An inspired base for families touring the Normandy coast, Les Manoirs, a 6km (4 miles) hop from Deauville, is an ultra-friendly grand hotel built around an ancient Norman mansion. Borrow one of the hotel’s free bikes for a slow ride past the deer and rabbits living in the 7 hectares (17 acres) of tranquil grounds. Light and airy guestrooms in the mansion combine period features with fine linens and furnishings. Suites in the newer building are ultra-modern and can interlink to accommodate large families.