a day and lives in a a day and lives in a glass lair on the beach. Take a 45-minute ride on the dragon’s back (kids under 3 go free). Compagniedudragon.com Nirvana for nature lovers This area is great for wandering or cycling. Meander the coastal paths of the GR120 alongside dunes and sandy beaches, or head inland to discover unspoiled countryside crisscrossed by a network of thousands of miles of maintained and sign posted routes. Pop into any local tourist office for details and maps and look or for the Vélo © sign which flags up bike-friendly restaurants, accommodation, charging points, rental, and repair shops. At the seaside resort of Berck-sur-Mer, head down to the water’s edge on the south side of the beach on the Baie d’Authie, to see a huge colony of more than 100 wild seals splashing about in the water, lazing about on the sandbanks, and calling out to each other. Cosy up under a blanket on the hills of the Deux Caps, the Two Cliffs, which overlook the White Cliffs of Dover and enjoy a picnic. Nothing says France more than a baguette with a chunk of cheese or some tasty charcuterie with a glass of wine – or a flask of coffee. Uncover the ancient history of the marshes of Saint Omer at the Maison du Marais interpretive centre. First dug out by monks in the 7th century, there’s still a thriving market garden in this horticultural wonderland. You can tour the marshes by boat (O’Marais by Equihen, Opal Coast, © Fabien Coisy Seals at Berck-sur-Mer Saint-Omer Maroilles, stinky and delicious! Isnor), discover the traditional wooden boat makers, they are also the last to make boats using Viking methods in France, and spot a wealth of waterfowl and other wild creatures. Fabulous for Foodies Chocoholics will love the Beussent Chocolate workshop. Take a 45-minute tour (in French and English) to witness the magical bean to bar chocolate process. Sweet dreams are made of cheese! Try the local fromages - from the King of pongy cheeses Vieux Boulogne, to stinky but scrumptious Maroilles. You’ll find plenty of bistros and estaminets (traditional Flemish inns) serving mussels and chips and local dishes like beef stew cooked with locally produced sugar and beer and a regional regional favourite – Le Welsh. Legend has it that Welsh soldiers introduced the Welsh rarebit during Henry VIII’s siege of Boulogne in 1544. Beer – the Champagne of northern France! They’ve made beer for centuries here and there is a thriving microbrewery scene. At Brasserie La Brèche in Bethune, try the craft ales made with passion and at Chez Marcel in Arras, meet with a ‘beerologist’ and enjoy a tasting session. Wander a market – you’ll find some of the best here and there are markets every day of the week. On Friday head to Etaples voted best market in France in 2021. On Saturday there are excellent markets in Montreuil-sur- Mer, Saint-Omer, and the Sunday market in Boulogne-sur-Mer. Historic Cities and Cultural hotspots Meet the Greeters – discover the secret hotspots only the locals know about. The greeter system operates across the region with volunteer guides showing you around ‘their’ 36 | The Good Life France The Good Life France | 37
