Lyons-la-Foret, France
Hôtel Le Grand Cerf
Timber-framed coaching inn
Timber-framed coaching inn
The inn preserves the rhythm of a seventeenth-century coaching stop, rooted in village market life and the surrounding beech forest.
What it’s good at
Notable
A seventeenth-century coaching inn retaining original stone fireplaces and exposed structural beams.
Notable
A treehouse treatment cabin perched inside a centuries-old sequoia beside thermal baths.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The setting in a half-timbered country house on the main square of Lyons-la-Forêt … is almost impossibly picturesque.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
The front doors face the seventeenth-century timber market hall, and beech forest walking trails begin moments away.
The rooms
Beds in several rooms are crafted from reclaimed forest branches. Sloped ceilings and flannel duvets add to the cabin feel.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
The spa & gym
Restaurant
Le Bistro du Grand Cerf
Tables look out through tall windows toward the covered market, and an open kitchen prepares traditional Norman dishes.
How it began
The 2009 restoration joined the coaching inn with an adjacent butcher shop, using salvaged timbers to rebuild the structure.
Lyons-la-Foret
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La Licorne
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.