Maison Pléneuf-Val-André

You may feel you’ve landed on the set of a Jacques Tati film in this quiet neighbourhood surrounded by Belle Époch and modern houses – this is a genteel spa resort, famous for its thalassotherapy centre, casino and beach. Rooms are large and light, if the weather is bad there’s a games room with table football, books, toys and TV and the kitchen is fabulously well-equipped so cooking will be a breeze. French windows open to a patio and there’s a large dining room for eating indoors.

Bedrooms are on the first or second floor: all have sea views through lovely windows, original wooden floors and newly-tiled floors in the bathrooms. Outdoors find a recently-established south facing ‘English’ garden with perennial shrubs and flowers and a walled courtyard on the north side. It’s an easy house to spend time in.

On sunny days head to the wide beach for swimming, sailing, people watching and bustle. Or treat yourself to a spa visit.