📌2H30/3H30 of driving per day over 2 to 3 days
👍The plus : wild and natural brut, Cliffs, sandy beaches, very photogenic
📍Stages : Baie de somme, Berck-sur-Mer and Le Touquet, the two capes of the Opal Coast.
WEEK END ROAD TRIP : PARIS → BAIE DE SOMME → CÔTE D'OPALE (3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS)
DEPARTURE From one of the Paris agencies via the A16 towards Amiens
ARRIVAL Exit 24 towards Fort-Mahon-Plage.
Paris is a magical city, but it's good to get away from the Eiffel Tower, the asphalt and the urban world to find the charm of beaches and wide-open spaces just a few hours away. Here's an itinerary that's 100% nature and guaranteed relaxation, with a stopover on the Côte d'Opale in the Baie de Somme, but also in the towns of the North! Discover hidden corners where nature flourishes. In this article, wild dune areas rub shoulders with seaside cliffs and are home to over 600 different species. It's a trip that won't leave you indifferent, and one that's sure to recharge your batteries on a road trip not far from the capital.
DAY 1 : DISCOVER THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF THE BAIE DE SOMME BY VAN
PARIS → BAIE DE SOMME (approx. 2H30 - 180 KM)
In this crossing, we offer you hikes, walks and magical moments with exceptional panoramas. Yes, the Baie de Somme has its own National Nature Reserve, a marvelous site of sandy beaches, footpaths and home to migratory birds and seals!
We suggest 3 walking itineraries for an immersion in nature that will appeal to adults and families with children alike. It's up to you to decide whether you want to extend the escapade or return to the area to see it all!
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THE MARQUENTERRE TRAIL AND PARK (3H30 to 4H VISIT) WITHIN THE NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE
Start your journey in Saint-Quentin-en-Tourmont. In March and June, you'll be in the midst of nesting fauna and migratory birds: herons, white storks, little egrets, oystercatchers... The Les Crocs hike around the park is ideal if you want to stroll with your feet in the water or along the pine forests.
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CROSSING THE BAY (ALLOW 3H to 3H30)
To make your way through the ponds, start your hike in Le Crotoy to cross the bay on foot and watch the seals splashing in the water. Be careful not to come within 300m of them, as you might scare them away ��and then they abandon their young... This route will take you across the bay at low tide.
The town of St-Valery-Sur-Somme with its beach and water activities is really not to be missed. You can take a sea kayak tour of the bay for the more adventurous, or simply stroll along the port and dyke to see the changing colors of the estuary
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THE CAP HORNU CIRCUIT (2H TOUR)
Your departure point is Saint-Valéry-de Somme. The view here is panoramic, and it's the perfect place to take dreamy photos that will have you buzzing on Instagram. Easier and quicker than the other routes, this one will give you a bit of height to discover these Picardy lands between town and sea.
👉 DON'T MISS
- Fort Mahon and its beach for sand yachting and hiking
- Mers-les-Bains and its yacht club for surfing, paddle boarding or windsurfing
👉 OUR SPOTS WHERE TO SLEEP IN A VAN
NATURE SPOT :
Lieu-dit Les Lirettes, WOIGNARUE
CAMPING AREAS :
Rue de la Bistouille, FORT-MAHON-PLAGE
Rue de la Croix -l'Abbé, ST-VALERY-SUR-SOMME
👉 WHERE TO EAT ?
The area is packed with restaurants featuring local produce, seafood and fish, but also plenty to quench your thirst with craft beers. Our recommendations:
Fresh fish and seafood, homemade:
- Les Mouettes, Espl. du Gén.-Leclerc, Mers-les-Bains (pretty pebble beach to enjoy the sea)
- Le Parc aux Huîtres, le Hourdel, Cayeux-sur-Mer (view of the fishing port)
- Le Bistrot de la Baie, 3-5 r. de la Porte du Pont, Le Crotoy (mussels cooked in a variety of ways, French fries and craft beer)
To stock up on farm produce, local products to stock up on:
- Boutique La Ferme des Prés Salés, 13 r. du Gén-de-Gaulle, Noyelles-sur-Mer
- Le Vélocipède, 1 r. du Puits-Salé, St-Valéry-sur-Somme (also a tearoom in the afternoon)
- Les Mets de l'Estran, 2 r. du Dr-Lomier, St-Valery-sur-Somme, (grocery store)
And always super practical, our favorite apps like Park4Night and Bivouac Huttopia to find the perfect spot to spend the night.
DAY 2 : DISCOVER THE COAST AND ITS ACTIVITIES
BAIE DE SOMME → BERCK → LE TOUQUET → BOULOGNE-SUR-MER → WISSANT (APPROX. 2H - 95 KM)
Including beach breaks, visits and other walks, you can count on 1/2 day to 1 full day. If you're traveling by van, you've probably already arrived in Berck or Le Touquet, as the journey there is fairly quick (about 30min - 30km for Berck) and very pleasant thanks to the roads that run along the coast. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy the scenery while traveling completely outdoors, then let's set off again from the Somme estuary to cover the Vélomaritime instead (by bike of course) :
→ TOWARDS BERCK-SUR-MER
LE CROTOY - BERK 2H45 MTB - 41,29 KM : As you head north, don't miss the dunes and beaches that make seaside resorts so charming. If you feel like taking in the scenery as you pedal along, you can reach Berk by following the Vélomaritime. This route takes you past Le Crotoy, the Chemin de Fer, the Baie de Somme, the Parc du Marquenterre and Fort Mahon-Plage.
👉 THINGS TO DO
- Berck-sur-Mer Museum
- Stroll through the gardens of the Baie d'Authie
- Stroll to the lighthouse
- Visit the churches of Notre-Dame-des-Sables and Saint Jean-Baptiste
👉 WHERE TO EAT (LOCAL)
- Fill up on sweets at a renowned institution: le Succès Berckois
- L'Auberge, French cuisine and Moroccan culinary tradition, 149 Avenue du Docteur Quettier
- Chez Mireille, a little Opal Coast treasure on Chemin Genty
→ TOWARDS LE TOUQUET
Baie de Somme - Baie d'Authie: The Vélomaritime stretches 1500 km along the English Channel. This route takes you all the way to the Baie d'Authie! You'll reach Le Touquet, nicknamed “the pearl of the Côte d'Opale”, while taking in the scenery. If you're an adventurer looking to get away from it all, take this 35 km (approx. 2h15) route. Once you've arrived in Le Touquet, the covered market and state-owned forest invite you to stretch your legs. You'll have plenty of time to stroll around and discover the beauty of the town! From the top of the lighthouse, the panorama of the English Channel is incredible, and in the town center, the Villas touquettoises have all the hallmarks of the Roaring Twenties! Le Touquet is a family town, and has been awarded the “Famille Plus” label. Here's a list of things to do with your little ones:
👉 THINGS TO DO
- The Baie de Canche nature park, another gem that runs along the right bank of the river of the same name. A nature reserve with a surface area of 505 hectares to recharge your batteries in the middle of nature.
- The Musée du Touquet
- Put your towel down on the Plage de la Baie de Canche (or Le Touquet beach) and take part in the sandcastle competition.
- Paddle at the Centre nautique de la manche Bertrand Lambert (Le Touquet beach) with Côte d'Opale Surfing
- Le Touquet Music Beach Festival (in August) for those who want to dance to the rhythm of the festival's eclectic music.
→ TO BOULOGNE
Even if the name doesn't make you dream, the town of Boulogne is full of discoveries and plenty to spend an afternoon strolling while learning!
👉 TO DO
- Historical and art museums
- The Musée de Boulogne-sur-Mer
- The Crypt of the Basilique Notre-Dame
- The Chateau Comtal Musée de Boulogne-sur-Mer
- Historic center with its cobbled streets and fortified old town
- Fishing port to eat fresh fish
- Nausicaa, Europe's largest aquarium to keep the youngest ones waiting
👉 WHERE TO SLEEP ?
For the spectacular, it's right here. You'll soon forget the miles traveled between the City of Light and this haven of peace!
- Dunes d'Écault (Saint-Étienne-au-Mont / Équihen-Plage: in the heart of nature, by the sea, view of the dunes
- Aire de stationnement d'Équihen-Plage, Rue du Beurre Fondu: panoramic view of the cliffs, colorful fishermen's huts.
- Wild corners around Cap Blanc-Nez (Escalles /Sangatte)
Heading towards the Opal Coast, here you are close to two very beautiful capes from which you can start a bucolic hike towards the other. If the weather's fine, you can even see the English coastline!
Once you've spent the night, you're back on the road to Wissant. You'll then be able to enjoy some fine hiking between Caps Blanc-Nez and Gris-Nez. The journey to
from Boulogne to Wissant (25 min) is fairly short, and even quicker to Cap Gris-Nez (10min)
DAY 3 : HEAD FOR THE OPAL COAST TO FINISH ON A HIGH NOTE !
WISSANT → LES DEUX CAPS (APPROX. 25 MIN- 16 KM → BACK TO PARIS (APPROX. 3H30 - 280 KM)
Pretty coastal village that's nice to visit early in the day to see the first rays of sun shimmer on the waves or catch a glimpse of it setting near the dunes. Situated between the Deux Caps (Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez), it's a peaceful seaside resort with a magnificent view of the sea and its cliffs. If you're looking for relaxation and idleness, we advise you to go and relax on the “plage de Wissant”. You'll also be able to observe the colorful fishermen's houses and appreciate the gentle landscape.
👉 THINGS TO DO
- Sand yachting
- Le Marché Nocturne, every Friday from 6pm to 9pm from April to September, Place de la Mairie;
- Le Marché de Wissant, every Wednesday from 8am to 1pm, Place du Marché
- La ferme de St Pô and its store full of fresh produce!
→ TOWARDS CAP GRIS-NEZ / CAP BLANC-NEZ
You've arrived at the most beautiful spot in northern France. The hikes along this coastline are some of the best in the area. The route takes you along the GR120 trail (sentier de grande randonnée), a balcony overlooking the sea that runs along the coast from Flanders to Normandy.
- HIKING WISSANT → CAP GRIS-NEZ (ROUND TRIP OR LOOP)
3h approx.
12 km round trip or 15 km loop
Coastal path (GR120), possibility of returning inland or along the beach at low tide
The Cap Gris-Nez lighthouse can be seen, views of the cliffs are breathtaking
- HIKING WISSANT→ CAP BLANC-NEZ
5h to 6h
20 km round trip
The cliffs of Cap Blanc-Nez are impressive, measuring 134 m We see the English Channel and cliffs
Fields of poppies take their place in a natural environment made of wide expanses.
A feeling of freedom guaranteed!
- HIKING WISSANT → MONT DE COUPLE
2h to 2h30
6 to 8 km
360° views of cliffs, countryside and sea. This is a more intimate hike as it is much less touristy
- HIKING ESCALLES → CAP BLANC-NEZ
2h to 2h30
8 km
This climb is to the summit of the Cap (134 m). The trails are on the edge of the cliffs, near fields open to grazing animals.
If you want to diversify your pleasures and are in the mood for a different kind of fun, there are several water sports available to make the most of the Opal Coast and its sandy beaches.
👉 THINGS TO DO
- Kitesurf
- Kayak
- Char à voile
- There's a Parcours Aventure in Guines with 6 acrobranche routes. If you're inland, explore the Marais audomarois.
Enough to disconnect from your daily routine and take a breath of fresh air and sensations! Here, everything is calm and sensual. The atmosphere is soothing, far from city hustle and bustle and tarmac roads, with a stroll along the water on a peaceful boat...
👉 DON'T MISS
WILD NATURE SPOTS
- Rue du Beurre Fondu - Equihen-Plage
- Plage de Bretteville
- Ferme de l'Horloge
→ BACK TO PARIS (APPROX. 4H - 290 KM)
After this enchanting escapade, it's understandably not easy to get back on the road to the urban city. Take the D940 and pass through Montreuil sur-Mer, a cool little medieval town where you can take a break and have a coffee. You'll then pass through Le Crotoy, with its small restaurants, marshes and birds, before taking the A16 back to Paris. So much for recharging your batteries for a weekend just a few hours from the center. That's the magic of vanlife!
Road trip departing from : Paris Bercy, Paris Orly, Paris CDG or even Lille!
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