Lyons-la-Foret, France
La Licorne
Norman coaching inn
Norman coaching inn
The 17th-century coaching inn keeps its village pace, opening from the timbered square into rear gardens and a farmhouse spa.
What it’s good at
Listed
Interiors styled in neutral palettes with four-poster beds and freestanding clawfoot bathtubs.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Hôtel La Licorne & Spa dates back to 1610, and its timber-framed façade is quintessentially Norman in style.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Half-timbered houses ring the square outside. Footpaths head straight from the village into one of Europe's largest beech forests.
The rooms
Bedrooms are finished in neutral tones with framed photographs. Selected rooms have clawfoot bathtubs or four-poster beds.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The 70-square-metre heated pool extends from a timbered farmhouse pavilion out onto garden lawns lined with cabanas.
The spa & gym
At the table
Michelin-starred La Licorne Royale serves Norman dishes in a beamed room decorated with handwritten letters from Napoleon Bonaparte.
How it began
The inn was founded in 1610 as the Cheval Blanc, becoming La Licorne in 1678 along the Paris to Dieppe postal route.
Lyons-la-Foret
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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.