Beautiful Boulogne on a budget

Try out the new fast cross-channel superferry – Norman Arrow, the world’s largest diesel-powered catamaran – which docks at delightful Boulogne-sur-Mer, with its superb beaches and chic boutiques, just an hour after leaving Dover.

holidaylets.net features a range of properties – some with reductions – within an easy 60-minute drive of the port including Bambecq Farmhouse, a pretty Flemish-style three-bedroom property, in the village of Racquinghem, close to St Omer, and only 30 miles from Boulogne.

The farmhouse – which sleeps six, plus one baby – dates back to the early 19th century and has roses round the door. It is located in the extensive grounds of a small château hotel, where guests can opt to eat table d’hote (at extra cost) if self-catering becomes a chore.

The cost of a week in July is from €650 (reduced from €750) – or around £95 per person, when six share. holidaylets.net/prop/15007

A little further away at 55 miles from Boulogne, Les Ecuries is a converted stable – once belonging to the local auberge – in the pretty rural village of Labroye, in the Vallee de Authie and only 35 miles from Le Touquet’s beaches.

Sleeping six in its three bedrooms, there’s also a double sofa bed in the lounge and a daybed in the dining area so the property can accommodate up to nine.

The cost of seven nights – from 11-18 July – has been reduced from £500 to just £399, so less than £45 per person with a full house. holidaylets.net/prop/31469

For more information and reservations, visit holidaylets.net.