Accommodation that’s out of the ordinary

If you’re after an unusual place to enjoy a lovely change of scenery, look no further. Cap Levi Fort was once a military Napoleonic sea fort, the last in Cotentin, facing the bay of Cherbourg and just by the coastal path, ideal for a good walk. It is now a unique guesthouse to spend a wonderful night cast away in a surreal setting.

What better way to get away from it all than to stay with the fairies? That’s the promise of the hosts of the ‘Cabane Beny des fées’, a chalet worthy of a Brothers Grimm fairy tale, where you can enjoy an enchanted interlude. For even more relaxation, this unusual accommodation for two offers access to a private spa.

Who has never dreamed of staying in a lighthouse for a few days, away from the world, rocked by the sea and the sound of waves? Isolated, timeless, mysterious, romantic: lighthouses hide a great charm. One of the two converted lighthouses in France is to be found in Fatouville, close to Honfleur. This iconic building dotted along our coast offers a truly unique trip away, with lodging provided in the lighthouse keeper’s cottages converted into guest rooms.

The Woody Park leisure park in Fécamp takes glamping to dizzying new heights. Set in a wooded park of 7 acres, adventurers can enjoy Tyrolean zip lines, a tree top canopy, paintball activities but also a fantastic camping experience. The adventure camp in the woods suspends canvas tents from the trees so you sleep dangling in the air. The tree tents combine the security and protection of a tent with the versatility and comfort of a hammock. The comfiest night’s sleep you’ll ever have while camping!

Head to the Eure department for a unique overnight experience in a hobbit house accommodation welcoming up to 8 people. Inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy trilogy The Lord of the Rings, you’ll love this experiential getaway with a medieval twist, giving off the quintessential hobbit house vibes just as if you were staying on a movie set. The surprising bathroom is housed in a cave. A contemporary swimming pool and jacuzzi complete the exterior of this wonderful hobbit house.

Would you consider sleeping inside a cider barrel for a stop on the Cider Route itinerary? If you are looking for a unique accommodation experience, a  friendly couple owning a traditional farm in the verdant Pays d’Auge is giving its guests the opportunity to do just that! Perfect to discover the mellow meadows of the Route du Cidre, or Cider Route, it is the only one of its kind in France celebrating cider, pommeau and Calvados…

I’m 16 metres high, 10 metres in diameter and my walls are 86 cm thick… I am: the Offranville dovecote! These are the (crazy) dimensions of this 16th century building, now restored as a charming gîte. Not far from Dieppe, this dovecote has 200 m2 of living space (spread over 4 floors), with 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a large living room with a fireplace. A special feature is the bread oven used as an outbuilding, a sort of miniature house.

Known as Domespace because of its dome shape, this accommodation is not only unusual but also very much in tune with the times thanks to its ecological credentials. Come and spend a night or more in these guest rooms. The round, contemporary house is made entirely of wood. It turns on itself and follows the rhythm of the sun! We owe this original initiative to Karen, the owner of the house, who will welcome you in this soothing and warm environment.

A transparent bubble, its terrace and its spa for 6 people, tree houses or lodges with a contemporary look, all with optional spa, or hexagonal lodges that look like observation huts… If you’re looking for unusual family accommodation, this is definitively the place for you. Add to this 4 tree courses, 2 giant zip-lines for adults and a mini zip-line for children, pony trekking, mountain bike hire, etc. and you’re on the verge of an unforgettable experience!

Welcome to Kota-Venture, in the heart of Normandy, a stone’s throw from the magnificent Roche d’Oëtre site. What’s a Kota? It’s a typical Finnish accommodation. Wood is everywhere. As for activities, there’s plenty to keep you busy: the Voie Verte at the foot of your quirky accommodation, a tree-top walk, the rail-biking track, Falaise and the castle of William the Conqueror nearby… You’ll be spoilt for choice!

There are several places in Normandy where you can sleep in a transparent bubble. And when you’re lulled to sleep by the gentle sound of the river, it’s a real highlight! Back in nature, in the heart of the Suisse Normande, you’ll have plenty of time to watch the stars from the comfort of this unusual tent.

You don’t often get to see a miniature thatched cottages, let alone have the chance to stay in one. Thatched cottages are the cornerstone of authentic Normandy. So what could be better than staying in tiny versions of them? Fully-equipped and set in the garden of the guest house with its own mini-farm, you’ll be seduced by their bucolic, rural charm.

Just 30 minutes from Rouen, stop off at Sierville. Climb aboard this completely renovated train, where nostalgia meets modern comfort. Renovated by a former SNCF (national rail) agent, Express Salon No. 14 630 was built in Prussia in 1910. It was confiscated as war damage after 1918. Over time, it was used by a private company as a school coach and arrived in Normandy in 1992. This 4-berth sleeper is the perfect opportunity to relax and dream of distant horizons. There’s no doubt you’re on the right track!

In the heart of the Bois-Jérôme-Saint-Ouen forest, discover a former water tower from the 1950s, converted into a cosy five-storey gîte. This little nest for two will enchant you, especially the views from the top floor, which offer a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding forest.