Nestling in the heart of Honfleur's historic quarter, the home of painter Henri de Saint Delis has been transformed into a 5-star luxury hotel of discreet charm and timeless elegance. A member of Relais & Châteaux, the Hôtel Saint Delis embodies the French art of living at its most refined: made-to-measure service, an intimate atmosphere reserved for adults, rooms with private hammams and total immersion in Normandy's artistic heritage. A truly confidential address, this establishment combines prestige, comfort and authenticity to offer its guests a unique experience. In this article, we take a closer look at the unique history of this residence, the top-of-the-range services on offer, the exceptional rooms and an example of a typical stay in Honfleur, ideal for making the most of the region in a luxurious and soothing setting.
A historic jewel in the heart of Honfleur
A 17th-century residence steeped in history
Located in the historic district of Honfleur, the Hôtel Saint Delis occupies a 17th-century bourgeois house, once the home of painter Henri de Saint Delis. This typically Norman half-timbered building, nestling at the end of a courtyard bordered by greenery, is the very embodiment of the town's discreet elegance and timeless charm.
In 2019, the hotel will be enjoying a renaissance thanks to a meticulous restoration programme. The aim was to preserve the authenticity of the original architecture while incorporating the modern requirements of a five-star hotel. The exposed beams, old terracotta floor tiles and period fireplaces have been preserved or carefully restored. Local craftsmen specialising in heritage trades were involved in the project, helping to breathe new life into this jewel of Honfleur architecture.
The legacy of the painter Henri de Saint Delis
Henri de Saint Delis, a leading figure in the Impressionist movement, lived in this house and produced some of his work here. The spirit of the painter still permeates the house today. Each room pays tribute to the artistic world of Normandy through a choice of refined furnishings and carefully selected works of art. The hotel itself becomes a living tribute to art and history, offering guests a true cultural immersion.
5-star accommodation from Relais & Châteaux
Elegant rooms with private hammam
The Hôtel Saint Delis offers nine rooms and suites, all different and decorated in a refined style combining contemporary furniture and period features. Each room has its own private bathroom with shower-hammam, a unique concept among the luxury hotels in Honfleur.
The classic rooms offer exceptional comfort in an intimate setting, while the superior categories - Deluxe and Junior Suite - are distinguished by their more generous volumes, views over the inner garden or the city's rooftops, and certain original decorative features (such as marble fireplaces or antique floors).
An intimate and refined atmosphere
The hotel, which is for adults only, offers a peaceful atmosphere conducive to rejuvenation. The limited number of rooms reinforces this impression of confidentiality, as do the deliberately small, hushed communal areas. A lounge with a fireplace, a library, a terrace planted with trees: every nook and cranny is an invitation to relax, in a discreet and assertive luxury.
A gastronomic and well-being experience
Breakfast with local and home-made products
Breakfast is served in a warm atmosphere and features local Normandy produce. Homemade jams, freshly baked pastries, farmhouse dairy products and seasonal fruit make up a carefully prepared buffet, which can be enjoyed in the dining room or in the comfort of your room. This morning meal is prepared in collaboration with chef Matthieu Pouleur, also chef at Ferme Saint Siméon.
Access to partner restaurants of the Saint-Siméon Collection
Although it does not have its own restaurant, the Hôtel Saint Delis enjoys an exclusive partnership with the gastronomic establishments in the Saint-Siméon Collection. Guests can book a table at La Boucane, a traditional inn nestling on the banks of the estuary, or at the Impressionnistes restaurant, in the heart of the Ferme Saint Siméon, an establishment that has been awarded 2 Michelin stars, all part of the same philosophy of excellence and art de vivre as the hotel.
Wellness and exclusive services
The Hôtel Saint Delis offers its guests a range of wellness services: in-room massages on reservation, personalised relaxing treatments, and of course private use of the hammam integrated into each bathroom. This "à la carte" approach allows for a tailor-made experience, in complete privacy.
For guests wishing to enhance their stay, the establishment can organise a range of personalised experiences These include horse-drawn carriage rides in Honfleur, outdoor painting lessons, gourmet picnics and introductions to activities such as kitesurfing in Deauville. These services are available on request and receive special attention from Steven, Clef d'Or and Maître de Maison.
An ideal location for exploring Honfleur
In the immediate vicinity of the Vieux Bassin and cultural sites
Le Saint Delis boasts an exceptional central location, just a stone's throw from the Vieux Bassin, the Eugène Boudin museum and Sainte-Catherine church. Everything is within walking distance, allowing you to explore Honfleur on foot, with its cobbled streets, art galleries and timber-framed houses.
A great starting point for discovering Normandy
Thanks to its proximity to major roads and easy access from Paris, Honfleur is an ideal base for visiting the region. From here, guests can travel to Étretat, the D-Day beaches, the Normandy abbeys and the typical villages of the Pays d'Auge.
Luxury break in Honfleur: 3 days at the Saint Delis
To give you a better idea of what the Saint Delis experience will be like, here is a suggested itinerary over three days:
Day 1 - Relaxation and artistic immersion
- Arrive at the hotel in the afternoon and check into your Deluxe room.
- Wellness break with a massage, followed by a private hammam.
- Gourmet dinner at La Boucane, less than 10 minutes' walk away.
Day 2 - Discovering Honfleur's heritage
- Breakfast with local produce.
- Visit the Vieux Bassin, the Eugène Boudin museum and the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce chapel.
- Lunch at the Vieux Honfleur restaurant overlooking the Old Basin.
- Afternoon free to stroll through the galleries or enjoy the hotel terrace.
- Star-studded dinner at the Impressionists
Day 3 - Nature and exclusive experiences
- Open-air painting lessons by prior arrangement with our concierge
- Cycle along the "La Seine à Vélo" route or take a trip to Deauville/Étretat.
- Return late afternoon and relax in the hotel garden before departing.
This flexible, customisable programme reflects the spirit of the Saint Delis: luxury, serenity and cultural discovery.
Why choose the Hôtel Saint Delis for a luxury stay in Honfleur?
Top-of-the-range service and personalised attention
The hotel staff, trained to Relais & Châteaux standards, are renowned for their attention to detail and discreet availability. Each guest is greeted with care and receives tailor-made assistance, from booking to departure.
A confidential address for adults only
The decision to reserve the establishment for adults makes it ideal for couples or travellers looking for tranquillity. This exclusive positioning allows everyone to enjoy a stay marked by calm, refinement and intimacy.
