Calm and charm are the keynotes of this lovely 19th-century maison de maitre, 10 minutes walk from Bayeux’ famous tapestry. The guest wing has 3 antique-furnished bedrooms: a sumptuous double in stylish white, a cosier double next door, and a pretty twin snuggling under the eaves. Spacious and elegant common rooms include a large chocolate and white sitting room with fine carved fireplaces, a grand entrance hall, and an elegant dining room where owner Carole Mallet serves her celebrated breakfasts.
In summer you can sit out on the south-facing terrace overlooking the vast and verdant garden. Having regaled yourself with home-made apple tart, fresh fruits, local cheeses and a host of other goodies, it’s an easy stroll into the centre of this historic stone town, made famous by William the Conqueror’s half brother Odo who commissioned the tapestry to decorate his newly built cathedral.
Highs
- Carole's homemade breakfasts are magnificent, and she and Jerome will do anything to make you feel comfy - lighting a fire in the evening, or booking restaurants
- We love the huge and tranquil enclosed garden, with its ancient trees and sunny spots to sit
- The guests' part of the house is separate, and has its own entrance
- There's secure parking inside electronically controlled gates
- Beautiful Bayeux is everyone’s favourite Norman town, and you are within easy reach of the D-Day landing beaches too
Lows
- With only three rooms you need to book well in advance if you want to stay at this wonderful place
- The top-floor twin, with its sloping ceilings, is not great for tall guests (but perfect for children)
- This is a homely, historic B&B so don’t expect TVs, hairdryers or other gadgets
- If you really don’t like children you might think again, as Carole and Jerome have four - but you won’t hear a thing as their part of the house is totally separate
Best time to go
Its at its best between March and November. Avoid August if you don’t want to be disturbed by children playing. Come in the winter for blazing fires and lovely walks; come in summer if you fancy some serious lazing in the sun.
Our top tips
In the first week of June the town stages a D-Day commemoration week; while during the first weekend of July, locals don medieval costume for the Medieval Festival. If you can conincide with either of these, do.
Location
Le Clos de Bellefontaine is in central Bayeux, in Normandy.
By Air:
Caen (30km) is the closest airport, or you can fly into Paris (250km). Click on the links below for a list of airlines serving these airports, but do bear in mind that from southern England it is no quicker to fly, and much more carbon-intensive than the ferry.
By ferry from the UK/Ireland:
Bayeux is easy to reach from southern England, and Caen is just 40 minutes away by car (half of that on motorway). Portsmouth-Caen is a popular route. Otherwise Cherbourg is 1.5 hours’ drive away (30 minutes on motorway), with regular sailings from Portsmouth or Poole.
By Train:
If you'd prefer to travel overland from the UK, take the Eurostar from London to Paris, then the train from Paris St Lazare to Bayeux (approx 2 hours).
By Car:
If you want to hire a car, please see our car rental recommendations.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to France and getting around
Airports:
- Caen 30.0 km CFR
- Paris Charles de Gaulle 250.0 km CDG
Other:
- Beach 10.0 km
- Shops 1.0 km
- Restaurant 1.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 2 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape