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Les Jardins de Coppelia (Normandy)

GETAWAYS • Normandy

A slight drizzle fell on a chilly winter day as we made a right onto a dirt path to find Les Jardins de Coppelia, a 19th-century manor turned boutique hotel. We were greeted with a hot beverage by the fire in the lobby. As soon as we warmed up, we were shown to our modern, elegant room, with a view of the orchard on one side and the ocean on the other.

Mid-afternoon, the drizzle ceased for a bit. We changed into bathrobes and slippers and headed outdoors to the spa, where we made use of the jacuzzi, sauna, and hammam, relaxed, and witnessed a sensational sunset. The weather changes quickly in Normandy, so we spent the rest of the evening by the large moose-embellished chimney with a gentle fire and a backgammon game.

It was midweek and low season when we visited, so the restaurant from chef Lilian Douchet, Le Capucine, was closed for dinner. However, the hotel provides room service with a smaller menu in line with their contemporary bistronomic approach. The dishes incorporate local products and influences from around the world — marinated beef tataki, herb-stuffed Camembert, and a simple terrine de campagne. It’s a modern cuisine, where freshness is key, and possible thanks to their permaculture vegetable garden.

The cherry on top was breakfast in bed: tea, coffee, fruit, eggs, bacon, bread, pastries, juices. A subtle combination of peace, grace, charm and remarkable service, only two hours away from Paris. –Marie Sadron

→ Les Jardins de Coppelia (Normandy) • 478 Route du Bois du Breuil • weekend king from 257 €.