Follow the footsteps of Victor Hugo and Paul Signac as you stay on the quayside in the heart of Barfleur, one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’, located on La Manche’s Cotentin peninsula.

Sleeping up to 7 guests, this authentic 4-bedroom townhouse has remained in the same family for generations since the 18th century – it used to be the owner’s childhood holiday home. Completely renovated yet retaining historic charm, it was originally a fisherman’s house - just the harbourfront road separates you and the waterfront. Barfleur’s beach is less than 100m away – reap the many health benefits of the salty sea air.

Listen to the church bells chime as you enjoy your morning coffee overlooking the harbour and gather for delicious evening meals using produce picked up from the twice-weekly market only 200m away. This area is loved for its seasonal mussels, crab, lobster, cheese, butter, cream and cider of course.

Admire Barfleur’s beautiful light that has inspired artists over the years as you stroll along the quayside in this traditional Normandy fishing port, soaking up the bustling yet authentic ambience with narrow lanes, granite houses and glorious views. Stop off at Café de la France for a typical French lunch of moules-frites and a glass of wine, before wandering to the rocky beach where you can catch a glimpse of France’s second highest lighthouse in the distance (a coastal walking trail will lead you there).

Elsewhere, experience the Cotentin peninsula’s wild beaches with sailing, sand-yachting and coastal walks. Try oysters in the pretty fishing village of Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, just15 minutes away by car, and take the amphibious boat across to Tatihou Island during low tide.

Appreciate the wild beauty of the coastline around La Hague, embrace the charm of Barneville-Carteret and visit Cherbourg, home to La Cité de la Mer with its fascinating exhibitions, submarine and aquarium. Furthermore, the D-Day landing beaches of Utah and Omaha are easily reached whilst the famous Bayeux tapestry is just a 90-minute drive away in this captivating part of Normandy.

• Guests need to be able to manage fairly steep stairs inside Maison Saint Nicolas.
• In the heart of one of France’s most loved villages, just the road in front of the house separates Maison Saint Nicolas to the harbourfront.
• In an atmospheric setting, the bells of the church next door ring every quarter of an hour.
• Do note that events and festivities sometimes take place on the quayside including a funfair in August and a music festival in late August/early September.