Le Grand Hôtel Cabourg-MGallery
Cabourg, France
Les Jardins du Casino, Cabourg, France, 14390
Original Property Opened in 1907
Historic Hotels Worldwide member since 2018
Straddling the majestic Norman coastline is Le Grand Hôtel Cabourg-MGallery, a luxury hotel that has been entertaining guests for more than a century. First built during the 1860s, ambitious hoteliers reconstructed the Grand Hôtel in 1907 to serve the town’s flourishing tourist population. Word of the luxurious building spread quickly, attracting many creative people to the hotel. The most famous among them was the world-renowned French author Marcel Proust. From the time the building reopened until the eve of World War I, Proust was a regular guest. The hotel left a clear impact upon his life. It served as the basis for a fictional seaside resort named the Balbec that appeared in his celebrated, voluminous novel, In Search of Lost Time. Due to the profound influence it left on the author, the French Ministry of Culture registered the Grand Hôtel as a historic monument in 2014. Cabourg is a popular seaside destination, with thousands of people traveling to the town’s shoreline every year. And the Grand Hôtel can help its guests enjoy a memorable day out at one of Cabourg’s splendid beaches. Guests can rent accessories directly from the hotel, as well as relax along its serene private beach. Guests can also venture out into the surrounding Pays d’Auge valley to visit the many pastoral medieval villages that dot its landscape. From here, guests can travel to the numerous cultural landmarks scattered throughout the region, such as Dives-sur-Mer, the ancient city of Caen, and the D-Day invasion sites. Only two hours away from Paris, the Grand Hôtel is a wonderful place to start an unforgettable trip.
Discover
- Discover the grand historic accommodations of this magnificent historic hotel. Many renowned guests have stayed here ever since the Le Grand Hôtel Cabourg-MGallery first debuted in 1907, including the famed French author Marcel Proust. Proust frequently resided in room 414 of the hotel.
- Admire the amazing Belle Époque architecture of Le Grand Hôtel Cabourg-MGallery. Its structural significance is so great that the French Ministry of Culture designated the building as a “monument historique” in 2014.
- Walk to the Plage de Cabourg just beyond the front door of Le Grand Hôtel Cabourg-MGallery. This stunning local beach is among the most visited in all of Normandy. It features a wealth of activities to enjoy, such as sunbathing, kite surfing, and paddleboarding.
Explore
- Explore L'Abbaye-aux-Hommes in nearby Caen. This beautiful Norman abbey was constructed by William the Conqueror in 1063—just three years before his historical invasion of England. It stands today as one of the most important Romanesque buildings in the entire region.
- Take a day to travel to Le Château de Caen. Constructed by Duke William of Normandy (who would later become William the Conqueror) this imposing castle is one of Caen’s most distinguished historical landmarks. Le Château de Caen has been a “monument historique” since 1886.
- Visit Musée et site de la Batterie de Merville nearby. Now a museum, this extraordinary historic site was once a German coastal battery that guarded several routes from the English Channel into Caen. It was one of the first places to be attacked by Allied forces during the D-Day landings of June 6, 1944.
Experience
- Experience the luxurious Casino de Cabourg mere moments away from the hotel. Over the last century, this fantastic venue has developed a reputation as a well-respected music venue. It has hosted several, high-profile musicians throughout its history, including Edith Pilaf and Charles Aznavour.
- Gaze upon the remarkable artwork featured in the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Caen. Housed inside the illustrious Château de Caen, the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Caen contains a fascinating collection of European art from the 14th to the 21st centuries.
- Tour the breathtaking Mémorial de Caen. This incredibly interesting, yet somber museum pays tribute to the Allied soldiers who died while liberating the city from German occupation during World War II. It is a must-see when visiting Normandy.
Taste
- Taste some fantastic seafood from the English Channel. Be sure to try “marmite dieppoise,” (a native dish from nearby Dieppe), which is a seafood stew served in a casserole pan. A number of the town’s outstanding outdoor markets offer this delicacy daily, such as Halle du Marché.
- Enjoy a glass of Calvados when staying in Cabourg. This lovely beverage is an apple (or pear) brandy that is served all over the region. Delight in some Calvados at such places like the hotel’s very own La Promenade.
- Savor a delightful Norman food known as camembert. Camembert is a creamy cheese native to Normandy that has a consistency similar to Brie. Travel along the Camembert Cheese Trail and relish this wonderful treat firsthand.