traveldk.com

Still relatively unknown, this area is famous for its powerful Percheron horses and its manors. Perche manors are quite different from typical cosy, half-timbered Norman farmhouses; they are much more defensive buildings of stone, embellished with turrets and towers. The surrounding countryside is gentle, with undulating hills, dense forest and lush valleys. Grazing Percherons add an air of serenity. Chief among its seductive villages and small towns are Mortagne and Bellême (see Mortagne-au-Perche).

Helicopters arriving here in the wooded Risle Valley (and some do) look for two thatched roofs joined by a modern extension. The decoration and superb food are also fusions of old and new, and every bedroom has its own character and style.

Quintessentially French, it matches local expectations of price and quality perfectly.

Ivan Vautier has a Michelin star for his innovative take on Norman cooking: a millefeuille of andouille and Camembert, for example.

This Cotentin beach is the place to come for serious surfing. Pitch a tent, or take one of the well-designed caravans.

A classic bar-restaurant offering quick delivery of unfussy regional dishes – but with touches of real style and sophistication.

This popular seaside town at the mouth of the River Bresle is famous for its smoked fish (see Delgove et Cie, Le Tréport) – also for the view of the coast from the Calvaire (calvary) above the town.

In the centre of Deauville, a short stroll away from the Casino, boutiques and glitzy seafront board-walk, the refurbished Trophée is smart enough to make chic Parisians feel comfortable. The reception desk is manned by suitably metropolitan staff.

This long-established family-run Logis de France in the heart of the Pays d’Auge has a cosy, familial atmosphere, clean, pretty bedrooms and – its focal point – a popular local restaurant serving straightforward regional food. All in all, it’s good value. Try to be in St-Pierre-sur-Dives for the wonderful Monday market.