Calvados is one of Normandy's most popular departments, prized for its striking coastline, rich history and excellent accessibility. Direct ferries from Portsmouth to Ouistreham, the port for Caen, make it one of the easiest parts of France to reach from the UK, putting the department within a few hours of home. With its long history, Calvados is the birthplace of William the Conqueror and home to the Bayeux Tapestry, alongside the D-Day landing beaches that played such a pivotal role in the Second World War. Beyond its remarkable heritage, the elegant Belle Époque resorts of Deauville and Trouville, long favoured by Parisians, sit alongside the orchards and half-timbered villages of the Pays d'Auge. Calvados is also celebrated for its food and drink, giving its name to the apple brandy made here and known too for cider and cheeses such as Camembert and Pont-l'Évêque. A mild maritime climate brings warm summers and gentle winters, with green countryside throughout the year. Property here ranges from a stone farmhouse inland, a fisherman's cottage in Honfleur or an apartment in Caen, Calvados offers a wide range of properties to suit different tastes. With history, coastline and gastronomy with easy access from the UK, it is easy to see why the department remains such a popular choice for buyers. Houses in Calvados currently average €2,324/m².