Normandy’s rich history, rugged coastline and handsome harbour cities are an easy hop from the UK and the region welcomes plenty of Brits each year. We visit for the iconic abbey, beaches and memorial sites, and stay for the excellent food and wine. Use any of these charming Normandy gîtes with pools as your launchpad to the area and you’ll feel nicely smug rustling up local delicacies in smart kitchens for convivial meals, sleeping soundly in cloud-comfy beds and splashing about in glittering pools.
La Brocanterie, Manche
This airy, art-filled house near the beach makes for a perfect multi-generational holiday with plenty of space, a secluded courtyard and large pool. A brilliant marriage of old stone, modern design and reclaimed timbers, the U-shaped Normandy farmhouse is so cleverly linked that you don’t notice the joins.
The pebbled courtyard on one side, the pool and deck on the other send light through generous windows onto the squishy sofas, distressed brocante and glorious timber gallery of the huge living area which feels both luxuriously sophisticated and totally relaxed. The kitchen is filled with everything the modern cook could want and you can keep an eye on the children in the pool while you cook. Bikes are waiting so venture out to explore markets, beaches, pretty towns.
“An absolutely superb villa. Really well equipped and super comfortable for a big group. The pool was awesome.” – Guest, Jeremy
Gîte de la Motte Féodale, Eure
This thoroughly elegant and spacious lodge was once part of a mediaeval estate and you can still see the grassy mount and dungeon tower. Arrive to a welcome hamper in the living/kitchen area and bay windows opening to green views. Listen to music, read books by the fireside, dine in the vaulted hall or slope off to your very own spa with an indoor pool and jacuzzi.
In summer you’ll be glued to the deep terrace, eating meals at the enormous wooden table, firing up the Weber barbecue and listening to the peace broken only by birdsong and bleating sheep. The owners can organise a chef for a mediaeval dinner (costumes provided), archery lessons, summer lunches in the garden, or sunset drinks and nibbles.
“I spent a weekend at this wonderful 12th-century residence with its mediaeval charms and 21st-century comforts. The pool and the spa allow you to completely relax and unwind.” – Guest, Rodney
Clos L’Abbé, Manche
In a Normandy hamlet near the sea, leafy walled grounds envelop the old doctor’s house, now sumptuous with its fine features all retained. Discover a world of luxury: plush leather sofas and 18th-century floors, estate logs for the great old hearth, and a fabulous kitchen for chefs. Best of all, for rainy days, a spectacular indoor pool and spa (sustainably heated by solar panels and air source heat pumps) with huge windows gliding open to the terrace.
Book a chef to cook you the finest Normandy can offer, or hop in the car to Agon-Coutainville, for lobster and chips by the sea. There’s a great Saturday market in Granville, 30km, and a boat to the Chaussey Islands. The Bayeux Tapestry, D Day beaches, Mont St Michel are all close.
“This is an impressive place to stay and much appreciated by guests. What stands out most to me is the care and consideration Thina and Christophe have put into making every detail as perfect as possible!” – Inspector, Nicky
Haras du Gazon, Orne
Come for two large, bright, smart gites at either end of a converted coach house, with stabling in between – handy for horse-lovers. There are impressive formal gardens to stroll and two tennis courts, a games room, and a covered (unheated) swimming pool. Indoors all is impeccable: sturdy mahogany sleigh beds and attic ‘dormitory’ singles under slanting beams and skylights.
All around are lush Normandy country views. The friendly Holfords live in the adjoining main house on their showcase 18th-century stud farm; watch them training their 100-or-so well bred show jumpers. Visit Caen, Bayeux, markets and the Landing Beaches.
“We had a truly wonderful week here. The swimming pool, next to the pond and rose garden, was really clean with plenty of sun loungers to relax. There’s so much to do in the surrounding area too…I wish we’d had longer to explore.” – Guest, Helen
La Reverie, Manche
This neatly-converted old farmhouse sits on a quiet country lane just minutes from sandy beaches. Families will adore gathering here, to float in the big pool, cook on the barbecue and muck about in the games room. Or to head out and buy fresh oysters, crab, mussels direct from the producers or eat them at one of the many pop-up restaurants during the summer.
Visit cool beach bars – sometimes they have live music – or cycle along the peaceful lanes (you’ll find bikes to borrow) into Gouville, 3km, for your morning croissants and baguette and the Friday market. Bedrooms (one downstairs with a door to the garden and pool) are large and light with lovely views. On rainy days, light the wood burner and watch a movie on the projector.
“A great place for a small group: cool modern interiors, smart tech, lots of space, pool and hot-tub. James, the owner, is very welcoming and knowledgeable.” – Inspector, Nicky
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Carmen McCormack
Guest Expert
Carmen is a freelance writer specialising in travel. She once lived in a bus in north Wales, skipped off to study in Barcelona, and now calls Bristol home. When she’s not tapping away on her laptop, she can be found reading (a lot), lake swimming (a little), and pottering on the allotment with husband and two kiddos. She’s currently dreaming about cold cerveza and torta in Mexico.
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