In the town of Pays de Caux, in the Normandy region of northern France

 “A garden to walk in and immensity to dream in -- what more could he ask? A few flowers at his feet and above him the stars.”

― Victor Hugo, Les Misérables
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(on the coast of the English Channel in the Pays de Caux, in the Normandy region of northern France) The Pays de Caux is an area in Normandy occupying the greater part of the French département of Seine Maritime. Tucked away on the Alabaster Coast, just 12 miles (~19 km) southwest of Dieppe, the lovely village of Veules-les-Roses is a cluster of half-timbered cottages and lots of ancient charm. The Veules, which flows through the village, is France’s shortest river. Its water is used in ponds for growing watercress, from which it finds its way to the sea through a gap in the high chalk cliffs that overlook a sand and pebble beach. One of the oldest villages in the Pays de Caux, Veules-les-Roses became a popular holiday resort in the 19th century, cherished by artists such as Victor Hugo. Today, a pleasant, laid-back atmosphere makes Veules-les-Roses quite a delightful seaside retreat, brimming with local restaurants specializing in fresh fish and oysters. Many of the houses at Veules-les-Roses are still maintained as they were when built several centuries ago. Many with thatched roofs, the old but well maintained houses, and their fascinating layout, make the village a memorable place to explore on foot. (There are several walking paths in the village. Most of them start at the beginning of the village and snake through the village.) Considered to be one of the oldest villages in the Pays de Caux, the seaside hamlet of Veules-les-Roses has been inhabited since the 4th century and is now highly regarded as one of Normandy’s prettiest places. The village is nestled on the banks of the Veules, which winds its way past historic thatched cottages and watermills down to the shore where the famous Veulaise oysters are harvested -- and a pretty little beach is flanked by dramatic cliffs.