The northern Channel Ports of Calais, Boulogne and Dunkirk are a cinch to get to from the UK, but still very European. They’re rich in historic sights, beautiful beaches and glorious places to eat and drink, so worthy of more than just passing though. The southern Channel Ports, Caen, Cherbourg and St. Malo might not be quite so well known as the northern ports, but they have oodles of charm, and incredible historic stories to tell too. It wasn’t easy for our Gurus to narrow down their picks of the best hotels near the Channel Ports, because this stretch of Brittany and Normandy is spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation options, from gorgeous châteaux to city style hotels close to the ports. They had to consider peaceful converted farmhouses and auberges, beach resorts and restaurants with rooms, but their final list has a range of all these accommodation types, so hopefully has the best hotels near the Channel Ports for families, romantics, foodies and beach-lovers and everyone inbetween!
For a Château Hotel
- For a truly authentic château stay, consider the Château de Beneauville with its elegant facade, five graceful rooms and suites and 50 acres of grounds. This is exactly the kind of building many of us would draw if we were asked to draw a château, possibly with even more character, and the interiors embody the château idyll too, with great hearths, beamed ceilings, wall-sized tapestries and antiques with their French patterns. The location is great for exploring the region, but there’s a lot to do on site too, from fishing to cycling. No restaurant, but they offer an indulgent breakfast.
- The Château du Colombier feels every inch the fairytale castle, with its graceful turrets and elegant stonework. Built in 1715 by a ship manager for the East India Company, the château today has 15 guest rooms and suites, with more fairytale features, like four-poster and canopy beds, chandeliers and huge shuttered windows. There’s a fine dining restaurant in the old dining room, with views onto the beautiful gardens.
- Château de Montreuil is a small but pretty manor house/château, painted white with bright blue shutters. The landscaped gardens offer peaceful views, the restaurant has a Michelin star and the rooms — many of which have four poster beds — are more than comfortable.
- The Château de Cocove, near Calais, is a classical 18th century château set in expansive parklands. The white facade makes for an especially promising approach. The 30 rooms, suites and villas are elegantly decorated, and have high ceilings to make the most of canopy beds and huge windows letting in lots of natural light. The restaurant is gourmet and the wine cellar is excellent. The communal salon and dining rooms have charming views over the grounds.
For Families
- The Hotel Vent d'Ouest in Le Havre is in a central spot in town, but still only a few minutes walk from the beach. It’s a chic hotel, with 35 rooms, suites and family apartments, and an old world nautical flair. Some rooms have private balconies, and three apartments are self catering, but there’s also a restaurant serving local delicacies, plus a bar and spa too.
- Clos Masure Hôtel de Campagne is set in a 17th-century farmhouse in rural Normandy. With an outdoor pool, a playground for the kids and a spa for the grown ups, it's a top family choice. Junior suites can easily accommodate two adults and two children under 12.
For Foodies
- Converted from a traditional, Dinard-style villa overlooking the Baie du Prieure near Saint Malo, the Didier Meril is a chic but affordable option. Its 11 rooms snd suites, some suitable for families, have white walls, exposed brick and simple details — many of them also have bay views. The restaurant is supervised by the man with his name on the front of the hotel, Didier Meril, and the gourmet cuisine is fabulous.
- The Hotel La Matelote is a seaside spot with an excellent fish restaurant, in Boulogne-sur-Mer. The decor is quite sumptuous, there's an underground pool and spa and it's got a Michelin star.
- The Ivan Vautier is a Michelin starred restaurant with rooms in the centre of Caen, which is a great base for exploring the D Day beaches and Bayeux. The hotel has 19 contemporary rooms and suites, with feature walls and unfussy details and all the mod. cons..
For Romance
- Les Pins de Cesar is a peaceful, coastal escape set in pretty gardens and woodlands on the cliffs north of Le Havre. It’s also one of our Guru’s picks for the most romantic hotels near the Channel Ports, and Normandy too. There are just 14 rooms and suites, all individually, and stylishly decorated, to make the most of the building’s historic features, but also adding to the mood of rustic romance. There’s also a beautiful indoor pool and spa.
- Château De La Marine is a château-come-B&B offering four elegantly stylish rooms. Enjoy romantic dinners in their gorgeous dining room and head off on long walks around the estate or down to the beach.
- Le Manoir de la Plage is a majestic seaside manor on the coast just outside Honfleur. The elegant exterior makes this feel like a special place to say, and the seven guest rooms offer a charismatic mix of the manor’s traditional features with contemporary style and comfort. The sunsets are idyllic, and if that’s not relaxing enough there’s a sauna, pool and hydrotherapy facilities.
For the Beach
- The Hotel Atlantic in Digue de Mer is an Art Deco styled seafront hotel with spectacular sea views and a fantastic seafood restaurant.
For a Rural Escape
- Only three kilometres outside Cherbourg, but feeling much more rural than that, the 16th century Manoir de la Fieffe is an elegant country château set in gorgeous manicured gardens. There are just four guest rooms, beautifully decorated in a French country style with lots of interest, which mirrors the exterior perfectly — but with bang up to date bathrooms. This is the perfect country escape.
- The Auberge de la Source is an historic timbered farmhouse outside Honfleur, turned charming auberge. Its 15 rooms and suites are decorated in a rustic chic style that mirrors the property’s exterior — with plenty of French country antiques to be envious of. The owners have been clever with the space and there are lots of different choices for room configurations, making it a good choice for families and groups. And they have bikes you can borrow.
- Le Prince Gourmand is a quaint farmhouse, painted white with charming blue shutters, and sitting pretty in beautiful gardens. There are just four rooms, all recently decorated and unfussy, with wood floors, whitewashed walls and a rustic collection of furniture. Homemade suppers and breakfasts are served in the garden when weather permits, and it’s a very French experience.
- Le Colombier is a charming country house conversion just moments from Wissant Beach. Accommodation comprises just four rooms, all light and airy, with whitewashed walls, crisp linens, and contemporary artworks. This is a peaceful base for exploring the area.
For Sightseeing
- Manoir'Hastings is a charmingly renovated 17th century farmhouse in Benouville, with four light, airy rooms and a fabulous restaurant specialising in contemporary French cuisine. The decor mixes French rural style with contemporary comforts, and there’s lots of outdoor space too. Caen is only ten minutes away, and you’re within a short walk of Pegasus Bridge, which was a key point in the D Day map.
For Great Value
- Le Landemer is a beautifully converted farmhouse right on the Normandy coast in Orville-Nacqueville. Its ten simple, contemporary rooms offer wonderfully unadulterated ocean views, and private balconies and terraces to enjoy it from. The restaurant is known for its seafood, and you’re just minutes from a sandy beach. Perfect for a romantic escape, but also exceptional value.
- Enclos de L'Eveche is an elegant townhouse in the centre of Boulogne, with just five rooms arranged around an intimate feeling courtyard. All are simple and elegantly dressed, with wood floors, large windows, and possibly a fireplace, and one suite is large enough to accommodate a family. Perfect for families, friends and groups looking to book an entire property.
- Le Cercle de Malines, set in a 19th-century house, boasts tasteful rooms from £75 per night. There's a lovely little garden in which to unwind with a book and even dogs are allowed!
Still not sure where to book?
