LOCATION
The stunning harbour town of Honfleur makes a great base for exploring Normandy
Each time I visit this harbour
town I am struck anew by its charm, winding cobbled streets, pretty half-timbered houses and churches clustered around its ancient port, dating back to the time of William the Conqueror. Choose one of the charming restaurants clustered around the Vieux Bassin to sample local fare – savoury galettes or sweet crèpes, or lashings of seafood, overlooking the boats nestled safely in its charming harbour. From here it’s a great base
to explore lush Norman countryside and experience the local life – stop at an old farmhouse displaying a shingle with the magical words calvados or cider for sale – well it’d be rude not to stop! If you’re not seduced by the charm of Honfleur itself, there’s nothing to beat the half-timbered charm of a renovated Norman farmhouse in lush countryside.
from Folkestone to Fréthun just outside Calais, and the whole of this part of northern France and Normandy coast is serviced by regular ferry services. So why don’t we start our
suggestions for perfect French exploratory mini-breaks for ‘research purposes’ in Normandy, in and around the wonderful port of Honfleur. Coming by ferry from Portsmouth or Southampton takes four hours to Le Havre then it’s an easy half-hour drive (on the righthand side of the road) across the amazing Pont de Normandie over the mouth of the River Seine into Honfleur itself.
CAPITAL RETURNS Paris, Audrey Hepburn famously declared, is always worth a visit. So easy to get to by Eurostar or fly – I hesitate to drive there myself, parking can be a mission and this year will be full of excitement with the Olympic Games in July and August, a busy time which promises to be spectacular. East of Paris, Reims, the
champagne capital of the world, is amazing with its spectacular cathedral where kings of France were once crowned. There are very many champagne houses to tempt you too. I had some wonderful watercress soup here on a weekend visit, followed
€190,000
NORMAN CONQUEST, ST-GERVAIS-DES-SABLONS Just 60km from Caen airport and Ouistreham port, this charming cottage would make a perfect retreat. It has a sunny terrace, surrounded by its own land, a cosy kitchen (the woodburner heats the house), dining and sitting rooms, two bedrooms upstairs, a further mezzanine double bedroom, garage and outbuildings. This is the Normandy beloved by the Impressionists not far from the D-Day beaches and seaside towns of Deauville and Trouville.
€632,000
THE LURE OF PARIS, CHÂTEAU LANDON Property in the capital is pricey and is oſten apartments. If you want something larger, venture a little further into the Seine-et- Marne department, closer to Fontainbleau, where this beautifully presented five-bedroom property, sitting within a hectare of land, comes with a gîte and large barn. Features abound with beams and tiled fireplaces plus stunning countryside views. It’s an hour to Gare de Lyon by train and the Champagne region is close by too to stock up on your favourite fizz!
by the chicken plat du jour and amazing apple dessert. The countryside of Champagne is so much prettier than I had anticipated, with undulating chalk slopes surrounding the River Marne, vineyards and ancient walled cities to explore – plus lots of Brie cheese to sample too!
Visit the châteaux of the Loire - and maybe even buy your own!
CHÂTEAU COUNTRY Further south, the Loire Valley is another great place to visit and buy a home – full of history, there seems to be a major château to admire at every turn. It seems that the climate
changes as you cross the river and it’s easy to drive down from the Channel. I have spent many happy hours exploring châteaux and countryside here – there’s the charm of bustling market towns, wonderful architecture and delightful properties with which to fall in love – ideal for extended holidays or a permanent home with many a business opportunity too. When it comes to a plethora
of châteaux though, its hard to beat the Dordogne where it’s claimed there are 1001! Strung along the hilltops above the Dordogne river are
4 FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS:May/June 2024 37
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