Just across the Channel, Le Verger is a lovingly restored old house, wonderfully Gallic in atmosphere yet incredibly easy to get to. It is located in the Seven Valleys region of the Nord Pas de Calais, an hour from the ferry port and 40 minutes inland from the chic shops of Le Touquet.

Montreuil

Montreuil is a pretty, walled town. The views across the plain from the ramparts are superb. Each summer there is a Son et Lumiere production at the old castle of Victor Hugo’s “Les Miserables” which was inspired by the town (montreuilpatrimoine.org)