A Journey of Elegance and Heritage – The Opening of Maison Douce Époque

A Journey of Elegance and Heritage – The Opening of Maison Douce Époque

After extensive renovation work, Maison Douce Époque is preparing to open its doors. Nestled atop Mont Canisy, this elegant Norman-style residence offers sweeping views of the Côte Fleurie and its beaches. We had the pleasure of speaking with Madame Emmanuelle Bourgueil, the visionary owner of this remarkable place, to learn more about her journey in luxury hospitality and the upcoming opening of her refined establishment, which includes an intimate spa in partnership with Bellefontaine.

You have an impressive background in the hospitality industry. What drew you to this new project? Was it love at first sight?

Absolutely! After several years away, I felt a deep, renewed calling for luxury hospitality, and, quite unexpectedly, an opportunity presented itself. The connection was instant! Walking through the grounds—first past the stables, then arriving at the manor discreetly nestled at the far end with its sweeping view of the Côte Fleurie—I knew I had discovered something truly special.

What led you to choose Normandy—and more precisely, this exceptional location on Mont Canisy? Was it a conscious decision, or a fortunate coincidence?

I would say both—a “magnificent coincidence” in discovering the place, and then a carefully thought-out decision. The two go hand in hand.

Can you tell us about the key milestones in this adventure, particularly the challenges of renovation?

I quickly found myself immersed in the spirit of the place and its history. That deep sense of respect became the foundation for the decorative concept and inspired a narrative centered around the writers and charm of both the Belle Époque and the Douce Époque. The greatest challenge was undoubtedly restoring the “grand inner beauty” of a building over a century old, while introducing a modern, elegant concept that also pays tribute to its heritage and the broader historical context in which it belongs.

You opted for an intimate spa with just two treatment rooms. What guided your choice of partner brands?

We are aiming for a 5-star classification, so it was essential to partner with brands that embody excellence. I was already familiar with Bellefontaine from a previous professional experience in Paris, so choosing the brand felt completely natural—an evident match for the level of quality and refinement we aim to provide.

 You personally use Bellefontaine products. Do you have any favorites?

My personal favorite is the suncare range—it’s ideal for my fair and delicate skin, offering excellent protection while allowing for a healthy glow. I also adore the Anti-Aging Caviar Collection, especially the Golden Caviar Gentle Emulsion! The packaging is beautifully crafted, and the treatments are both high-performance and truly enchanting.

If you could design the ideal wellness weekend at Maison Douce Époque, what would it include?

A perfect wellness weekend at Maison Douce Époque begins, naturally, with a moment of indulgence at our spa—with a bespoke Bellefontaine treatment, tailor-made to reveal radiant skin and leave you feeling deeply relaxed and rejuvenated.

Just minutes away from the estate, the historic batteries of Mont Canisy invite you to step back in time.

In the evening, dinner at our restaurant Le Romanesque offers a relaxed yet refined experience in a setting that mirrors the elegance of the house. Renowned for his creative and sophisticated cuisine, Chef Kévin Legoy transforms each dish into a true culinary masterpiece, showcasing the finest seasonal ingredients from the region.

For those who enjoy a bit of shopping, a stroll through Deauville is a must, with a well-deserved stop at Le Drakkar, a charming spot to relax and recharge. Don't miss the Franciscaines Museum, offering a rich cultural interlude. As the afternoon fades, finish the day with a cocktail at La Terrasse des Ammonites in Bénerville-sur-Mer, toes in the sand, as the sun sets over the ocean—an idyllic summer ritual.

To round out the experience, take a short drive to the hilltop village of Beaumont-en-Auge, where the panoramic views of the Norman countryside are the perfect final note to a weekend of serenity and inspiration.