La Licorne
Norman heritage building with carefully calibrated contemporary interiors. Intimate and quiet — this is a couples-and-foodies spot, not a conference hotel. The historic village setting means the bar is high for atmosphere before you even step inside.
Book La Licorne Royale well in advance — even for hotel guests, the Michelin-starred restaurant fills quickly on weekends.
Why It Matters
12 consecutive Michelin stars (2014–2026) for Chef Christophe Poirier's restaurant La Licorne Royale. A treehouse spa cabin offering couples treatments in the forest canopy — rare in France. The oldest hotel in a village classified as one of the Most Beautiful in France, just 1.5 hours from Paris.
Dating to 1610, La Licorne is the oldest hotel in Lyons-la-Forêt — one of France's officially designated 'most beautiful villages.' The timber-framed Norman facade opens onto a cobblestoned path leading to lush rear gardens, where a restored farmhouse shelters the indoor-outdoor pool. Rooms are compact and modern, dressed in sophisticated neutrals with Flamant-designed interiors, and the gastronomic restaurant La Licorne Royale has held one Michelin star for twelve consecutive years. The Spa NUXE adds 600m² of wellness, including one genuinely unusual feature: a treehouse treatment cabin in the trees above the garden.
Where You'll Stay
4 room types available
Accessible Suite
A suite specifically designed and adapted for guests with reduced mobility. One of the few purpose-built accessible rooms in the area. Full suite layout with the same Flamant-designed interiors as the rest of the property.
Family Apartment
A two-bedroom apartment with a living room and kitchen, built to sleep up to six people. Rentable by the week. The practical choice for families who want the hotel's location and pool access without needing to eat out for every meal. One of the more unusual offerings at a property this size.
Suite
Four suites available in the property, designed with separate living areas and more generous proportions than the standard rooms. Some feature clawfoot bathtubs. Renovated in 2007 with Flamant, they maintain the same sophisticated neutral palette with period accents. The hotel has four suites total.
Superior Room
Compact and elegantly dressed in the Flamant-designed neutral palette that runs throughout the hotel. All rooms look out either onto the historic village hall and square, or across the hotel's interior courtyard garden with the forest in the background. Expect satellite TV, a bath, and free WiFi. Some have four-poster beds.
The Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Canoeing and kayaking available in the region, approximately 21km from the hotel.
Cycling through the Norman countryside and forest roads around Lyons-la-Forêt. The hotel can assist with information on local routes.
Fishing opportunities are available in the local rivers and streams near Lyons-la-Forêt.
Trails into the Forêt de Lyons — one of the largest beech forests in Europe — begin just outside the village. The hotel can advise on routes and distances. A serious beech forest with centuries-old trees, genuinely impressive in autumn.
Horseback riding is available in the area nearby. The hotel can facilitate arrangements.
Cooking classes offered on-site, in line with the hotel's strong gastronomic focus under Chef Christophe Poirier.
Wine tastings and activities related to the restaurant's cellar and Norman wine and cider culture.
Hot air balloon flights over the Forêt de Lyons are historically available from the area. Enquire with the hotel for current operators and scheduling — historically offered on select dates.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Three meeting rooms available: Salle Benserade (40m²), Salle St Denis (60m²), and Salle du Grand Hêtre (110m²). Ceremonies can accommodate up to 50 people at La Licorne, expandable to 70 by using adjacent Le Grand Cerf.
WiFi available throughout the property.
Fitness area within the Spa NUXE using Imoove equipment.
Lush rear garden with umbrella-shaded café tables. A cobblestoned path from the main building leads through the arched entryway to the garden and farmhouse pool.
Pets are accepted at the property.
Outdoor pool in the garden behind the hotel. Seasonal. Pool area includes umbrella-shaded café tables.
70m² heated indoor pool in the restored farmhouse at the rear of the property, shared between La Licorne and adjacent hotel Le Grand Cerf.
Centralized 24h reception covering both La Licorne and Le Grand Cerf, located opposite the village market hall.
Transfer service available from Rouen station (40km). Airport transfers also available on request.
Private car park on-site or adjacent to the hotel. One of the conveniences for guests arriving by car from Paris.
Relaxation space within the Spa NUXE with herbal teas and quiet seating.
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Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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