CAMPING & HOLIDAY PARKS 2020


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Hauts-de-France


From its scenic coastline to its historic cities, this northernmost region of France is full of gems


COMBINING Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardy, this northernmost tip of France is brimming with glorious countryside, beautiful towns and a fascinating and rich culture, including both the world-famous lace and cream named Chantilly. It couldn’t be easier to reach, whether you choose to


travel by ferry, rail or road. Once there, you will find a region dotted with campsites: pitch your tent (or cosy on up in ready-erected tents or mobile homes) on the edge of a nature reserve, next to a bustling town, in a lush valley or soak up all that lovely fresh ozone by the coast. When it comes to sightseeing, highlights include the


Hortillonnages (floating gardens) in Amiens, known as the Venice of the North, and the abundance of art and history on offer to satisfy the most avid culture vulture in Lille, Boulogne-sur-Mer, Cambrai and Roubaix. UNESCO has given 23 of the region’s belfries World Heritage status, so don’t forget to look to the skies! Meanwhile, art fans must make a beeline for Lens, where you can find a fabulous outpost of the Louvre.


The Château de Chantilly is a delight for architecture buffs Walkers can enjoy a variety of trails to suit all abilities,


from forest trails to clifftop paths. Check out the nature parks of Avesnois, Caps et Marais d’Opale, Scarpe- Escaut and Oise-Pays de France or head to the vast swathes of fine sand, pretty fishing villages and chic resorts of the Côte d’Opale and Côte Picard. Birdwatchers will want to flock to the Bay of Somme – keep your eyes peeled for the resident colony of seals while you’re there! The castles of Chantilly, Compiègne and Pierrefonds and the Gothic cathedrals of Amiens and Beauvais will please architecture buffs, while history lovers will want to visit the battle grounds and cemeteries of the world wars to pay their respects. If you’re travelling with little ones, there’s a packed calendar of carnivals and festivals throughout the year, complete with giant puppets and colourful floats. Gourmands will have plenty to feast on, too, with


numerous Michelin-starred restaurants. Don’t miss the region’s fabulous larder of cheeses, the most famous of which is Maroilles, its fine seafood and local speciality ficelle picarde (crêpe stuffed with cheese, mushrooms, and ham). ■


E-mail: campinglechampneuf@orange.fr www.camping-lechampneuf.com


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FURTHER INFORMATION Hauts-de-France Tourism • www.hautsdefrance.fr


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