So close and yet so far! Where I live in Sussex, in the south of England, if I went up in a hot air balloon I would soon be able to see France. Even better, I can just nip down to Newhaven, jump on a ferry for just £32. In four hours I’ll be shopping in the Saturday market in Dieppe or cycling through the countryside.
Between Sussex and Normandy the people, flora, weather and landscape isn’t so different. Yet there is a huge difference – in the culture, food, language and architecture – which is why making that short trip is always so exciting.
While many of us do drive off the ferry and head straight for more southerly parts pof France, if you just want to a bit more France in your life there is little need to go further.
So in this article I’m showcasing ten French homes within two hours of a Channel port. Firstly, lets check out what the main routes are.
UK to France Channel routes
The shortest crossings are in the eastern end of the Channel. These also have the advantage of, on the English side, being closest to London and within a short (60-90 minute) train ride. For those traveling with pets this is also often an easier option as the pets can remain in your car.
Calais
- Routes: Dover ↔ Calais
- Operators: P&O Ferries, DFDS, Irish Ferries
- Notes: Busiest UK–France route (~1.5 hours)
Dunkirk (Dunkerque)
- Routes: Dover ↔ Dunkirk
- Operator: DFDS
- Notes: Slightly longer but often cheaper alternative to Calais
Dieppe
- Routes: Newhaven ↔ Dieppe
- Operator: DFDS
- Notes: Important Sussex–Normandy link (~4 hours)
Further west are the routes served by cities such as Portsmouth (main home of the Royal Navy). As the Channel is wider here the crossing is longer, but it offers the advantage of being able to sleep in a cabin, and take a pet into a cabin with you.
Le Havre
- Routes: Portsmouth ↔ Le Havre
- Operator: Brittany Ferries
- Notes: One of the closest ports to Paris (~2.5h drive)
Caen (Ouistreham)
- Routes: Portsmouth ↔ Caen
- Operator: Brittany Ferries
- Notes: Key gateway to Normandy and D-Day beaches
Cherbourg
Routes:
- Portsmouth ↔ Cherbourg
- Poole ↔ Cherbourg
- Ireland: Dublin ↔ Cherbourg
- Operators: Brittany Ferries, Irish Ferries
- Notes: One of the few French ports with direct Ireland links
Further west of the Cotentin Peninsual (aka the Cherbourg Peninsula) the crossings are longer still, but at least offer the option to travel from Ireland or the West Country, Wales and the Midlands without coming via London.
Saint-Malo
Routes:
- Portsmouth ↔ St Malo
- Poole ↔ St Malo
- Operator: Brittany Ferries
- Notes: Gateway to Brittany and Mont Saint-Michel
Roscoff
- Routes:
- Plymouth ↔ Roscoff
- Ireland: Cork ↔ Roscoff
- Operator: Brittany Ferries
- Notes: Another France–Ireland direct link
Regions and homes
Calais & Dunkirk – Hauts-de-France
Departments:
- Pas-de-Calais (62)
- Nord (59)
- Somme (80)
This stretch of northern France offers some of the quickest access from the UK, making it ideal for short trips and weekend homes. The coastline includes resorts such as Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, Wimereux and Wissant, alongside the working port town of Boulogne-sur-Mer.
Inland, towns like Arras and Saint-Omer provide history, architecture, and local markets. The landscape is a mix of wide sandy beaches, dunes, and gently rolling farmland. It’s a practical, good-value region that appeals to buyers prioritising convenience, affordability, and easy travel over more polished tourist appeal.
Traditional farmhouse near Opal Coast
Closest ports: Calais 1 hour 10 minutes, Dunkirk 1 hour 30 minutes
Price: €240,000
Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 2
Build size: 170 m² Plot size: 1,811 m² (~0.45 acres)
Type: Traditional farmhouse with garden, garage and outbuildings
Condition: Good condition, ready to move into
Key features:
Mature gardens with south-west facing terrace
Vaulted cellar, garage, car port and workshop
5 minutes from Hesdin, 30 minutes to the coast
Property description:
This spacious farmhouse combines traditional character with practical family living. The ground floor centres around a large dual-aspect sitting room with exposed beams and a stone fireplace, alongside a kitchen and two bedrooms. Upstairs, three further bedrooms and a shower room provide flexible accommodation. The 1,811 m² plot includes mature gardens, a south-west facing terrace, and useful additional spaces including a vaulted cellar, garage, car port and workshop.
Location and appeal:
Just five minutes from Hesdin, the property benefits from easy access to a lively town with shops, restaurants and a popular weekly market. The surrounding Pas-de-Calais countryside is green and gently rolling, offering a quieter alternative to more tourist-heavy regions. Within 30 minutes, the Opal Coast provides wide sandy beaches at Berck and Stella Plage, while Le Touquet offers a more upscale seaside experience. The nearby town of Montreuil-sur-Mer adds further appeal with its historic centre and well-regarded restaurants.
Dieppe – Seine-Maritime (Normandy)
Departments:
- Seine-Maritime (76)
- Eure (27)
- Somme (80)
The Dieppe area offers a quieter, more authentic slice of Normandy, with a strong balance of coast and countryside. The Alabaster Coast is a standout feature, with dramatic white cliffs and seaside towns such as Dieppe, Le Tréport, and Fécamp.
Inland, Rouen provides a major cultural and economic hub with medieval architecture and vibrant markets. The surrounding countryside is characterised by open farmland and traditional villages. This area appeals to buyers looking for coastal access, character, and better value than more famous parts of Normandy, while still benefiting from strong transport links.
House near Dieppe with land
Closest ports: Dieppe 15 minutes, Calais 2 hours
Price: €200,000
Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1
Build size: 118 m² Plot size: 3,000 m² (approx.)
Type: Detached house with land
Condition: Good condition, ready to move into
Key features:
Large garden/land
Bright living areas
Outbuildings/storage
Peaceful rural setting
Property description:
This three-bedroom detached home offers a comfortable living space in a peaceful setting. The layout is practical and well-suited to family use or as a second home, with bright living areas and good natural light throughout. Set on a generous plot of around 3,000 m², the property provides ample outdoor space for gardening, entertaining, or simply enjoying the countryside. Additional outbuildings offer useful storage or potential for further use.
Location and appeal:
Offers a balance of rural charm and coastal access. Nearby villages provide everyday amenities, while Dieppe itself offers a full range of shops, restaurants and a lively seafront. The surrounding landscape is characterised by rolling fields and traditional Norman architecture. The nearby Alabaster Coast adds further appeal, with its dramatic cliffs and beaches.
Caen & Le Havre – Normandy
Departments:
- Calvados (14)
- Seine-Maritime (76)
- Eure (27)
- Orne (61)
This is one of the most popular areas of Normandy for international buyers, combining accessibility with lifestyle appeal. The coastline includes well-known resorts such as Deauville, Trouville, and Cabourg, alongside picturesque towns like Honfleur. Inland, Caen offers a lively city environment, while Bayeux provides historic charm. The landscape ranges from sandy beaches to rolling countryside and orchards. This region is particularly attractive for its mix of coastal living, culture, and strong infrastructure, making it suitable for both holiday homes and permanent relocation.
A local property: Farmhouse in rural Normandy
Closest ports: Caen 1 hour, Cherbourg 1 hr 15 minutes
Price: €129,000
Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1
Build size: 93 m² Plot size: 2,455 m² (~0.6 acres)
Type: Farmhouse, with land and outbuildings to develop
Condition: Habitable now, with development potential
Key features:
Adjoining barns (conversion potential)
End of no-through road (quiet setting)
1 km to shops/amenities
Property description:
This traditional Normandy farmhouse offers immediate usability with strong development potential. The 93 m² interior provides a practical living space, while adjoining barns create clear scope for extension, guest accommodation, or workspace conversion. Set on a generous 2,455 m² plot, the property enjoys a quiet position at the end of a no-through road, offering privacy without isolation.
Location and appeal:
Sourdeval sits in the heart of the Manche countryside, known for its rolling green landscapes, quiet lanes and traditional stone homes. The nearby town provides essential shops, cafés and weekly markets, while larger centres like Vire, Avranches and Mont Saint-Michel are within easy reach.
Cherbourg – Manche (Normandy)
Departments:
- Manche (50)
- Calvados (14)
- Orne (61)
The Cotentin Peninsula around Cherbourg offers a more rugged and less commercialised side of Normandy. Coastal highlights include Barfleur, Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, and Granville, while inland towns such as Valognes and Coutances provide character and good value.
The landscape features wild coastlines, sandy beaches, and green countryside, often with fewer crowds than Calvados. This area is popular with buyers seeking space, authenticity, and lower prices, while still enjoying access to the sea and historic sites, including those linked to the D-Day landings.
Saint-Malo – Ille-et-Vilaine (Brittany)
Departments:
- Ille-et-Vilaine (35)
- Côtes-d’Armor (22)
- Manche (50)
The Saint-Malo area is one of Brittany’s most attractive coastal regions, known for its historic walled city and strong maritime character. Nearby towns such as Dinard and Dinan offer elegance and charm, while the coastline features sandy beaches and scenic estuaries.
Inland, the countryside is dotted with traditional stone villages and market towns. The region combines coastal beauty with cultural depth, making it a favourite for second-home buyers. Its blend of accessibility, heritage, and lifestyle makes it one of the most desirable areas in northern France.
Roscoff – Finistère (Brittany)
Departments:
- Finistère (29)
- Côtes-d’Armor (22)
Western Brittany around Roscoff offers dramatic scenery and a strong sense of regional identity. The coastline includes the Pink Granite Coast near Perros-Guirec and quieter spots around Morlaix and Carantec. Further west, the landscape becomes more rugged, with cliffs, sandy bays, and traditional fishing villages.
Inland areas remain rural and affordable, with plenty of space and greenery. This region appeals to buyers looking for natural beauty, privacy, often at lower prices than more accessible parts of northern France.
