
French Promise is the leading DMC reference for luxury, experiential bespoke travel in France and Monaco. Having been travel guides, luxury hotel barge captain, hot air balloon pilot, and even a chef... Philip Haslett combines his hands-on travel experience with a highly vetted network of local guides and luxury partners to offer you the very best of France.
French Promise Director, Philip Haslett, has been named a top luxury France travel advisor again for 2026 by Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler and Wendy Perrin's Wow List. His luxury, travel tips are regularly featured in the publications above, as well as: The New York Times, Town & Country, The Knot, The Hollywood Reporter and Bloomberg Magazines.
French Promise provides bespoke, culturally-rich itineraries and unparalleled, luxury France travel advisor services to the most discerning clients around the globe. Philip has worked hard to develop his own unique network of French artists and craftspeople, Michelin-star chefs, luxury hoteliers, winemakers, performers, athletes, trusted pilots and drivers throughout the country to open doors that remain firmly shut for many, attracting the top referral DMC clientele of the world’s most exclusive travel providers and repeat, VIP private clients. Philip also owns his own luxury transportation company, so whether it’s a helicopter, private jet or yacht, or a classic Rolls Royce you desire, we will deliver you to your destination with ease, style and peace of mind.
After following the Impressionists through Normandy, my journey took me to Deauville, with its grand hotels, elegant villas and magnificent beach. I stayed at the iconic Hôtel Barrière Le Normandy, where I discovered a rather excellent Calvados-based cocktail, before exploring the beautiful Côte Fleurie.
Just a short drive inland lies the Pays d’Auge, a wonderfully picturesque part of Normandy filled with apple orchards, half-timbered villages and some of France’s finest gastronomic traditions. From cider and Calvados to Camembert, Pont-l’Évêque and plenty of cream, this is certainly not a region for anyone counting calories!
Deauville also makes an excellent base for discovering this part of Normandy and, when accommodation around Bayeux is limited, can even work for exploring the D Day landing beaches.
Read the full article to discover another side of Normandy, where seaside elegance meets beautiful countryside and some very good cuisine.
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