La Ferme Saint Simeon

The concierge Laurent is the best concierge I’ve ever had. So nice with great advice. Email him for suggestions before you arrive. This is a farm where many impressionist painters hung out. The buildings can be seen in paintings. Ask Laurent for the tour of the grounds so you can hear the stories about Monet, Boudin and others. Good food, nice people, comfortable. I thought Honfleur was hectic and touristy but this hotel is away from that but a 5 minute walk to the old town which is very touristy. I did not like Honfleur that much but we visited so many wonderful surrounding towns. This was a good base to see Le Havre, Etretat, Deauville, Beuvon en Auge and others. Don’t miss the Boudin museum and the La Havre museum and brutalist church. Very nearby and worth it!

I have been all around the world. 70 countries. This place stands among the most beautiful and cozy places I have ever spent some time. The dining and bars are incredible. The little town down the hill is beyond charming. This is the quintessential French experience, especially when you are visiting the War Sites of Normandy.

It is quite amazing the enthusiasm French people express for Honfleur. While the 15th century architecture is remarkable, and we had one of the best meals of our lives at le Lingot, it is the equivalent of holidaying at the Newcastle Port. There is major industrial activity and the highlight of the view, quite literally, was the methane flare that continued to grow in size and volume over the two nights we stayed. The hotel itself was fine, although not worth the price. And while the staff did put in some effort to address our unhappiness about our bath not working (which we paid an additional 200 euros to have) and provided a small refund, it took many hours before they believed the issue was legitimate and many frustrating conversations before we were treated with the respect customers should receive.