The hotel history

The Hotel Outre-Mer has not always been that 3 stars Boutique Hotel that we know today. Its history, closely linked to the one of the exciting seaside villas of Villers-sur-Mer, will have profound transformations. The hotel has had several names, several brands and above all several facades, a perfect reflection of the evolution of « architectural modernizations » over time.

THE VILLA DU COUCHANT

Originally, at the end of the 19th century and until 1926, it was not a hotel but a house, property of the President of the Honorary Chamber of Court of Appeal of Paris, Mr. Fournier. Standing majestically facing the sea, the Villa du Couchant or « Villa Le Couchant » takes its name from its unique exposure due West in Villers-sur-Mer. Indeed, facing the sunset which plunges into the sea, it offers a magical spectacle to admire from its windows and balconies.

In a late neo-classical style, Villa Le Couchant was initially made of solid bricks and cubic in shape. Like all the chic vacation homes of the Parisian bourgeoisie, it had stylistic features that differed it from its neighbors, such as the clever arrangement of colored bricks forming geometric designs on its facade, which has since disappeared. Fortunately, the interior of the current Hotel Outre-Mer has not changed too much. Its sculpted decorative ceilings and leaded stained glass windows in the current tea room and lounge bar still offer a cozy and unique atmosphere to its guests today. Also typical of aristocratic houses of the time, its circular staircase, its ground floor raised, high ceiling, still used today for receptions, and remembering the splendor of the Belle Epoque with the a modern comfort of nowadays.

THE HOTEL DU COUCHANT

In 1926, a new owner decided to make Villa Le Couchant a fully-fledged hotel: the Hôtel du Couchant. The villa then underwent an extension of the reception lounge, surmounted by a solarium, unfortunately now disappeared. The hotel then became an unmissable resort in Villers-sur-Mer and across the Côte Fleurie. Season after season, many families stayed during the holidays enjoying the pleasures of sea bathing and the large fine sandy beach of Villers-sur-Mer, which stretches at the foot of the hotel. The ancestor of our current Boutique Hotel was born.

THE MODERNIZATION OF THE HOTEL

It was after the Second World War that the entire facade was modernized, smoothed. The change is drastic. A large terrace over the entire length of the Hôtel du Couchant is created. This large balcony overlooking the sea actually enlarges the interior space of the restaurant of the time, the hotel’s current lounge, then closed by large picture windows offering a panoramic view of the sea. Today this roof- terrace benefits the Superior and Deluxe rooms of the boutique hotel.

From HOtel Outre-mer to hotel villa Le Couchant

Since 2016, Delphine and Aurélien, the current owners, have been constantly modernizing the villa, but they want to respect the spirit of this unique home in Villers-sur-Mer. « We want to keep the identity of this beautiful seaside villa, preserve it for the long term, and add everything that a 3 stars Boutique Hotel requires as comfort ». For the young couple, the Hotel Outre-Mer is inextricably linked to the Hotel du Couchant and will one day become, or will become again, the Hotel Villa Le Couchant.