1 Honfleur

Odile and Antoine Domin offer something not even the poshest hotels in town can match - a view of Honfleur's beautiful 17th-century harbour. The five stylish self-catering apartments are great value.

locationdecharme.com, 00 33 6 80 42 28 25 (mobile). Apartments from €155 per 3-night weekend. Nearest port: Le Havre.

2 Bayeux

Le Petit Matin is a charming 15th-century three-bedroom house in the shadow of Bayeux cathedral.

+2 31 10 09 27, lepetitmatin.com. Doubles from €60 B&B, dinner €20 all-inclusive. Nearest port: Caen.

3 Wimereux

With its prime spot overlooking a wide sandy beach, the Atlantic Hotel has an old-fashioned charm. The excellent restaurant is a local institution.

+3 21 32 41 01, atlantic-delpierre.com. Rooms from €76. Nearest port: Boulogne.

4 Boulogne

You can walk straight off the ferry to the Enclos de L'Evêché, next to the basilica, an elegant mansion with five large, airy rooms and a sunny courtyard.

+3 91 90 05 90, enclosdeleveche.com. Rooms from €70 B&B.

5 Béhen, nr Abbeville

The 18th-century Château de Béhen has large rooms and enormous suites, with lovely grounds to roam in and horse-riding on-site. Four-course dinner is also available.

+3 22 31 58 30, chateau-de-behen.com. Doubles from €102 B&B, dinner from €37. Nearest ports: Dieppe, Boulogne.