Top 3 Best Cycle Routes on the Opal Coast

Dreaming of combining the beauty of the coastal scenery with the freedom of a bike ride? Then the Opal Coast is made for you! With its majestic cliffs, fine sandy beaches and charming traditional villages, our stunning coastline is packed with treasures to discover by bike. Here are, among the many ways to get away from it all, three unmissable cycle routes to feast your eyes and warm up your calves on the Opal Coast!

La Vélomaritime®: a must for cycle tourists

La Vélomaritime® is without doubt one of the finest cycle routes in Europe. Stretching over 1,500 kilometres, it follows the French coast from the Belgian border to Normandy. The stretch running along the Opal Coast is 150 km long. It can be split into 6 stages to discover the coast's picturesque towns:

• Berck — Le Touquet-Paris-Plage: 17.36 km;
• Le Touquet — Boulogne-sur-Mer: 33.92 km;
• Boulogne — Calais: 47.19 km;
• Calais — Gravelines: 26.59 km;
• Gravelines — Dunkirk: 27.11 km;
• Dunkirk — Bray-Dunes: 16.60 km.

So no major challenges on this ride exploring the coastline. Each stage is a chance to sample local specialities, do some sightseeing or simply enjoy a well-earned rest on the beach!

The Baie de Somme loop: for nature lovers

For lovers of unspoilt nature, the Baie de Somme is a true paradise. This cycle route takes you to discover one of the finest bays in the world (a UNESCO World Heritage site). A relatively gentle route covering 160 km, including 77 km of cycle path; multiple discovery trails, varied scenery:

• dunes;
• marshland;
• salt meadows;
• steep cliffs.

Along the way, you might be lucky enough to spot seal colonies basking in the sun on the sandbanks. Don't miss the charming village of Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme, with its picturesque streets and bustling harbour. This bike ride will immerse you in nature and leave you with unforgettable memories.

The Deux Caps circuit: an unmissable ride on the Opal Coast

A Grand Site de France: so many possibilities! From the Deux Caps site, two waymarked circuits await you:

• Circuit Terre des 2 Caps, 38 km starting from Wissant;
• Circuit Les Marbrières, 42 km starting from Wimereux.

But of course, the coastline is above all a land of freedom. From Audinghen towards Wissant, Audresselles, Ambleteuse, Tardinghen... You'll be able to ride through these charming coastal villages. Plenty of trails await you for a ride not to be missed if you love breathtaking panoramic views. Discover the famous cliffs of the Opal Coast, crowned by Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez. Cycling along these majestic cliffs, you'll be rewarded with spectacular views over the sea and the English coast in the distance. You can enjoy fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants. Get ready to feast your eyes (and your calves!) and feel the sea air on your face during this incredible, intense bike ride.

Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or an enthusiast looking for new adventures, cycling on the Opal Coast is an experience not to be missed. La Vélomaritime® offers an unforgettable route along the Hauts-de-France coastline, while the Baie de Somme loop immerses you in unspoilt nature. Finally, the Caps circuit offers breathtaking panoramas over the cliffs of the Opal Coast. So get your bike ready, put on your helmet and enjoy every moment, savouring the exceptional scenery and soaking up the unique atmosphere of our beautiful region.