The no-flight holiday abroad dubbed the’ Parisian Riviera’ – and it costs just £39 to get there

IT was the world’s first celebrity chef Auguste Escoffier who said: “Good food is the foundation of genuine happiness.”

After boarding Brittany Ferries’ Normandie for an overnight crossing, I went in search of dinner in the ship’s main restaurant and it wasn’t a hard choice . . . Classic steak frites

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As we passed the Isle of Wight, I enjoyed a glass of Burgundy while I munched. After just a few mouthfuls, my holiday had started, even before we’d spied the French coast.

Just after sunrise, passengers get a gentle wake up call before they arrive at Caen. After that, you can be through customs in no time.

Calming blues

Pascal, a friendly taxi driver met us at the terminal. He whisked me away as dawn broke over the Normandy countryside.

Within 50 minutes we checked into the 5H Presqu’ile de la Touques.

On the glorious coastline between the glitzy Deauville and the old fishing town of Trouville-sur-Mer, Presqu’ile is perfect for travellers wanting more bang for their buck, with four nights starting at £174 per person.

It’s built in Norman tradition and blends with the wood-framed architecture of the surroundings.

Masterminded by French self- catering giant Pierre & Vacances, the resort’s latest accommodation is Le Batiment des Douanes, a sympathetic restoration of the old port customs house.

Studio and apartment apartments sleep two to eight people. They have modern furnishings in the bedrooms, living room, and kitchen.

The calm blues and creams pay homage to the nautical setting.

Many have balconies overlooking the port or the resort’s large indoor and outdoor pools. The Algotherm spa offers pampering with a sauna, steam, steam, snow shower, and a pool.

The Parisien Riviera is known for its chic beach huts and long boardwalk decorated with names of film stars.

It is only two hours from Paris, and the beautiful streets make it easy to window-shop.

The real star is the vast expanse of soft sands.

We take in the view of the town’s beautiful beach and the marina from La Peniche, a restaurant on a barge moored in the marina. For around £32 you can indulge in a three- course meal of local specialities including fresh seafood.

The town’s opulent casino and 5H Le Normandy hotel take you back to the Belle Epoque era (late 19th century to 1914) and inter-war years.

The historic Deauville race track is a great place to go if you want to have a little fun. The stunning Villa Strassburger is located nearby. It was built by Baron Henri de Rothschild, a horse-racing enthusiast. It is considered the ideal Belle Epoque home.

It is possible to admire the beautiful exterior and the stunning gardens. You can also visit the inside on several days per week.

You are close to the Normandy countryside. Pere Magloire distillery, located 20 minutes away from you, is where they make the finest Calvados Apple Brandy. The Calvados Experience, from £7, is a chance to discover how this unique spirit is made and includes a tipple or two with an expert taster.

The Normandy coastline is just 15 minutes away, and this is the other side. Trouville is a Norman fishing village with beautiful beaches and Belle Epoque villas.

Calvados apples

The fish market, which has been around since 1887, allows you to buy the freshest ingredients to make your home a better place to live. Or you can sit and sample the wares at Maison Saiter, where we indulged in platters of seafood — scallops, lobster, mussels, shrimps and more — washed down with cider made from the region’s famed calvados apples.

This stretch of coast is a beautiful place to be inspired by artists like Monet or Boudin.
France is always sad to leave.

But I ended it as I had started — steak frites and a glass of red in the restaurant on our ferry home.