The story
Dag and Michelle’s love story began in the vibrant atmosphere of the Paris Fashion Week in the 1970s. A few years later, Michelle joined Dag’s fashion company, quickly rising to become the lead designer. Together, they poured their passion and creativity into designing ladies’ ready-to-wear collections for the Scandinavian markets for over 30 years. Their shared dream of owning a hotel was born from countless enchanting stays during their travels, each one deepening their love for hospitality.
Michelle, a fashion designer and fine art painter, graduated from École des Beaux-Arts in St. Germain, Paris. She was born and raised in Paris by an Italian family, the Valentes, which infused her work with a rich cultural heritage. Dag, born in Norway in 1929, graduated from the Business School of Oslo. Growing up during World War II, he cherished his late teenage travels to Monaco via Cap d’Ail, where he fell in love with the elegance and charm of French culture. Together, they embraced life, love, and their dreams with unwavering dedication.
As a couple, Dag and Michelle often escaped to the French Riviera, a place they adored for its endless charm and allure. Their neighbor in Norway, who had studied French in Cap d’Ail, passionately recommended a visit to Plage Mala and a stay at Hotel Normandy. She described it as a magical, secret haven, urging them to keep its beauty a treasured secret.
Later that summer, Dag and Michelle checked into Hotel Normandy for what they thought would be a brief stay. Enchanted by its timeless elegance and captivating ambiance, they extended their visit for many weeks. During this time, Dag fell in love with the place and eventually inquired about purchasing the hotel. The rest, as they say, is history.
Today, Hotel Normandy is lovingly managed by Michelle and their son, Jo. Jo, who had a successful career in fashion for over 20 years, transitioned into the world of hospitality with the same passion and dedication. Since 2007, he has been an integral part of the team behind the luxurious Broadwick Soho, a five-star hotel in London. The legacy of Dag and Michelle’s love and vision continues to thrive through the elegance of their cherished Hotel Normandy.
The Hotel Normandy story
The story began in the 1970’s, when Michelle and Dag met at the fashion fair in Paris.
The story began in the 1970’s, when Michelle and Dag met at the fashion fair in Paris. She joined his company and eventually became the lead designer. They designed and manufactured ladies ready to wear collections for the Scandinavian markets for 30 years. They always had a dream of owning a hotel. Staying in so many hotels during their travels and falling in love with them. They loved the French Riveria.
Michelle is a fashion designer and fine art painter with graduation from École des Beaux-Arts in St. Germain Paris. Born and raised in Paris by an Italian family, Valente.
Dag Graduated from the Business school of Oslo and was born in 1929. He grew up during the second world war, but was lucky enough to travel to Monaco and via Cap d’Ail when he was 16 years old.