In the 16th century, during a trip to Normandy, François 1st hunted in the forest called “le Petit Gouffern”, and the park of the hotel became a hunting estate. The first buildings of the Pavillon de Gouffern were erected during the 18th century: the exact site was carefully chosen in order to avoid harmful magnetic waves as the hotel is located between two ornamental lakes and skirted by an underground river.

In 1891, another floor was added, using wood from the trees in the park, in half-timber design typical of the Auge and Normandy regions. Thus the building acquired it’s unique architectural character: only the restaurant adjoining the back of the hotel separates the charming hotel from the 18th century hunting pavillion.

The hotel stands in a clearing in the middle of a 200 acre forest. With its artificial lakes to savour the calm delights of fishing and its bridle paths for riding, the hotel’s park reveals all the charm of an authentic Normandy experience.

With its panoramic glass canopy, the hotel’s restaurant directly overlooks the forest: savour a gastronomic lunch at the Pavillon de Gouffern amidst the soothing calm of nature; treat yourself to the unrivalled charm of dinner at the Pavillon de Gouffern, while roe deer and wild boar roam at the edge of the forest, just a stone’s throw from the hotel.

In January 2005, this charming hotel was entirely redecorated : the delightful 18th century hunting pavillion is today highlighted by a bold, trend-setting interior design, mingling warm tones of chestnut, plum and black with noble materials such as wood, leather and marble. At the entrance of the hotel, two small lounges provide a space for intimacy. The smoking room on the right of the hotel was traditionally reserved for men : Cuban cigars for relaxing moments between smokers. On the other side of the hotel, the “boudoir” lounge reserved for women, sporting a magnificent fireplace of traditional Norman design, caters to the gentle pleasures of life in a charming hotel. The winter garden of the hotel has been converted into cosy lounges, a club lounge with a piano, a bar lounge and a playroom for children. The carefully designed lighting in the hotel restaurant provides a variety of moods between the natural light of Normandy and the enchantment of lamplight.

On the 1st floor of the hotel, the charming bedrooms combine space and comfort : patinated walls and dark wood-panelling, spacious rooms, view over the forest and flat-screen televisions with cable TV. In the south of the Pays d’Auge, the Pavillon de Gouffern in Normandy offers unrivalled calm and luxury.

This charming hotel provides relaxation and leisure activities in the very heart of the Gouffern domain : walks in the forest, mountain bikes on loan at the hotel, fishing in the lake 800 meters from the hotel, heated swimming pool in the former vegetable garden and tennis court to keep fit.

The golf course in the park of the hotel provides an opportunity to practice in the charming setting of the south of Normandy.

The Pavillon de Gouffern is set in the heartland of the Normandy stud farms. Discover the many activities available at the hotel around horse riding: go for an enchanting ride in the forest of Gouffern, accompanied by a qualified riding instructor, learn about harnessing or visit the “Haras du Pin” stables in a calash.

The hotel has achieved it’s objective: to offer an easily accessible, charming stay in Normandy just 2 hours from Paris on the A28 motorway linking Calais to Bayonne.