Facing the 11th-century cathedral across the square in medieval Bayeux, Hotel Villa Lara is a family-run gem in Normandy. You can stroll to the town's restaurants, and Omaha Beach is only about 6 miles away, so it's easy to split your days between the old town and the D-Day coast. Inside, it's classic French, with plum walls, honey-toned panelling, crystal chandeliers and deep striped armchairs. The cream-stone building fits in so well with its old neighbours that you'd never guess it was built from scratch in 2012. Warm, richly furnished and right in the middle of things, it makes a very comfortable base for the region.
/-0.7005952,49.2760952,6/600x400?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoidGltYnVrdHV0cmF2ZWwiLCJhIjoiY2poMGw1eHpkMmRkbDJ6bW8xYWZ5OGpjYyJ9.PYvAO7lUJ40SOpGvwmQLqw&attribution=false&logo=false)
The lounge sets the tone, with a fireplace, bookshelves and deep armchairs striped in plum, red and gold on a raspberry-red carpet. Much of the furniture was made by a French cabinetmaker, and the windows look towards the cathedral spire. In the bar, a black-and-gilt counter is stocked with Normandy Calvados and Champagne. Breakfast, served on red banquettes, brings Isigny butter, farm yoghurts, crêpes and eggs cooked to order. You'll also find a small gym, a boutique of French-made gifts and a little front garden of herbs and lavender.
Black-and-white patterned bedspreads, gilt frames hung in threes above the beds and the odd leopard-print armchair set the style in many of the 28 rooms. Others go softer, with duck-egg and sage panelling, toile fabrics, gilt mirrors and pale wood floors. Most look through tall windows to the cathedral's spires and stonework, and all are generously sized for a historic town centre, with marble bathrooms. The Suite has a separate bedroom, and if you're travelling as a family, some rooms connect.
End the day with a Calvados by the fire in the bar. Then head up to bed: in most rooms, the cathedral's Gothic spires fill the window.
Breakfast begins at 7am for the early risers, perfect to grab a croissant and coffee before setting out to explore.
With no restaurant on site, you'll be eating out every evening. Bayeux's restaurants are a short walk away, though, and reception is very good at finding you a table.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
Villa Lara Hotel can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made France trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended France trips featuring Villa Lara Hotel or get advice and suggestions from one of our France specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Villa Lara Hotel start from around $170, or US$170, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
Light-dappled scenes that intoxicated Impressionists mingle with the beaches of D-Day, bringing history to life before your eyes.
