Camping Le Mont Des Bruyères

Whether you’re a keen hiker or more of a leisure walker, there’s a trail for you in the 43,000-hectare Scarpe Escaut Regional Natural Park, through old farms, past historic buildings or perhaps along the banks of one of the two rivers that give the park its name. For other ways to see the scenery, look out for local riding centres or rental centres for kayaks and boats, or climb up into the trees to follow the trails at Pure Aventure (15 minutes’ drive). If you fancy taking it in at a more leisurely pace, board the Valley of the Scarpe steam train in Saint-Amand-les-Eaux (five minutes’ drive). Stop in for a bit of history as you roam too, getting a glimpse of life on the Maginot Line at the Casemate du Mont des Bruyeres (two minutes), or learning about the industrial past at Arenberg Creative Mine (10 minutes). There’s also urban history on hand in Tournai (half an hour) and Lille (40 minutes). Worn out? Maybe it's time for a soak in the Saint-Amand-les-Eaux thermal baths (five minutes)…