Les Sevrettes

To get out and about in the fresh air, you can go fishing on the Étang d’Amaury (15 minutes’ drive) or head for the Étang de Chabeau-Latour (10 minutes), where there are play areas, lakeside hiking paths and cycling trails. The lake is also surrounded by former mining relics, including the landmark Fosse Ledoux - Puits n°1 mine shaft (15 minutes). Sitting on the confluence of the Haine and Escaut (Scheldt) rivers, historic Condé-sur-l’Escaut (10 minutes) is just the spot for little gentle sightseeing. Its ancient heart is liberally stuffed with medieval gateways and grand mansions, all guarded by ramparts and fortifications upgraded by Vauban in the late 17th century. Right on the border with Belgium, the soaring Notre-Dame de Bonsecours Basilica (also 10 minutes) is a Gothic-era treasure with jewel-like stained-glass windows. Keen to explore two countries for the price of one? Hop over the Belgian border for forays into the Plaines de l’Escaut Natural Park (10 minutes), or to tour all the industrial heritage around Bernissart (15 minutes). You might also like to drop by the moated Château de Beloeil (25 minutes), a 15th-century gem with opulent gilded interiors and landscaped water gardens.