Rent Accommodation in Picardy France

Plan a Relaxing Holiday to North-Street of Calais-Picardy

Although easily accessible from London, the region of Picardy is an often-overlooked holiday spot. With a quick detour to the M25 motorway and through the Channel Tunnel, within 2.5 hours you can have your choice of relaxation in Picardy accommodation along the coast or nestled in the French countryside.

The villages and communes of Picardy, like all in France, tell stories that date back to the 10th and 11th centuries and older. At the heart of this region is the department of North Street of Calais-Picardy, or Nord Pas-de-Calais in French. Because of its close proximity to Belgium, do not be too surprised to see brilliantly coloured windmills and redbrick façade houses. These can be especially enjoyed in the Flemish influenced town of Bethune. Indeed, it is not uncommon for the townspeople to break out in song and dance that sound more Flemish than French.

If you are a golfer, Nord Pas-de-Calais boasts some 20 courses, many of which are in close proximity to many luxurious Picardy gites that can be rented as holiday homes. Some of the most popular activities that make this area so enticing, apart from the tourist attractions and golf courses, are the many hiking and bicycling opportunities throughout the region. With a varied landscape, it calls to people with varying tastes. Indeed, Victor Hugo described the region as “the most beautiful countryside in the world, hills and valleys rising in magnificent undulations,” making this an ideal region for outdoor activities.

When touring Picardy, accommodation is quite easy to come by. Whether it is a self-catering house or apartment, or elegant Picardy gites that you prefer, rest assured, there is something for every type of traveler. If visiting castles is on your wish list, you will not want to miss the small villages of La Fere and Englancourt, each of which is home to several beautiful castles and homes. You will also surely want to see Mimoyecques, which is about 20k from Calais, and houses the German V3 Super Gun, and the V1 and V2 rockets that played a significantly destructive role in London and Southern England during WWII. While it is sobering display, it offers a wonderful educational experience and is must-see for history lovers.

Just 31k to Calais’ south is Wimereux, which Napoleon created between 1803 and 1804, with the express intention to invade England. Wimereux is also the site of the very first radio contact between France and England in 1899. Today, it is a charming seaside resort town with many casinos. If small villages with historical churches suit you, consider visiting the village of Quend. St. Vaast, bishop of Arras dedicated the church in the 6th century. Because its steeple is visible for miles, it was used to create a triangulation point when creating the map of France.

There is also the picturesque seaside town of Cayeux-Sur-Mer, which still retains its old-world charm, despite the devastation it suffered during WWII. It also boasts the longest boardwalk in France, and possibly all of Europe and is the perfect place to find Picardy accommodation for a seaside break. Another delightful option that offers Picardy gites to let is the tiny town of Eppe-Sauvage with roots dating back to the 7th century and one of the most beautiful churches in this region.

There are several other towns in the North-Street of Calais-Picardy region worth visiting for their architecture, history and close ties to England during WWII. Because it is a region that is still relatively undiscovered by tourists, a couple may still holiday here without being jostled by tourists en masse and it is ideal for quiet, relaxing family holidays.