La Petite Folie

Whether you choose B&B or self-catering, this warm and welcoming auberge is perfect for a romantic weekend in Honfleur

The Normandy town of Honfleur is bursting with charm. Its timber houses, old port and narrow cobbled streets inspired the Impressionist artists; foodies rave about its fabulous cheeses, cider and restaurants. All in all it's a great place for a long weekend or stopover on a drive to southern France.

But if you needed any more persuading, La Petite Folie is reason to come here in itself. Owned by a French-American couple, Penny and Thierry, it consists of a splendid 1830s captain's house, a quaint 14th-century home next door, and a third building just along the road. The first is a B&B with 5 pretty bedrooms, and its neighbours house 5 self-catering apartments for 2-4, so you can choose what suits you. Outside, the houses are majestic; inside, the B&B is a haven of family-style comfort, with a large salon, a cosy breakfast room with an open fire, and hosts that make you feel like guests and friends at the same time (corny but true). You're ideally placed to explore Honfleur or drive to the beaches of Deauville, and just a few blocks from 3 Michelin-starred restaurants.

Highs

• Great location in the centre of Honfleur, just 100m from the historic port, Vieux Bassin
• Fabulous and very generous French breakfasts served in the cosy salon
• Charismatic hosts, Penny and Thierry, who love to advise what to do in the area - Penny will even take you to the markets to help you barter for meats and cheeses to take home
• The historic houses are typical of the region and beautifully styled inside

Lows

• Strictly a 2-night minimum stay
• There's only limited parking on site (and at extra cost), otherwise there's a (free) car park down the road
• No lifts, and winding staircases throughout; not suitable for the frail
• There's no restaurant on site, but Honfleur's world-class eateries are on your doorstep
• Unsurprisingly, this picturesque harbour town is full of tourists in the summer months; we'd suggest visiting in spring or autumn