Picardy, located in northern France, borders the English Channel, Belgium, and the regions of Normandy and Île-de-France. It offers a mix of stunning beaches and quaint seaside towns.
The weather is mild, with summer temperatures averaging 20-25°C and winter temperatures around 3-7°C. The top three tourist activities in Picardy are visiting the Baie de Somme, exploring the Parc du Marquenterre, and enjoying the sandy beaches of Fort-Mahon-Plage.
These activities are perfect for families, providing a mix of nature, wildlife, and seaside fun. Picardy is an excellent family destination due to its safe, family-friendly beaches and numerous holiday parks.
For example, the holiday parks by the beach offer easy access to the coastline and various amenities. Throughout the year, families can enjoy events like the Festival de l’Oiseau et de la Nature in April and the Fête de la Mer in August.
Local towns like Le Crotoy and Saint-Valery-sur-Somme offer fresh seafood and charming markets. The most popular nearby tourist destination is the medieval city of Amiens, known for its stunning cathedral.
European holiday parks are family-friendly resorts offering a range of accommodations from caravans to chalets. They are designed to provide a mix of relaxation and activities.
Families can expect easy beach access, waterslides, and onsite restaurants and bars. Many parks are pet friendly, making them a great choice for families with pets.
These parks often have kids’ clubs, sports facilities, and evening entertainment. They provide a safe environment where children can play while parents relax.
Picardy offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and family-friendly activities.
Imagine exploring sandy beaches, visiting historic sites, and enjoying local festivals like the Festival of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme. The region is less crowded than other European destinations, offering a peaceful retreat.
A family break in a Picardy holiday park averages around £500-£800 per week, depending on the season and amenities. The region’s charm lies in its diverse landscapes, from beaches to forests, and its rich cultural heritage.
Picardy beaches are great for children due to their wide sandy shores and shallow waters, making them safe for swimming and playing.
– Sand yachting at Fort-Mahon-Plage (£30 per session)
– Bird watching at Marquenterre Park (£10 entry for adults, £7 for children)
– Cycling along the Bay of Somme (Bike rentals: £15 per day)
– Visiting the Sea Life Centre in Boulogne-sur-Mer (£16 for adults, £12 for children)
– Horse riding on the beach at Quend-Plage (£25 per hour)
– Exploring the medieval town of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme (Free entry)
Taking your pet on holiday to Picardy is straightforward.
Ensure your pet has a valid pet passport, is microchipped, and is vaccinated against rabies. Many holiday parks in Europe, including those in Picardy, are pet-friendly.
Parks like Camping Le Walric and Domaine de Drancourt welcome pets. Some local restaurants and pubs, such as Le Bistrot de la Baie and Le Relais de la Baie, also allow pets.
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Le Touquet Beach stretches over several kilometres with fine golden sand and clear waters.
This beach is perfect for families with its playgrounds and summer kids clubs. Pets are welcome from October to March but are restricted during the summer months.
Amenities include clean toilets, showers, and several beachside cafes. Activities such as sand yachting, kite surfing, beach volleyball, and horse riding are available.
The beach hosts the Enduropale motorbike race in January and the Kite Festival in April. The setting is picturesque with dunes and pine forests adding to the natural beauty.
Fort-Mahon-Plage is a wide sandy beach known for its clean waters and moderate waves.
The beach is family friendly with a playground nearby and accessible facilities. Pets are allowed year-round making it a great spot for dog owners.
Visitors can enjoy windsurfing, kayaking, and various beach sports. There are also hiking trails in the surrounding dunes.
The beach hosts a Sandcastle Competition in July and the Fort-Mahon-Plage Triathlon in August. The beach is surrounded by dunes and offers stunning views of the coastline.
Berck-sur-Mer is a large sandy beach known for its clean waters and calm conditions.
The beach is ideal for families with playgrounds and kids clubs available. Pets are allowed from October to March but have restrictions during the summer.
Amenities include clean toilets, showers, and several cafes. Activities such as kite flying, sand yachting, and beach games are popular.
The beach hosts the International Kite Festival in April which attracts participants from around the world. The beach is surrounded by dunes and offers beautiful views of the sea.
Quend-Plage-les-Pins is a beautiful sandy beach with clean waters and calm conditions.
The beach is family-friendly with playgrounds and summer kids clubs. Pets are allowed year-round making it a great spot for dog owners.
Amenities include clean toilets, showers, and beachside cafes. Activities such as beach volleyball, paddleboarding, and hiking in the surrounding dunes are popular.
The beach hosts the Quend-Plage Sand Sculpture Festival in August. The beach is surrounded by pine forests and offers a serene setting.
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For more information, review tips from ABTA’s swim safe pages and the Royal Life Saving Society’s Water Safety on Holiday guidelines.
