Grownup Accommodations

Boutique Accommodations in France

Ooh La La! The options when it comes to boutique accommodations in France are numerous and varied. With so many historic destinations and properties, it’s hard to find something that isn’t unique in this country. Even some of the well-known hotel names repurpose interesting buildings that have their own individual characteristics, so there’s no need to go cookie-cutter here.

GIVERNY

Ô PLUM ART, Giverny

O'Plum'Art Giverny

Owned by the same chef who runs Le Jardins des Plumes hotel and restaurant, this boutique inn is its pretty little sister property. Exquisite decor and meticulous attention to detail (‘feather’ embroidery reflecting the name on the pillowcases and linens) are the hallmark of this small property right in the town of Giverny. Each room is unique, and the bathroom in ours was so huge it resembled a limestone spa.

O'Plum Art Giverny Inn bathroom O’Plum Art’s spa-like bathroom

Breakfast was just as thoughtful, including sugar ‘feathers’ instead of cubes for your coffee and tea. You just can’t fault that degree of French chic. Definitely worth staying overnight when visiting Giverny and Monet’s Garden.

HONFLEUR

HOTEL DU DAUPHIN, Honfleur

Hotel du Dauphin Honfleur

The pretty town of Honfleur with its old port and medieval cobblestone streets are a favourite destination for both French and international visitors, so accommodations can get very scarce, especially on weekends. But the Hotel du Dauphin has rooms spread over 3 buildings, so not only do they have many rooms, each building has a different feel. We stayed in a modern, funky room in the same building as their beachy-themed spa, and although it wasn’t large, the bathroom was spacious, the view over a courtyard was quiet and pretty, and the location was walking distance to absolutely everything. Plus the breakfast buffet was better than your average croissant with both hot and cold selections. Enough to prepare you for a day exploring Honfleur and its attractions.

Breakfast Hotel le Dauphin Honfleur

ROUEN

NOVOTEL ROUEN CENTRE CATHÉDRALE, Rouen

Novotel Rouen Centre Cathedrale exterior

Recently opened in an art deco property right on the banks of the river Seine, this new Novotel property offers modern style and amenities that you would expect from the Novotel brand, plus proximity to both the riverfront and downtown (it’s about a 10-minute walk to the historic Old Clock). The rooms are large, with windows that actually open, sleek bathrooms and high-speed connectivity for all your digital devices. The lobby is home to a large restaurant where an expansive breakfast buffet is offered, and there is even paid underground parking which comes in very handy for road trippers who are driving to the country for business or pleasure.

If it’s pleasure that brings you to the city, check out some of the best things to do in Rouen.