Le Relais de la Comté Charming Hotel-Restaurant | Portbail-sur-Mer (50580)
French and Savoyard cuisine (in winter)
In the hotel landscape of the Côte des Isles, Le Relais de la Comté holds a place of its own. Set within the former stables of a 13th-century manor house in the heart of the Portbail bocage countryside, this charming establishment combines history, authenticity and comfort with rare sincerity. As a member of Cotentin Tourisme, it perfectly embodies the spirit of our network: strong local roots, a warm welcome, and an address we recommend without hesitation.
A unique historic and bucolic setting – The 6,000 m² of tree-lined, flowering parkland surrounding the property makes Le Relais a haven of peace, less than 5 minutes from the beaches of the Côte des Isles. Terraces, a shaded garden, and a carefully restored 13th-century building: the setting is exceptional for an independent hotel in the Cotentin.
Fully personalised rooms – Far from the cookie-cutter approach of hotel chains, each room at Le Relais has its own name, personality and décor. The attention to detail — quality bedding, private bathroom, mini-refrigerator — sets this establishment apart from ordinary hotels.
Sincere and generous cooking – The restaurant offers a surprising menu, blending French specialities, winter Savoyard creations (fondue, croziflette, escalope savoyarde) and fresh seafood, all made from fresh produce. The homemade desserts — crème brûlée with Madagascar vanilla, warm chocolate fondant — are the finishing touch.
A truly warm welcome – The team is attentive and available, in the tradition of family-run guesthouses. Tips and recommendations for exploring the Côte des Isles and the Cotentin are all part of the experience.
“Le Relais de la Comté is a trusted address I regularly recommend to my contacts: beautiful setting, honest food, authentic welcome. It’s exactly the image we want to convey of the Cotentin.” — Denis, Cotentin Tourisme team, Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
Le Relais de la Comté is no ordinary hotel. It was born from the careful restoration of the former stables of Manoir de la Comté, an estate whose origins date back to the 13th century. Fully renovated and thoughtfully decorated, the establishment has preserved the bucolic charm of its era: exposed stone, timber beams, and a 6,000 m² parkland. A setting that invites relaxation from the very first glance.
Le Relais offers 5 rooms and suites, all non-smoking, all on the 1st floor (staircase access only), each with its own character:
All rates are quoted excluding buffet breakfast.
Facilities in all rooms: private bathroom (WC, bath or shower), digital TV, free Wi-Fi, hairdryer, fan/air conditioning, mini-refrigerator, desk area, wardrobe or clothes rack, toiletries, towels and bed linen, carbon monoxide detector.
The restaurant at Le Relais de la Comté is open to the public, even for non-residents. It serves traditional French cuisine made from fresh produce, with a distinctive culinary signature: a menu inspired by the Alps, blended with the riches of the Norman Sea.
All desserts are homemade.
Restaurant hours: Wednesday evening to Sunday evening (lunch & dinner) — Booking recommended.
Le Relais de la Comté maintains standards of welcome and comfort worthy of an authentic charming establishment: individually decorated rooms, quality bedding, private bathroom in every room, a generous buffet breakfast. The property is continuously updated (mini-refrigerators recently added to all rooms). Consistently high Google rating and very positive guest feedback.
The restaurant works with fresh produce, showcasing Norman specialities (fish of the day, scallops, dry cider on the wine list). The establishment partners with local providers such as “Fais du Vélo” for electric bike hire. The team actively guides visitors towards the highlights of the Côte des Isles and the Cotentin.
The team at Le Relais advises guests on local sites, markets, walks and great addresses in the area. The establishment directs its guests towards other Cotentin Tourisme members and contributes to the image of a welcoming, well-organised Cotentin for travelling visitors.
Portbail-sur-Mer is an ideal base for exploring the Côte des Isles and the wider Cotentin. Le Relais is a 5-minute walk from the beaches and a few kilometres from remarkable sites.
No, the establishment operates seasonally. In 2026, it is open from 6 February to 8 March 2026, then from 27 March to 8 November 2026, and from 18 December 2026 to 8 March 2027. Outside these periods, it is closed. We strongly recommend booking well in advance for July, August and the May bank holiday weekends, which fill up quickly. The restaurant is open from Wednesday evening to Sunday evening (lunch and dinner) — booking recommended, even for hotel guests.
Absolutely. The restaurant at Le Relais de la Comté is open to everyone, residents and non-residents alike. The French and Savoyard cuisine, made from fresh produce, welcomes both passing travellers and local residents. Reservations are advised, particularly at weekends and during the summer holidays, as the dining room often fills up.
Yes, and it is actually one of its distinguishing features! Le Relais de la Comté has a free, secure, enclosed garage for motorcycles and classic vehicles. A dedicated page for motorcyclists is available on the hotel’s website. The Côte des Isles and the Cotentin also offer scenic, lightly trafficked roads that are perfect for motorcycle touring.
Yes, and it holds the QUALIDOG certification, meaning it is specifically equipped and trained for welcoming dogs. A supplement of €5–€10 per night per animal is charged. A “Dogs’ Corner” page is available on the establishment’s website with full details on pet-friendly conditions. It’s an ideal address for travellers who never leave home without their four-legged companion.
Unfortunately, no. All rooms are located on the 1st floor, accessible by staircase only. There is no lift. If wheelchair accessibility is an essential requirement for your stay, we recommend contacting the establishment directly to find the best solution, or we can point you towards another suitable Cotentin Tourisme member.
Yes, and it’s a great idea. Le Relais is partnered with “Fais du Vélo”, an electric bike hire provider who delivers bikes directly to the hotel. Le Relais guests receive an 8% discount on production of the voucher given at reception. The Côte des Isles Greenway is accessible within a few kilometres and allows you to reach Barneville-Carteret and its beaches entirely by bike, car-free.
2026 Opening Dates
From 6 February to 8 March, then from 27 March to 8 November 2026
Reception Hours
Check-in: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Check-out: by 10:30 AM at the latest
Océane #1 – Double
Low season: €90 | High season: €110
Goélette #2 – Double
Low season: €110 | High season: €130
Calypso #3 – Twin/Triple
Low season: €110 | High season: €130 | Extra bed: +€30
Victorine #5 – Queen Size
Low season: €110 | High season: €130
Violette #4 – Suite
Low season: €140 | High season: €160 | Sofa bed in lounge: +€25 per person
Breakfast: €15/adult (if not included in a package)
Baby cot: +€15/night | Extra bed (Calypso): +€30
Pets: +€5 to €10/night
Minimum stay requirements may apply over bank holiday weekends (May, etc.).
Accepted payment methods
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, cheque, cash, bank transfer, holiday vouchers (Chèques Vacances)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “An absolutely charming setting in tastefully renovated former stables. Beautifully decorated room, excellent bedding, generous breakfast. The restaurant is a wonderful surprise with a creative menu. We will definitely be back!” — Marie-Hélène D., August 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Warm welcome, stunning grounds, and a Savoyard fondue we never expected to find in Normandy — absolutely delicious! Perfect for parking up the bikes and exploring the coast.” — Thierry M., June 2025
