STYLISH

Honfleur. The design is stylish and purposeful, and judging by the admiring looks it attracts while cruising through Honfleur's ancient streets, perfectly executed too.

So, ego massaged, soul refreshed and boot loaded with local Calvados and classic Normandy cider, we head for a night in Haute Rive - a beautiful country house in the hills above Honfleur. Proprietors Nicole and Pierrick's welcome is all warmth and smiles, and their sensational 19th century home is completely and faithfully renovated, with three rooms for guests. The Yellow room, for instance, has an earthy feel - perfectly complementing the woodland view outside the window. The Blue room overlooks the Seine estuary, with the big windows creating the effect of bringing the stunning views inside. The perfect place to sit and watch the fishing boats and yachts glide up the estuary and reflect on a wonderful trip achieved without ever stepping onto an aeroplane.

It just underlines how the modern car is perhaps the most perfect transit device. It can cover great distances safely and comfortably - just as Vectra SRi Estate has over the last couple of days. The Vectra's armoury of safety and control systems make a journey easier, and more reassured, but no less entertaining. The one thing you won't have to wonder about very hard as you potter back to the ferry is why What Car? magazine voted the Vectra its Estate Car of the Year. The Vectra itself will already have said everything you need to know about that question.