NORTH-WEST FRANCE

WHY IT’S HOT: NEW FLIGHTS AND THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NORMANDY LANDINGS MEAN IT’S TIME TO TOAST THE FRENCH COAST.

We say: Too often we ignore what’s on our doorstep. So, as flights launch from London Southend Airport to Brest on the western tip of Brittany in April, and the 75th anniversary of the D-day landings looms in the calendar, there’s no better time to explore our sister coast.

Wild shores, Breton culture and grand fortifications are the building blocks of Brittany. Off the tip of bustling Brest, the craggy trails of the Île d’ouessant make a fine aperitif for a route threading north past the pinky shores of the Côte de Granit-rose, the cobbles, creperies and ramparts of charming Dinan, and medieval St-malo. The historic vibe continues as Mont St-michel glowers over the border in Normandy, a gloriously moody medieval island commune topped by an imposing abbey that sets the tone for the windswept Cherbourg Peninsula.

Bayeux (of tapestry fame) makes a good base for exploring the Second World War landing beaches along the Normandy coast. The D-day museum in neighbouring Arromanches tells the story of how around 130,000 soldiers swarmed ashore here on 6 June 1944. Pay your respects then continue into the rural heartland of Pays d’auge – all country lanes, Camembert and cider – before ending in Rouen, a grand medieval city heavily rebuilt, like much of the region, after the war. A fitting finale.

Don’t miss: North of Rouen lies the idyllic town of Étretat, once revered among Impressionist painters for its views. Follow trails up the white cliffs and breathe deep.