Bienvenue chez les ch'tis.
Welcome to the best kept secret in France...
Les Sept Vallees
Pas-de-Calais is a well-kept French secret, often missed by travellers heading further south. Mistakenly, it is often mentally linked with Calais; the ports and the bustle of British tourists knocking into one another seeking cheap cigarettes, wine and beer… but we live in Pas-de-Calais which means "steps from Calais"... and with those steps you will discover a very authentic part of France.
Within this department lie Les Sept Vallées (the 7 valleys), an ever-changing landscape of undulating farmland; simple but beautiful countryside, friendly people, great restaurants, cafés and shopping – and all just 40 minutes from golden sandy beaches. The Cote d’Opale beaches are extraordinary – miles and miles of white sand. For the more energetic there is horse-riding, sand-yachting and conditions are perfect for kite-surfing.
A fantastic new (& free!) local service is Greeters62 (inspired by the Big Apple Greeters) which offers tourists a chance to explore this area of France “off-piste” – following personalised recommendations from delightful local characters rather than the usual tourist trail. A recent article in the Observer raves about a weekend of gastronomy… and this is all on our doorstep.
We used to spend many weekends on the coast before buying our fermette – it is just 4 hours door-to-door from Sussex, crossings start at £60 return… and suddenly, you are in another world.
Accommodation
We can thoroughly recommend Chez Sophie B&B in Vieil-Hesdin, beautiful rooms, walking distance from our house and an excellent price including breakfast. Tel: 03.21.03.63.06
There is a campground just a short walk from our house. On the same site, there is a very sweet self-catering Gite that comfortably sleeps 4 (and possibly extras). If they are not booked for the week, they will take short bookings. M. & Mme MARTIN, 66 Rue Principale. Tel: 03.21.04.83.34
Our closest hotel is Les Trois Fontaines. In a quiet location, it is a modest place that has never disappointed.
For a large family or group, and a longer visit, try these 4 bedroom cottages La Ferme de Reffy. All rooms are en-suite. These cottages are very popular through the summer and very reasonably priced off-season.
What to do
Saint Georges
TROUT FISHING Beautiful location - they also have Gite accommodation.
4x4 OFFROAD Quad biking, mud et al