Stay at this Historic French Mansion
Walking through a city like Paris, I’ve always wondered what all of the apartments looked like above the stores and cafes.
I recently got to stay in a beautiful upscale flat, in the city of Caen, France. It’s north, in Normandy, and we used it as a base for our travels through the region.
The building itself is an 18th Century mansion, transformed into several floors of rentable guest apartments.
Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the owner is well-known designer Laurence du Tilly, whose fine, eclectic taste is evident from the moment you step inside.
The entry features a colorful common room, with interesting lighting choices, cozy furniture, a fireplace, and (my favorite touch) even a nicely-stocked “honesty bar.”
We stayed in the second floor flat, decorated in a contemporary style.
I was hoping for old, wooden floors and great views from the floor-to-ceiling windows, and it delivered.
For an American (and maybe for anyone) the view of the courtyard outside was “perfectly French,” if you know what I mean. The architecture, the roofs, the chimneys, and the cobblestones created an ideal environment outside to match the interior.
Speaking of the interior, the kitchen area is perfectly efficient, and tucked against the wall.
The bedroom and bathroom down the hall were creatively designed. The shower is a longer space, which goes along one entire wall of the bedroom, running into the sink.
While the entire building was full of different dried flower arrangements, I loved the added touch of fresh flowers. Blooming tulips were tastefully spaced out in nooks on the different floors.
Delivery of fresh bread each morning is an added bonus, and was definitely appreciated!
Staying at this historic property is very reasonable, and you can check rates and dates here or at any hotel booking site by searching “Chez Laurence du Tilly.”
Beyond the doors of the townhouse, the city center and restaurants are a quick walk down the street.
Caen itself surpassed my expectations as a city, and is another example of me (as an American) focusing too much on Paris. France is full of gorgeous, historic towns and cities which are all worth exploring.
As I mentioned in other blogs and videos, Caen is a great place to rent a car from (after a train ride from Paris) to explore sites like Mont Saint-Michel, Etretat, Honfleur, and the beaches of Normandy.
