You’ll love:
- The very cocoon decoration of the treehouse with the big tree trunk in the center
- The peaceful treehouse far from the campsite
- Camping activities for children
- The swimming pool
- The campsite restaurant and beer bar
- The Bay of Somme nearby
There are two more jolly good reasons why this family treehouse holiday in Northern France is a bit of a no-brainer: not only is Château des Tilleuls not too far over the Channel (it’s an easy 70-minute drive from Calais, and easily accessible from Normandy’s ferry ports to the west too), but the Somme Bay is such a multidimensional kind of place (medieval walled town, fishermen’s quarter, shops, cafés, market, beach bar, steam train…) it’s unlikely you’ll want to go much further afield for the whole duration of your treehouse family holiday. Your little bit to help save the planet?
Nine metres above ground, the treehouse itself - named and themed ‘Les Ecureuils’ after the squirrel - provides the most natural, yet exciting base for your Northern France family weekend break - and that’s from the moment the Reception team drop you off there with your bags, your car left in the campsite’s private parking area. Sleeping two adults - plus 2 children on super-comfortable guest beds - it’s everything you could want from quality family time: fun and outdoorsy in summer, or all cosied up with blankets and a woodburner out of season. Décor-wise, you really feel like you’re wrapped in nature: it’s totally rustic yet modern and comfortable all at the same time.
And it really is the best of both worlds because despite being nicely secluded in the trees, you also have ALL the facilities of the campsite to dip in and out of as you wish (a lovely outdoor pool with plenty of sunloungers, an on-site restaurant, grocery store, crazy golf and play areas) and just a little beyond the campsite, there’s the Somme canal towpath, the perfect opportunity to get those little legs peddling on a fun, family freewheeling adventure all the way to St Valery sur Somme. No bikes? No problem: you can hire them at Château des Tilleuls.
Bring your binoculars is our last top tip because the sublime Somme bay is one of those rare opportunities for the whole family to gasp in unison: the sands and big skies are like nothing you’ve seen before plus there’s a colony of seals you can observe, the chance to birdwatch and horse-ride in the Marquenterre nature reserve, and of course days at the beach at Cayeux sur Mer where you can swim. One thing’s for sure: full to the brim with fresh air, this is one family holiday your little explorers will recall with a sense of wonder at nature - and an appreciation of the humble tree of course - one of nature’s most remarkable mechanisms.
Insiders Tips
Get in touch with the locals! They live on site and know how to make the most of your stay. They'll be happy to answer your questions and help you build a tailor-made, off the beaten path itinerary.
Hiding in the Le Marquenterre wooden observation points
The Le Marquenterre Bird Reserve is a great place to take the kids for a day out. For a start, they can run around in safety as there’s a lot of room:-) Running through the pine needles, the sand, on the grass, under the trees… What my daughter likes the most is being able to get so close to the birds: you can see them really clearly on the water and it makes a really big impression on small children as some birds are just as big as them! And, what’s more, there are observation points: wooden observation points where you can’t be seen enable you to look at the birds from very close up without them realising you’re there (and consequently not disturb them). And, of course, hiding just adds to the fun for the little ones!