotel Tardif, a beautifully restored mansion with elegant rooms and tranquil gardens. Wake up to a delicious breakfast before exploring Bayeux’s cathedral, tapestry, and nearby Mont Saint-Michel. A peaceful and characterful retreat packed with thoughtful touches.
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Villa Lara, Bayeux- Stay in a stylish period mansion steps from Bayeux’s cathedral and tapestry. Antique-filled rooms offer cathedral views and rich fabrics, blending historic charm with modern comfort. Ideal base for exploring D-Day beaches, biking trails, and Normandy’s iconic sights.
Still not sure which to book?