10 iconic Normandy MICE venues

There could hardly be a more iconic venue, the very first hotel of the Barrière Group, opened back in 1912. On a stretch of seafront immortalised on the silver screen, it counts among its 271 rooms one suite named Un homme et une femme, after Claude Lelouch’s famous film, in part shot here. This is a place for when you’re after an exclusive address for an upmarket gathering or reception that’ll make an unforgettable impression.

Head into the countryside some 10 minutes south of the city of Caen to learn about the very trendy production here of flax, the speciality at this family-run establishment practising mixed farming. Flax has a long history in Normandy, as you can learn on a discovery trail, while the house can be reserved for gatherings of up to 50 people. This makes a really unique and original place at which to organise a business gathering.

A few kilometres from the D-Day Landing Beaches, this 17th-century château provides a chic setting, taking you back in time with its period furniture and formal French-style gardens. The atmosphere is both traditional and exclusive. The reception rooms can be given over to small-scale events, while the grounds can be used to host refined entertainment.

The well-named Château de la Crête stands in an exceptional location in the resort of Granville, looking to sea and down on a wild stretch of coast. The views across the Bay of the Mont-Saint-Michel and to the Chausey Islands add a memorable dimension to any event held in this elegant home. There are four reception rooms at your disposal (for up to 200 seated), plus two large outside spaces.

Thinking of organising an event in a major historic monument? It’s possible here, in this centuries-old fort built during the Hundred Years War, that has kept its moat and memories of famed royal visitors. This prestigious building belongs to France’s Centre des Monuments Nationaux, which can rent out one of its reception rooms to you for gatherings of up to 140 people, along with use of the grounds.

To refresh participants in both mind and body, that’s the aim of this resort in the thermal spa town of Bagnoles de l’Orne, in the splendid natural setting of Les Andaines Forest. You can get back to the source of well-being in so many ways here! For business gatherings, the place offers a fine mix of work, sporting and leisure activities. As well as accommodation comprising 158 apartments, there are over 25 meetings rooms available.

Some 100km from Paris, the Château d’Argeronne makes a majestic destination at the gateway to Normandy. The building, boasting 350 years of history, strikes quite a pose with its stately staircase and extensive grounds, plus the nearby forest. The setting lends itself to many permutations, with room for gatherings of up to 400 people. Among the attractions are a lovely historic vaulted reception room, a gîte and an equestrian centre.

This timberframe mill has many a tale to tell thanks to its long history and visitors here feel like they’re stepping back in time. Just 1hr 30mins from Paris, it stands on its own private island, the Seine flowing by. With its unique, typically Norman setting, this 4-star establishment has 13 rooms, a traditional gourmet restaurant and two reception rooms, making it ideal for small business gatherings.

Like a hamlet nestling in the countryside, this ensemble comprising an historic manor house and 9 cottages offers typical Normandy charm in rather exclusive surrounds. You’re not far from the fashionable resort of Deauville and all its events, a mere 10 minutes away. The discreet 4-star luxury afforded in the 27 rooms and the very well thought-out decor make this an ideal venue for an upmarket event. There’s a 45m2 space well suited to business meetings too.

As its name indicates, this 18th-century home had the honour of welcoming Empress Elisabeth of Austria in her day. It has preserved a certain Belle Epoque elegance, set in 11 hectares of grounds boasting fine trees. It all makes a truly delightful place for a business gathering, what with its 28 rooms and 6 reception rooms… or then you might consider it for a garden party, so close to the cliffs of Normandy’s Alabaster Coast.