Van road trip: Le Touquet-Paris-Plage and the Baie de Somme, the must-see highlights

With vast forests, endless beaches and wild landscapes, this corner of Hauts-de-France is a dream playground for vanlifers. Discover six unmissable gems.

Ready to hit the road towards horizons where salty breezes ruffle the dunes and seals nap on sandbanks? Le Touquet-Paris-Plage and the Baie de Somme offer the perfect blend of seaside elegance and untouched nature. Ideal for a campervan or motorhome getaway, this region is best explored at your own pace, with bike rides, birdwatching and gourmet breaks by the ocean. Here are six must-see spots to tick off your itinerary.

Forêt domaniale du Touquet

Dive into a 1,500-hectare green haven, perfect for hikes or cycling under the pines. Well-marked trails lead to stunning viewpoints over the sea and dunes.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping de la Loge Campsite ★ 3.7 Quiet family campsite, 10 equipped pitches (water, electricity). 24 min walk, rating 3.7/5. › Parking at Hesdin forest entrance Guisy Parking ★ 4 Free forest car park, sloped but accessible. 14 min walk, rating 4/5. › Church square parking with valley view Huby-Saint-Leu Parking ★ 3.9 Parking tolerated at the church, water point nearby. 20 min walk, rating 3.9/5. › Wood parking Huby-Saint-Leu Parking ★ 3.8 Free forest car park, picnic tables. 23 min walk, quiet at night. › Forest parking Huby-Saint-Leu Parking ★ 2.3 Isolated natural spot, free with no facilities. 25 min walk, wild atmosphere. ›

Plage du Touquet-Paris-Plage

With its 12 km of fine sand, this iconic beach is ideal for a relaxing break or a picnic with your toes in the water. The sunsets here are legendary, especially from the pier.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping Onlycamp - Camping de la Mer Campsite ★ 4.1 4.1/5 campsite between dunes and forest, direct beach access. 5 km from Le Touquet, untouched nature. › Equestrian motorhome area Le Touquet-Paris-Plage Motorhome area ★ 3 Overnight area at 11 €/night, 12 min walk from the beach. Equestrian centre, calm atmosphere. › Parking between football field cemetery Cucq Parking ★ 4.1 Free car park, quiet beside a football pitch. 5 min drive, toilets open from 9am. › Countryside parking Cucq Parking ★ 4 Free rural spot, dirt track. 45 min walk, countryside feel. › Caravaning Stoneham - Touquet & Co Campsite ★ 3.3 Campsite 12 min walk from the beach. Free shuttle, flat and grassy pitches. ›

Parc du Marquenterre

This ornithological park in the heart of the Baie de Somme is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Its discreet hides let you observe rare species without disturbing them.

Where to sleep nearby

Bird park parking Marquenterre Saint-Quentin-en-Tourmont Parking ★ 4 Shaded, flat car park 13 min walk from the park, ideal for a quiet night. Free but closed in the evening. › Camping Le Champ Neuf Campsite ★ 4.5 Family campsite 4.5/5, 26 min walk, pool and direct access to cycle paths. Perfect for nature and comfort. › Waterfront motorhome area Le Crotoy Motorhome area ★ 4.2 Lakeside overnight area, 5 min drive, secluded setting with free facilities. 10 € per night, soothing views. › Camping Marie-Céline Lemaître Campsite ★ 4.5 Small 4.5/5 campsite in Le Crotoy town centre, 6 min drive. Close to beach and shops, equipped pitches. › Parking along the coastline Le Crotoy Parking ★ 2.4 Free car park after 7pm, stunning bay views 5 min drive. Quiet with direct coastal access. ›

Saint-Valery-sur-Somme

This charming fishing port, the historic departure point of William the Conqueror, wins hearts with its cobbled streets and authentic atmosphere. Don’t miss the bay views from the Marine quarter.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping les Etangs Campsite ★ 4.8 Very quiet family campsite, rating 4.8, ideal for exploring the Baie by bike. 41 min walk access. › Motorhome area in Saint-Valery-sur-Somme Motorhome area ★ 3.9 Municipal overnight area at 7 €/night, spacious and green. 9 min walk from the centre. › Parking for vans Somme maritime Parking ★ 4.3 Discreet car park in the town centre, free. 4 min walk from the sea and ramparts. › Parking dyke side Pendé Parking ★ 4.1 Car park facing the Baie de Somme, very quiet. 5 min drive (4 km). › Camping La Salfrière Campsite ★ 4.5 Rural campsite with 6 motorhome pitches, very quiet. 5 min drive (5 km). ›

Colonie de phoques de la Baie de Somme

Hop on a boat trip from Saint-Valery or Le Crotoy to get close to grey and harbour seals. A moving natural spectacle, especially at low tide.

Where to sleep nearby

Aire Camping-car Anas Camiers Motorhome area ★ 4.5 Quiet overnight area 6 km away, 12 electric pitches at 14 €/night. Close to beach and Intermarché, warm welcome. › Route des Estuaires, Widehem Parking ★ 4.8 Free coastal car park, 8 min drive. Modern toilets, panoramic views and playground. › Camping Onlycamp - Camping de la Mer Campsite ★ 4.1 Nature campsite between dunes and forest, direct beach access. Rating 4.1, peaceful atmosphere 6 km away. › Countryside parking Cucq Parking ★ 4 Free rural car park, 5 km from the coast. Very quiet, access via dirt track. › Motorhome area Corderie Étaples Motorhome area ★ 3.7 Free motorhome area in Étaples, 4 km. 5 flat pitches, near Mareis museum. ›

Abbaye de Saint-Riquier

This 8th-century abbey, a jewel of Gothic architecture, impresses with its stained glass and thousand-year history. The adjacent medieval garden is a peaceful retreat.

Where to sleep nearby

Quiet parking Rue du Noch Saint-Riquier Parking ★ 5 Discreet and secure lane in the village heart. Bakery and stream 3 min walk. › Greenery parking stream shops Saint-Riquier Parking ★ 3.3 Green car park near the abbey, peaceful setting. Ideal for a short stay, 3 min walk. › Cemetery pine trees parking Agenvillers Parking ★ 2 Quiet lane in Agenvillers, free. 5 min drive (5 km) access. › Quiet parking with bench Neuilly-l'Hôpital Parking ★ 1 Quiet street in Neuilly-l'Hôpital, free. 7 min drive (6 km) from the abbey. › Shaded parking Neuilly-l'Hôpital Parking Free open parking in Neuilly-l'Hôpital. 7 min drive (7 km) for a change of scenery. ›

See all spots on the map