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Hi thanks guys - yes I did mean 3 to 4 hours! The coastal thing is probably too expensive - I did see a little town house for 45k in a place could Treport but have no information on the area. I think overall however the value offered in the Channel coast in better than southern english seaside resorts plus the different culture which is worth a lot in itself I have also noticed that Sunday's in France are bit er...slow....but I am hoping that the absense of cars and people can help do some more outdoor things like cycling etc I think like many people I have driven through France and you do so often drive through little towns that are so nice - I should have noted down a few more names! One final question - has anybody been to Laon as I have seen some very good value property on there and it seems very well placed between Paris and Calais Cheers  

Hello I am bored of weekends in London and am looking for a small town house within 3/4 hours of Calais to chill out lock up and leave cost up to 60k. I am not that expert in France but want to spend a couple of weeks searching around a good region as the size and choice is daunting. Basically are there are any favoured nice towns not to far south that people can suggest that could fit the bill? Ideas that I have discussed so far are - One of the little seaside resorts on the channel coast - Somewhere around Reims Does anyone else know any nice towns to look at? e.g. Le Mans area or Orleans area? Or anywhere else really as long as it is a town and not too far too drive! I suppose like many my ideal is a nice market town with some good bakers, bars, and plenty of older style traditional housing Thanks