A relatively new (2012) addition to the already-bulging portfolio of good quality Bayeux hotels, the Villa Lara has quickly established itself at the top of the leader board. Rima and François Hébert were lucky to be able to start with a blank sheet and so were unencumbered by trying to squeeze today's comforts into one of yesterday's listed structures. Hence they have created particularly spacious, luxuriously-appointed bedrooms complimented by equally swish marble bathrooms. North American guests, who often struggle with the cramped accommodation found in French town centres, will rejoice at such generous proportions - even the beds are huge. Brits will appreciate the tea and coffee making stuff in each room.
But this charming boutique hotel scores top marks for all other aspects of its hospitality too. The location cannot be beaten: it's quiet, despite being plumb centre - so within easy walking distance of the best-known landmarks; indeed all of the rooms overlook the cathedral, those on the first floor having balconies. Downstairs there's an inviting bar/lounge with open fire and a fitness centre in case you have some energy left after traipsing along the nearby landing beaches. Overall, the interior design is painstakingly exact and the result is exquisite.
The lack of a restaurant presents no problem since there is a wide choice of bistros close at hand. The helpful, attentive owners will probably recommend L'Angle Saint-Laurent in the rue des Bouchers if you favour places with reasonably priced menus, local specialities and bags of character. And the Villa Lara's excellent buffet breakfast is likely to keep you going for a good part of the day.