Varengeville-sur-Mer is an exclusive village of approximately 1000 people, situated on the Cote d’Albatre (Alabaster Coast – so named for its chalky white cliffs). It is part of the Seine-Maritime (Normandy region) in the north of France at 52 km from Rouen, the department capital. Artists such as Monet and Braques have been drawn to this coastline, famed for its outstandingly clear light. Today, many locals paint and the arts are very strong in this village generally. There are many wonderful things to within a 10 minute walk, no need to take the car, such as visting the Bois De Moutiers, a historic protected heritage park full of flowers and a huge forest of trees and shrubs.

Further along there is the famous Eglise Saint Valery with the stained glass window made by Braques. You can also get a magnificent view of the sea from here and there is a rambly path that will take you down a steep incline towards the sea. Within the village there is the patisserie, the mini-market full of items such as biscuits and cheese and washing powder. There is also the Auberge Du Relais restaurant, just 100 metres from the house, which serves up fabulous French food, from delicious fruit de mer, to just typical French fare. It’s very relaxed and not stuffy at all, yet the food is really very good.