Pretty villages/towns within an hour or two's drive of Calais

[CountHotCrossBapula]

I really want to take DS (7 mo) to France this summer. He is a rubbish sleeper (doesn't even sleep well in the car ) so DH thinks it would be better to go somewhere in the UK for our first holiday with him, but he's mentioned the Lake District which is further away than France (we're in SE London) - besides, I hanker after gorgeous French bread and patisseries, hanging out in pavement cafes, pottering in little villages etc :)

Can anyone recommend any pretty villages/towns within 1-2 hours' drive of Calais where we could look for a little gite/cottage? Would self-cater because we can't leave DS with a babysitter or take him out with us in the evening due to sleep ishoos mentioned above.

St Valery sur Somme and Le Crotoy and fairly old worldy. Le Touquet is also lovely a little like Brighton. IMO I find France much friendlier to young children than the UK and much more understanding that most of them haven't read the book. You could consider Chambres de Hote (b&b) that offer Table de Hote (evening meal) we found this excellent when DD was little. Check out Alisdair Sawdays website for suggestions in Northern France.
The beaches are also perfect for small children to eat sand build sandcastles.

I liked Le Touquet, although we didn't really go into town much. Great bike paths.

Montreuil-sur-Mer is about 45 miles from Calais and a very, very pretty town full of places to eat and chocolate shops.

Thanks all - all sound good - will investigate!

I'd go for St Valery over Le Crotoy, much prettier. Montreuil is lovely but you'll find more Brits there. We spend a lot of time in that area (just back yesterday from a week long trip yesterday :) ) so if there's anything specific, ask away.

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Ooh, looks lovely, thanks - will check it out! :)