Twelve miles inland from the coast, Abbeville is where the maritime canal feeds the Somme River, and it’s a scenic spot for canoeing, fishing, and riverside camping. Simple pleasures await in the city itself, whether picnicking in the parks, strolling around the open-air market, or exploring the 19th-century Château de Bagatelle. Campers have plenty of options on the outskirts of the city and along the river. You can pitch your tent at a tranquil rural campsite, park your motorhome at a serviced aire (RV park), rent a cosy mobile home, or even check into a family campground with a swimming pool.
West of Abbeville, the Canal of the Somme leads the way to the coast, where the medieval port of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme makes a charming base from which to explore the Somme estuary. Inland, the departmental capital of Amiens is well worth a detour, renowned for its UNESCO-listed cathedral, atmospheric Saint-Leu quarter, and the unique floating gardens and markets that line the Somme.
North of the Somme estuary, white-chalk cliffs, dunes, and sandy beaches sweep along the Opal Coast, arguably the North’s most picturesque coastline. There’s seafront camping at Boulogne-sur-Mer, Wimereux, and Équihan-Plage, plus miles of nature trails and marshlands to explore in the Caps et Marais d’Opale Regional Natural Park.
South of Abbeville, the northern department of Seine-Maritime welcomes campers to Normandy, where you can road trip between windswept beaches, stop off for cider tasting amid the apple orchards, or go hiking, cycling, and horse riding in the Boucles de la Seine Normande Regional Natural Park. The Norman capital of Rouen is known for its medieval architecture, while the coastal port of Dieppe and the beach town of Honfleur are equally worth a visit.
Summer is the most popular time to explore the Hauts de France region, especially if you want to get on the water, but temperatures remain mild through spring and fall, too. Time your stay in Abbeville to visit the local market (Thursdays and Saturdays), when the town centre buzzes with activity. Camping season, as in the rest of France, runs from April through October, but there are still a few spots that welcome motorhome campers and caravanners year-round.