The Manoir du Lys ★★★★

“If you go down to the woods today…”, my daughter is always singing. But this time, it was mum and dad’s turn to be in for a big surprise with a romantic getaway in the Normandy countryside. The Quinton-Lebailly family own a former hunting lodge now converted into a superb four-star hotel, the Manoir des Lys. We made our way here for a lovely country break, and discovered the wonderful bonus of chef Frank Quinton’s award-winning restaurant.

When we arrived at the manor house we were transfixed by the idyllic setting. Enveloped in the Andaine forest and surrounded by a three-hectare park, the beautiful timber-frame structure of the former hunting lodge looks pretty as a picture, just brimming with charm. As we took the path through the orchards and wild flowers, we almost felt like walking on tiptoes. And our pretty accommodation was just as surprising. It was raised on stilts, and as it was on the edge of the forest, we felt far away from it all in our very own wooden pavilion. But while the setting was deliciously wild, inside we benefited from modern comforts. Treating yourself to luxury in the heart of nature and the forest, you have the best of both worlds. You can feel the peace of the area surrounding you.

The Quinton-Lebailly family welcomed us like old friends, with all the hospitality that goes with it. Here, there was always someone to guide us when we needed it. They showed us the best places to forage for wild plants and mushrooms, and advised us on the best places for eating and visiting in the local region (the BO Spa Thermal, for example, which is only five minutes away by car). In the restaurant, the sommelier will help you choose a wine to go perfectly with your meal.

Indeed, the restaurant is a reason for coming to the Manoir du Lys **** in itself, with Chef Franck Quinton at the helm. Sitting by the fireside in the restaurant or on the outdoor terrace, you will feast on gastronomic cooking with magical touches from the forest. We enjoyed all the flavours from the local Normandy region, which Franck Quinton knows like the back of his hand.

After such a feast we slept very well and woke up the following day trying to choose from the great list of things to do. You can try out archery, go for walks in the countryside, hunt down the Bagnoles de l’Ornes Rose, or play a round of golf at the forest golf course. And of course there’s the thermal baths to try too! In town, you can go on a guided visit to learn about the ‘Belle époque’ neighbourhood, the château and the numerous celebrities who have visited the area.