Camping Le Grand Large

To scenic Saint-Omer first, a traditional marshland town with quite a bit to see including the Notre Dame cathedral, the public gardens, the marketplace and town hall, and the swish mansions laid around the narrow streets. The Sandelin museum is also a good option for an afternoon: this lush 18th-century mansion has around 3,000 objects and works of art from the Middle Ages up to the 19th century, laid out over 21 rooms. Another museum well worth a look is the Coupole d'Helfaut-Wizernes or Dome History Centre (15 minutes’ drive), set in a World War II bunker and disused chalk quarry five kilometres from Saint-Omer; there are tunnels to explore here, a big exhibition area and displays on war weaponry and life in occupied France. Tours are available in French, English, Dutch and German. Much time too must be made to thoroughly investigate the Saint-Omer/Audomarois marshes, a UNESCO biosphere reserve made up of 160 kilometres of navigable waterways. Ask at the Saint-Omer tourist office (in Place Victor Hugo) for details on the many things to do around these rivers, from meeting the local boatmakers to walking the Fontinette locks to taking a canoe out from Salperwick half a kilometre from Camping Le Grand Large. Towards the coast, Dunkirk is 45 minutes’ drive away.