Affordable Vacation in France: How to Find Paradise 75 Minutes from Calais.

According to The Sun: France is a true passion for me. I would come here every month if it weren't for the budget.

Sometimes I have an enormous craving to spend a few days on a French beach, enjoying seafood without spending too much.

When it comes to affordable vacations, prices for campsites start at just £20 per night, making it the perfect choice.

I found a great campsite just 75 minutes west of Calais. The sandy bay of Somme in Picardy has two beautiful towns - Le Crotoy and Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, which face each other.

Camping and Activities

Le Crotoy is the first town you see with colorful facades of houses, under which is the place where Jules Verne wrote his works. Here is also the Le Ridin campsite, one of the campsites of the Yelloh! Village chain.

We decided not to spend money on a private shower and toilet since the communal showers were always clean. For true nature lovers, there is an opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of a real campsite.

The campsite is small but offers many opportunities, especially for families with children.

Muscadet Wine

There is not just one, but two pools. The indoor pool at the reception leads to a terrace with sun loungers, and there is also a small children's pool. If you want to swim in the sun, the main pool is waiting for you behind the entrance of the campsite.

If you love mussels like I do, it was pure heaven. The entire bay of Somme is known for its mussels, which are grown on wooden stakes called bouchots - and they are delicious.

Most vacationers were French, but there were also Belgians, Dutch, Germans, and even a few Britons who spoke English.

By saving money at the place, we spent it on relaxation in Le Crotoy and Saint-Valery. I really love mussels and found real happiness here. The entire bay of Somme is famous for its mussels grown on wooden stakes.

The sandy beach is wide - it stretches about four miles to the quay next to the main square of Le Crotoy, Place Jeanne d’Arc.

A walk along the promenade of Le Crotoy, past the blue and white beach huts, was a great way to balance out the volume of mussels - and of course fries.

Every Friday, there is a market at Place Jeanne d'Arc where you can find local products, cheese, meat, and grilled chicken.

As I set out for Saint-Valery, I was impressed by even more market stalls. This beautiful town with its ancient landscapes and cozy alleys.

At the shores of Saint-Valery, tourists can indulge in kayaking and canoeing in the calm waters of the Somme River.

One of the standout landmarks in the bay is the old steam train Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme, which connects Le Crotoy and Saint-Valery and traverses picturesque landscapes.

Families can ride their bikes between the towns and enjoy the fresh sea air. For a budget-friendly vacation in France with sun, sand, sea, and seafood, this place is perfect.