Chalet David Hockney

Chalet David Hockney Overview

Honestly, when I first pulled up to Chalet David Hockney on Route du Haras, I wasn’t sure what to expect – I mean, a boutique hotel named after the British pop artist in rural Normandy? But walking through the doors, it all clicked immediately. The owners have created something genuinely special here, sort of an art lover’s dream tucked into the Orne countryside. You know what struck me first? The way natural light floods through these massive windows, which makes sense given the Hockney connection – there’s this almost California-meets-French-countryside vibe that shouldn’t work but absolutely does. The interiors feel curated without being precious about it, if that makes sense. Original artwork everywhere (not just prints either), mid-century furniture that actually looks lived-in rather than museum-perfect, and these little design touches that keep catching your eye days later.

What I love about Saint-Germain-d’Aunay is how properly rural it feels – you’re genuinely in horse country here, which explains the “Route du Haras” address. I’d wake up to actual birdsong rather than traffic, and honestly, after a few days of that 9.3 rating making total sense, I started understanding why people book this place for longer stays. The owners clearly know their stuff when it comes to hospitality, but they’ve managed to avoid that over-polished boutique hotel feeling that can make you feel like you’re disturbing a showroom. Check-in was refreshingly personal – they actually remembered I’d mentioned wanting local restaurant recommendations and had a handwritten list waiting. Speaking of food, while they don’t do full restaurant service, the breakfast situation is excellent, and they pointed me toward this incredible little bistro about ten minutes away that I never would’ve found otherwise.

The rooms themselves feel more like staying in a stylish friend’s guest house than a traditional hotel – and I mean that in the best possible way. Everything works properly (decent wifi, powerful shower, beds that don’t leave you with a crick in your neck), but there’s character in the details. My room had this gorgeous vintage rug and what I’m pretty sure was an original piece of local art, plus French doors that opened onto views of actual countryside. Parking’s easy and free, which matters more than you’d think when you’re exploring this part of Normandy. You’ll want a car here anyway – it’s about 45 minutes to Caen if you need city amenities, but honestly, the whole point is embracing the slower pace. The area gets busy during summer months with Parisians escaping to their country houses, but shoulder seasons are perfect. I visited in early October and had hiking trails practically to myself, plus that gorgeous autumn light that probably would’ve made Hockney himself reach for his brushes.