The 'CDPA Bassin rond' was created in 1964 at the centre of the triangle formed by the three towns of Cambrai, Douai and Valenciennes. It is registered and approved by the French Ministry of Youth and Sport.
The centre offers water activities at its sailing school. Students are taught the basics of navigation by a qualified instructor, including reading the sea, studying the wind, learning safety rules and learning to read maps.
They can then take introductory courses in all manner of sailing dinghies (optimists, toppers, lasers, 420, 470, boats for more than one person) or windsurfing (Blue Velvet, 163/203, Alohas, Bic Techno 293).
After passing this stage, they can choose between recreational sailing and competitive sailing, with suitably trained teachers for each type of course.
For wannabe Robin Hoods, the 'CDPA Bassin rond' also has an archery club. Once again, the activity is supervised by a qualified teacher, and, depending on the weather, may be practised either inside a hangar or outside.
The club is open to both beginners and more experienced archers. If archery doesn't tempt you, why not hire a mountain bike (for half a day) or a canoe (for two hours) to explore the site.
Centre départemental de plein air du Bassin rond
403, rue Henri Deshayes. 59111 Bouchain, France.
Tel.: +33 (0)3 27 35 72 28.