I've just been to the 'Cape Cod of Europe' – here's how the French do coastal interior design style differently

Hotel de la plage in cap ferret, france with yellow and red wooden building and tables set outside.

I’ve just returned from a trip to Cap Ferret and Arcachon – two chic enclaves off the coast of Bordeaux in France, often referred to as the 'Cape Cod of Europe.'

But while the nickname hints at familiar New England charm, what struck me most was how different the French approach to coastal decor really is. It’s not all navy stripes and seashell decor; instead, the homes and hotels I stepped inside go way beyond cliches.