Camping Le Clos Cacheleux

Arrange a few days at least at the stunning Bay of the Somme around 30 minutes' drive away, acclaimed as one of the most spectacularly scenic bays in the world. Beaches and cliffs await for hours of leisure and hiking along the bay's many walking trails; arty and writerly sorts should take along their paintboxes and notebooks too, as the bay's provided inspiration for the likes of Degas, Jules Verne and Colette. This is top nature spotting and birdwatching land, with harbour seals to be spied among the sands at low tide, and migratory birds of several species stopping off on their journeys north or south. Parc du Marquenterre (35 minutes' drive) is the best spot on the bay for birdwatching, among its dune, marshland and forest reserve with hides and nature trails. Saint Valery sur Somme (25 minutes) has a most eventful history because of its strategic setting on a promontory facing the bay (Joan of Arc and William the Conqueror both wandered here). To follow in historic footsteps, start off at the marina for a saunter along the docks and to the Somme estuary, then pootle around the cobbled streets, remains of the city walls, and the sailors' quarters with colourful fishermen's houses.