Landing in Paris early in the morning, picking up a rental car and heading to Giverny to visit Monet's gardens. Need an overnight stop nearby before driving to Bayeux the next day. Don't want to go too far (jet lag), currently booked into La Chaîne d'Or in les Andelys, but considering a switch because the onsite restaurant is closed on Tuesdays. Where would you stay? Is Vernon plain and non-charming, should we push on to Rouen? Thanks.
Posted by
11154 posts
Les Andelys would be a good choice. After landing, jet lag and visiting Giverny , you will be exhausted. If coming to Paris from another location in Europe, stay farther away in Honfleur
Posted by
IJzendijke, The Netherlands
1971 posts
Les Andelys is certainly lovely and La Roche-Guyon too a few km east of Giverny. If you stay in Les Andelys a half hour drive north you can visit Lyons-la-Forêt.
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1819 posts
We stayed at La Chaine d'Or several years ago. It is a charming old hotel situated right on the banks of the Seine. I still remember that view; be sure you reserve a room with a view of the river. If the restaurant is closed, I am sure there are other choices in the town. Amusing note about that restaurant - we discovered they followed the very old custom of giving madame a menu which did not show prices, only the menu given to the man showed prices. (The hotel has since changed hands.)
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10188 posts
A Paris-based US food writer did an article in the NY Times a few years ago on his weekend in Normandy and his stay in Vernon. He ate well and slept well. I'd just stay there.
Posted by
139 posts
We stayed at Villa Allienor in Les Andelys and had a view of the medieval castle out the window. Really good breakfast.
We asked for a rec on a nearby restaurant and they said the place up the street was "normal" and was a favorite of that trip for us Americans, whose normal isn't that good.