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NOT THE NORM

Experience village life in Normandy – perfect for travelling with 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.

The dramatic cliffs and pebble beach of Pourville
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The dramatic cliffs and pebble beach of PourvilleCredit: Getty Images

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.

Beachside boutique hotel Vue Sur Mer is a gem and a bargain
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Beachside boutique hotel Vue Sur Mer is a gem and a bargain

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.

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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.

Visit Les Jardins d’Étretat – where landscaped gardens meet contemporary art
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Visit Les Jardins d’Étretat – where landscaped gardens meet contemporary artCredit: Shutterstock

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 ().

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 ().

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.

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

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

Book it

Double rooms cost from £90 B&B ().

Plan your trip at .

Eurotunnel Le Shuttle crossings from Folkestone to Calais start from £50 each way and take 35 minutes (). 

Emma Ledger with her partner and daughter in Normandy
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Emma Ledger with her partner and daughter in Normandy
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