Caravaning du Lac

There’s so much to do around this part of France that you’ll probably want to extend your stay, or, if you’re a Brit, nip back across the Channel to beg extra leave from work before zipping straight back. The splendid beaches around the Opal Coast, including the long stretches of Bray-Dunes, Zuydcoote, Malo-les-Bains and De Panne, will likely be a first stop; more sands are at historic Dunkirk 13 kilometres away, where there’s also a golf course, a museum and monuments relating to World War II. An absolute must from here is the Dune Marchand National Nature Reserve, a few minutes’ drive or short bike ride to the north of the site, covering 83 hectares around Bray-Dunes, Zuydcoote and one of the dunes of Flanders. The reserve is a breeding ground for underwater seals and is home to over 300 plant species including orchids and alder trees: follow the marked trails, and drop into the visitor centre in Zuydcoote to find out more.