What to see in France

Camping in the Hauts de France, a generous and sincere land

Plages et dunes du Touquet dans la région Hauts-de-France
Plages et dunes du Touquet dans la région Hauts-de-France

 

The result of the merger of Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardy, Hauts-de-France is the third most populous region in the country. Composed of five departments, it offers its visitors an important cultural heritage both in terms of its built heritage with its cathedrals such as those of Beauvais and Amiens, its cities of Art and History such as Lille or Boulogne-sur-Mer or its famous belfries, and in terms of its diverse landscapes with beaches as far as the eye can see, chalk cliffs, the hortillonnages of Amiens, the Bay of Somme, the Côte d'Opale... The campsite here is ideal for exploring the welcoming territory of the Haut-de-France.

Frequently asked questions about campsites in Hauts-de-France

Almost 500 campsites in Hauts-de-France spread over five departments with 26 campsites in Aisne, over a hundred campsites in Nord, 30 campsites in Oise, 196 campsites in Pas-de-Calais and 134 campsites in Somme.

Hauts-de-France campsites by number of stars

The stars are the indicator that will determine your choice. The more stars, the more facilities (sports hall, cinema or aquatic areas) and the more services (wellness area, children's clubs). It's up to you to see what best suits your tastes, your desires and your budget too.

In Hauts-de-France, the majority of campsites have two stars with a figure of 183 campsites. Then you can choose from 110 *** campsites, 62 * campsites or 46 **** campsites. Finally, only 7 campsites have five stars in the Hauts-de-France region.

Size of campsites: how many pitches do campsites in Hauts-de-France have?

Of the 500 campsites in Hauts-de-France, more than half have less than 100 pitches. The promise of a family establishment for a quiet and relaxing holiday for all. This is the case of the Le Val de Trie campsite **** located in Moyenneville. It offers 85 pitches with a majority of bare pitches. You will also enjoy a covered swimming pool with solarium and jacuzzi and a horse-riding reception.

Only 26 of them have more than 300 pitches. They are true holiday clubs, offering a wide range of services and facilities for a comfortable stay.

Which campsites in Hauts-de-France are close to a lake or river?

367 campsites are located near a lake or a river in the Hauts-de-France, that's the majority. Discover the campsite Le Grand Pré ** in Long in the Somme which is situated in the middle of nature in a calm and relaxing setting, its pitches are spread around ponds where fishing is practiced.

Camping l'Escale *** in Wacquinghen is located 15 minutes from Calais and Boulogne-sur-Mer and has a fishing pond on site. It is close to the Nausicaa aquarium. There is a good traditional restaurant on site and many activities such as tennis, beach volleyball and mini golf. The campsite is also located 5 km from the sea.

Which campsites offer unusual accommodation in Hauts-de-France?

In all, 40 campsites in the region offer unusual accommodation. A fun way to spend a night or a weekend in a place that is different from everyday life. Discover the La Trye ** campsite in Bresles in the Oise region and its Mobile Castle built by the owners Pascal and José which will offer you all the comfort in the middle of nature with a private jacuzzi. The luxury Woddy Safari tent, a mixture of well-being and camping in this accommodation which has a private jacuzzi on its terrace or the Lavvu Tipi on stilts, the traditional Scandinavian dwelling to fall asleep with the gentle sound of the stream.

At the gateway to the Bay of the Somme, in Beauchamps, the Domaine de Lieu Dieu invites you to reconnect with nature in a 100-hectare estate and to discover life on the farm. Unusual accommodation is available, such as the house or the cabin on the water with terrace and heated Nordic bath, the caravan for a family stay with a change of scenery, or the Mongolian yurt for an unusual experience. Finally, the Goutte d'Ô, where you will spend the night watching the stars above a river in accommodation shaped like a drop of water.

A natural heritage not to be missed!

The Bay of the Somme, a huge estuary

A source of inspiration for many artists, the Bay of the Somme is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. With its 70 km2, it is the largest estuary in the north of France, extending from the Pointe du Hourdel to Le Crotoy. Composed essentially of dunes, salt meadows and marshes, the presence of numerous migratory birds passing through the Nature Reserve of the Parc de Marquenterre justifies an important fauna and flora on the site. A veritable 250-hectare Garden of Eden for wild animals, it is not uncommon to see egrets, geese or white spoonbills, but also greylag geese, swans and gulls. The best time to see them is in spring, when they are nesting. The Bay of the Somme is also home to a large seal colony, the largest in Europe. To observe all these animals without disturbing them, the route is marked out with observation posts.

White chalk cliffs in the Somme Bay
White chalk cliffs in the Somme Bay© iStock

The Opal Coast, magnificent landscapes

Made up of protected natural areas, charming seaside resorts, wild coasts and above all beautiful fine sandy beaches where you just have to look up to admire the ballet of the kites as the wind gusts, the Opal Coast stretches from Bray-Dunes to Berk-sur-Mer. During a bike ride, you can admire the Belle Époque architecture of the beautiful residences of Le Touquet, or the invigorating air of Malo-les-Bains and Bray-Dunes. You can marvel at the gigantic limestone cliffs of the Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez overlooking the sea and you can be delighted to discover the seals that have taken up residence in the magnificent dune-dotted Authie Bay.

Cap Gris Nez beach on the Opal Coast
Cap Gris Nez beach on the Opal Coast© IStock

The gardens of Valloires and its abbey

A few kilometres from the Bay of the Authie, the gardens of Valloires, classified as Jardins Remarquable, are in Argoules, around a majestic 12th century Cistercian abbey. Composed of English and French gardens, marsh gardens, rose gardens, etc., there are around 5000 varieties of plants, shrubs and flowers that will delight nature lovers. Spread over 8 hectares, the gardens can be visited according to the seasons. The rose in the Valloires gardens was created in 1992 and was named by Catherine Deneuve.

Abbey and gardens of Valloires
Abbey and gardens of Valloires© iStock

A built heritage that cannot be ignored

Beauvais, prefecture of the Oise

Famous for its historical heritage, Beauvais is more specifically famous for its Gothic cathedral Saint-Pierre, its ancient stained-glass windows, its 12-metre high astronomical clock located inside as well as the superb medieval clock which still functions. The Maladrerie Saint-Lazare, the church of Saint-Etienne, the former episcopal palace converted into the Oise Museum and its superb fortified towers are all buildings that make the city of Beauvais so rich. A marker on the ground indicates the historical monuments of the city not to be missed.

Beauvais and St Peter's Cathedral
Beauvais and St Peter's Cathedral© Istock

 

The Palais des Beaux-Arts, the Vauban citadel, the Palais Rihour, the Grand'Place and the Vieille Bourse are all remarkable sites and buildings that make up the richness and beauty of Lille. (Link to article)

The Château de Chantilly, a masterpiece of French heritage

Transformed into a true museum of art and history by Henri d'Orléans, it is divided into two parts, one dating from the 16th century and smaller than the other, a 19th century construction, now transformed into a museum of ancient paintings. There are also old manuscripts and richly decorated flats. The beautiful gardens designed by Le Nôtre are a real pleasure to walk around. You must go to the Hameau to taste the real Chantilly cream!

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Chantilly Castle
Chantilly Castle© iStock
Amiens, City of Arts and History

The 42-metre height and 145-metre length of the cathedral make it the largest in France. A masterpiece of Gothic art and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its facade is a real jewel. Its portal can be seen illuminated on summer evenings and at Christmas time, a magnificent attraction. Around the cathedral, the splendid belfry is worth seeing as well as the attractive medieval quarter of Saint-Leu on the waterfront, nicknamed the "little Venice of the North" for its many canals. The Jules Verne house, where the writer lived for almost 20 years, is of real interest. A breathtaking view of the cathedral awaits you from the Dodane bridge.

Amiens
Amiens© IStock

Arras, third largest city in the Pas-de-Calais

The grandiose belfry of the town hall on the Place des Héros and the Grand'Place are a delight to visitors. Lined with more than a hundred superb Flemish brocaded houses, the inhabitants are proud of their magnificent cobbled squares, and for good reason! The old chalk quarries dating back to the 10th century are admired here, as is the Vauban citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Finally, the 7th century Benedictine abbey of Saint-Vaast, which today houses a museum of fine arts, is worth a visit, not forgetting its main courtyard, which was renovated in the 18th century.

Place des Héros in Arras
Place des Héros in Arras© iStock

Boulogne-sur-Mer, capital of the Opal Coast

Boulogne-sur-Mer is a pretty seaside resort classified as a tourist resort, which appeals to visitors for its rich built and cultural heritage as well as its very pretty beaches. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the belfry and the château comtal bear witness to the medieval era. The Notre-Dame basilica is nestled in the middle of 13th century ramparts and has the largest crypt in France as well as a 14th century reliquary. In the lower town you will find Nausicaá, the largest aquarium in Europe. France's largest fishing port, holidaymakers enjoy the small fish restaurants, pedestrian streets and traditional welsh.

Boulogne-sur-Mer
Boulogne-sur-Mer© iStock

Senlis and its many medieval remains

Famous for its tourist activity, the town of Senlis remains a must in the Oise department. Founded in antiquity, it was royal under the Capetians and had a brilliant past thanks to the fur, leather and wool trades between the 12th and 13th centuries. The royal castle is part of Senlis' heritage and French history thanks to the election of the King of the Franks, Hugues Capet. The gothic Notre-Dame cathedral is also interesting here with some of the most beautiful galleries in France, as well as a spire almost 80 metres high. Thanks to its superb stained-glass windows designed by Miro, its 10th century crypt and its gothic nave, the royal chapel of Saint-Frambourg is well worth a visit.image

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Senlis
Notre-Dame Cathedral in Senlis© IStock

Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, the chic family resort!

It is impossible to visit the Pas-de-Calais without stopping off at Le Touquet. Here you can enjoy the elegant Anglo-Norman architecture as well as the immense sandy beach and the beautiful dunes. A route has been set up to discover the 18 sites listed as Historic Monuments. You should also stroll through the seaside resort to admire the pretty houses, many of which date from the 1930s. Climb to the top of the Canche lighthouse to discover a beautiful viewpoint. The town hall is also not to be missed; it is an architectural jewel. On the nature side, the Parc de la Baie de Canche is a nature reserve where you can walk or cycle through the pine forest, dunes and oyats.image

Le Touquet-Paris-Plage
Le Touquet-Paris-Plage© iStock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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