Camping Beauséjour

This is spectacular countryside, with five lakes as well as the Clairmarais forest within walking distance and walking routes within easy reach. Get around all the local lakes if poss: there's Étang d'Harchelles, dug in the forest by the monks of the Abbey of Saint Bertin; Étang de Malhove, a protected nature park; Étang Beauséjour, right by the site, and the lakes at Arc-en-ciel, popular for trout fishing. The Clairmarais forest is also a must, for leafy hiking days, more small lakes, and heron and owl spotting (and if you have a few hundred spare euros, the 17th-century Belgian tapestries of the forest make for rather fine souvenirs too). For more strolls and hikes, take the nine and a half-kilometre of the Fontinettes Path or the four and a half-kilometre trail around the streets and history of Arques.