Experience village life in Normandy, France – perfect for a toddler

FAMILY-friendly escapes in northern France are just a drive away… Berets optional…

Writer Emma Ledger found French village life in Normandy – perfect for travelling with a toddler.

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The pad

Beachside boutique hotel Vue Sur Mer, in the peaceful village of Pourville, is a gem and a bargain.

Simple but sweet rooms are flooded with natural light.

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Expect a basket of warm pastries, jams, juice and strong coffee to set you up for a day exploring. 

Explore

Surfers flock to the vast pebble beach, which handily transforms to sand at low tide.

There’s also a fab playground and crazy golf, plus bikes to hire opposite the hotel for whizzing down the wide promenade, £4 for half a day.

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Head to Étretat, an hour away, to spy the spectacular coastal rock formations from the unique Les Jardins d’Étretat – where landscaped gardens meet contemporary art.

Entry costs £10 for adults, £6 for over-sevens (Etretatgarden.fr).

Étretat’s beach starred in Netflix’s Lupin, and the books’ author also holidayed here.

Play detective at his house, Maison Maurice Leblanc – entry costs £7.50 per person.

And don’t forget to grab the best foodie souvenirs at La Rose des Vents (Larosedesvents-etretat.com).

Refuel

For family-friendly dining in Pourville, Les Régates serves great food.

Be sure to order the entrecôte, £21, followed by Normandy tart of apples, sliced almonds and caramelised egg custard, £6.50.

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In Étretat, kids can tuck into ham and cheese galettes, while you feast on mussels with camembert sauce, £13.50, in cosy La Flottille (Restaurant-laflottille.fr).

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