Looking for a perfect New Year’s Eve getaway? Avoid over-crowded New Year’s Eve parties and try something a little different. Normandy offers plenty of alternatives to the stereotypical end of year bash, so read on if you’re after a new way to see in the new year!
Unusual places to stay for an original New Year’s Eve
For an original New Year’s Eve just the two of you or with friends, lay down your bags in an unusual accommodation.
Why not treat yourself or your second half to a dreamy night in an authentic chateau? In Sissi’s castle, in the chateau where Maupassant was born or in the magnificent setting of the Champ de Bataille for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve!
Looking for something historic? Treat yourself to a night in a medieval mansion or castle!
And what if, to mark the occasion, you chose a holiday with all the comforts of home, in top class accommodation by the sea or in the countryside?
Sleep on the Mont-Saint-Michel
What better way to see in the New Year that in one of the most beautiful bays in the world? The nearby town of Granville, Normandy’s very own ‘Monaco of the North’, is one of the best places around the Mont-Saint-Michel to enjoy parties till dawn.
To start the New Year in style, head to one of the most beautiful bays in the world! On the Mount itself, we recommend the Auberge Saint-Pierre, with its cosy yet sophisticated decor. As you can imagine, toasting to the New Year in such a place comes at a premium, but if your room overlooks the bay, the view is totally worth the money!
Another address, this time for lovers of medieval architecture, is La tête noire guesthouse, also in the village centre, overlooking the beautiful bay.
Moving a bit further away from the Mont-Saint-Michel you’ll find another stunning place worth considering for a NYE getaway, the Château de Chantore. Stay in the Mont-Saint-Michel suite for splendid views of the gardens with the Mont-Saint-Michel in the background. On Christmas Eve, the week’s festivities kick off with an atmospheric candlelit dinner.
On the Flowered Coast
Book a table at Le Deauville, overlooking Deauville’s marina, sip champagne and mingle with friends – who could want for a more perfect New Year’s Eve?
Before the festivities begin, indulge in a spot of retail therapy in Deauville or enjoy a stroll in Trouville-sur-Mer on the other side of the Touques river. Looking for a last-minute accessory to complete your NYE outfit? You have a vast choice of luxury clothing stores in Deauville or in the nearby town of Honfleur at the Honfleur Normandy Outlet.
Feel free to also prolong the cruise theme at La Péniche, on Deauville marina, which offers diners a special NYE menu.
Spend a night (or more) in a fort overlooking the sea
Rent a room or the whole fort for your New Year’s Eve party! This highly original venue, the Napoleonic Fort du Cap Lévi, can accommodate 15 people. The fully equipped dining room can seat up to 35 guests. You can prepare your own food or hire the caterer of your choice. I don’t know about you, but we can just see ourselves enjoying a good breakfast in the early hours of 1st January and then setting off for a walk along the coast. Pets are welcome too!
A superb gite on a stud farm
Picture a beautiful country cottage in a peaceful setting with wonderful farmland views in the middle of a stud farm. The self-catering Loft du séchoir à Lin close to Argentan in the Orne département is one of our favourite places to spend NYE and we’re not the only ones according to fabulous reviews. The loft, located above the old stables, accommodates up to 10 people. Contemporary style, a spa and sauna and a gas barbecue on the terrace all contribute to the charm of the place. A guest sums up her experience: “This cosy, spacious, convivial retreat is great for groups of friends or families. The jacuzzi® is a real hit!” During the festive season, a bottle of champagne and other snacks are offered to guests.
Eat in a cale car!
From early November to early January, La Maison Bleue restaurant by the sea, in Courseulles-sur-Mer to be precise, will go into winter mode! 2 gondolas, each seating up to 4 people, will be installed on the terrace. In addition to the usual menu, you can expect a few culinary surprises. Come and spend an exceptional New Year’s Eve with your family or friends on 31 December (lunch or dinner) and 1 January (lunch). Don’t hesitate to book!
A crazy NYE in Normandy’s most famous cabaret!
If you’re looking for a true festive atmosphere and don’t mind a bit of fantasy, head to the largest cabaret in Normandy, La Sirène à Barbe (drag queen – cabaret – music hall), located in the heart of Dieppe. The whole troupe of the cabaret, led by Diva Beluga, awaits you for an extravagant show entitled ‘La vie est une fête!’ As an hors d’oeuvre, you’ll be treated to a cocktail dinner. Bring on the glitter!
Take the plunge on New Year’s Day!
If you’re feeling adventurous on 1st January, there is an alternative to stuffing your face with leftovers and overindulging in champagne. Around the region, locals brave the cold to take part in freezing organised sea swims in Dieppe, Etretat, Fécamp, Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer and Deauville. This invigorating tradition welcomes bathers from all over Normandy who meet for the first sea swim of the year in 7° water, wearing either a basic swimsuit, wetsuit or silly costume. A wholly refreshing experience and great fun too!
In Deauville, the pre-swim warm-up takes place with music, the ultimate motivator, 15 minutes before the swim. After the swim, hot drinks and snacks are offered to participants (upon registration).
In Cabourg, the last bath of the year is celebrated on 31 December. Meet the happy crew of swimmers wearing traditional Belle Epoque swimsuits in front of the Grand Hôtel for an energising swim to music performed by a brass band! Drinks and traditional madeleine cakes are waiting for all participants after the swim.
For more information, contact the local tourist offices directly (Dieppe, Etretat, Fécamp, Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer, Cabourg, Deauville, etc.)
Thematics