Le Vert Village

Bergues (15 minutes' drive) is a dainty spot indeed, with canals, medieval churches and an ancient abbey all creating a fab backdrop for those stepping out on leisurely strolls. It also hosts a bustling Monday market where visiting foodies can pick up French and Flemish faves and listen to the belfry's carillon chiming between 11 and midday. This site (quite rightly) makes a big deal of being green, but the big briny blue is also within easy reach. Dunkirk (25 minutes) is visit-worthy for being the site of the historic Second World War evacuation of British troops, but also for sandy Malo-les-Bains beach, a handsome harbour and a fine art museum that houses paintings in the Flemish, French and Italian style. Also at the seaside is Ostend (an hour), one of Belgium's best-loved beach resorts where you can take trams out to rural coastal villages or stick around for the Mercator (a floating museum) or the neo-Gothic Church of St. Peter and St. Paul. While you're out this way, you could also call in at Ypres (around 45 minutes) for more wartime history or to visit Bellewaerde (50 minutes), Belgium's oldest theme park.