Cuba is famous for its “casas particulares”, or homestays, which are renowned for their warm welcome, comfort and the opportunity they offer holidaymakers to immerse themselves in the country’s daily life.

Known throughout the neighborhood as the “casa des Français”, Casa Norma Cuba is a guesthouse run by Daniel, the Franco-Cuban, and Erwann, the Franco-Breton. Located in Havana, in the Centro Habana district which, as its name suggests, is at the very heart of the Cuban capital. Casa Norma Cuba is a large three-storey colonial-style house (no elevator) that has retained all the charm of the past, with its solid mahogany antique furniture, crystal chandeliers, imposing mahogany doors, five-metre-high ceilings and cement tile floors, all original.

On the second floor, the living room opens out through three large French windows onto a large balcony which, like a theater box, overlooks San Rafael Street, offering guests a breathtaking view of the lively spectacle of Havana’s daily life. From this spacious living area, guests have direct access to an open-air patio, overflowing with green plants, a veritable oasis of greenery overlooking three of the five guest rooms available for rent. On the second floor, the other two rooms enjoy a luminous panorama of Havana’s rooftops, with the sea in the background. Each room in this homestay features a king-size bed or, alternatively, twin beds, and the comfort of a private bathroom and air conditioning.

It’s at the terrace bar on the third floor that Daniel concocts his famous “homemade mojito”, a personal recipe acclaimed by all guests. It’s also here that every morning, in the open air and with a sea view, breakfast is served with Erwann’s gourmet creations, such as banana French toast, exotic fruit pancakes and crêpes bretonnes with Cuban honey!

Centro Habana is the authentic centre of Havana’s vibrant and popular life. This is undoubtedly why Centro Habana has become the capital’s most fashionable district, with a wealth of restaurants, trendy bars and rooftops.

The central location of the Casa Norma Cuba guest house (5 minutes‘ walk from the Malecón, 15 minutes’ walk from the touristy Habana Vieja and 10 minutes’ walk from the quiet Vedado district) and the haven of peace it provides in the heart of this bustling and exotic capital, means that holidaymakers can easily get around Havana on foot and return to the casa particular for an afternoon break before going out for dinner.

There is a guarded car park in the immediate vicinity of the guest house. Daniel and Erwann live on site and prepare tasty breakfasts and dinners on request. They are happy to answer guests’ questions and help them organise their stay in Havana and throughout the island, including booking casas particulares in the provinces, finding taxis, coco-taxis, bicitaxis and the famous American convertibles. And they are not short of good advice and tips.

In Havana, Daniel and Erwann recommend visiting the very rich Museo de Arte Cubano, having a coffee in the romantic Loma del Angel district, discovering La Vigia finca, Hemingway’s home where he entertained Ava Gardner, having a drink at sunset on the terrace of the legendary Hotel Nacional, or taking the time to swim on the magnificent eastern beaches (Playas de l’Este) just a thirty-minute drive from Havana.