Feeling the need for a change of scenery? We know the perfect place!
Visiting the Opal Coast in 3 days allows you to take a deep breath of fresh sea air, surrounded by landscapes that are both raw and wild. Vast stretches of sand, chalk cliffs, wild dunes, the Slack River and its dunes – you will be instantly captivated by the irresistible charm of the Opal Coast!
8:30 AM - Departure from Calais
Ready for a new adventure? Let’s go!
To visit the Opal Coast in 3 days, our journey begins in Calais: Here we go!
9:00 AM - Conquer the Grand Site of the Two Capes
After a hearty breakfast, what better way to start the day than by enjoying the view from the cliffs that make the Opal Coast so famous?
1st stop: Cap Blanc-Nez
Nestled in Escalles, Cap Blanc-Nez showcases stunning cliffs overlooking the sea. Park at the parking and take one of the trails along the cliffs. For the more athletic, put on your hiking shoes and take on the 6.39 km loop! From Blanc-Nez, the English coast seems just a stone’s throw away. Alternatively, you can enjoy a peaceful walk on the beach, but be sure to visit when the tide is low.
2nd stop: Cap Gris-Nez
On the outskirts of the town of Audinghen, you’ll find Cap Gris-Nez. With its impressive 49-meter peak, this site is a haven for nature lovers. From here, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the lighthouse and also the British coastline. To the right, you’ll see Cap Blanc-Nez and the charming village of Wissant, nestled between the two capes.
Don’t want to take off your hiking shoes? Cap Gris-Nez offers a 3.42 km loop for hiking. The site is also accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Alternative: Discovering Calais
Already visited the Two Capes site? It's raining, and you'd like to stay warm? No problem! We have an alternative for you.
On this first morning on the Opal Coast, it's time to fill up your stomach. For a hearty breakfast in Calais, you have plenty of options:
- Le Buffet de la Gare, located in the heart of the city, welcomes you from 8:00 AM.
- Le Grand Place is perfect for breakfast and doing some shopping at Cité Europe!
Mid-morning, you can:
- Visit the Lace and Fashion Museum;
- Hop aboard the Dragon of Calais to discover the seafront like never before!
12:00 PM - ON THE OPAL COAST, WE'RE HUNGRY!
You can never say it enough: seaside activities really work up an appetite! Alright, let’s get back in the car and head towards Wimereux!
A very popular seaside resort, Wimereux continues to attract crowds. French, Belgian, and German visitors, this charming little town captivates tourists with its typical architecture and breathtaking landscapes!
After such an active morning on the Opal Coast, all you want is a delicious meal. We completely understand!
Here are three great places to enjoy a family meal:
- At Aloze Atlantic, you can enjoy excellent seafood platters;
- Behind the doors of Le Ranch, barbecue lovers will be delighted (vegetarians welcome);
- For Thai cuisine enthusiasts, Le Thaï Curry is the place to go (vegan options available).
For those who prefer a picnic, head to Pointe aux Oies, a wild beach nestled in the Dunes of the Slack. It’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere!
1:30 PM - Stroll along the Wimereux Promenade
2:15 PM - NAUSICAÁ, DEEP INTO THE OCEAN
Indeed! The key to the depths of the ocean lies in Boulogne-sur-Mer. Nausicaá, Europe’s largest aquarium, offers the chance to discover the treasures of the oceanic world. You’ll have the luxury of admiring fascinating species, such as sharks, rays, penguins, cold-water fish, and more.
It’s also a great opportunity to raise awareness among younger audiences about ecological and marine issues, thanks to the regularly organized exhibitions. The challenges facing the ocean are explained in an educational way, making it accessible to all.
Do you want to be amazed? Nausicaá is the place to visit!
Alternative: Street Art in Boulogne Sur Mer
Have you already visited Nausicaá? You loved it, but now you're looking to explore another side of the Côte d'Opale?
Do you have an artistic side? If so, head to Boulogne-sur-Mer!
Come discover the open-air museum of Boulogne! The city is adorned with numerous murals, much to our delight.
Three routes, two on foot and one by bike, have been specially designed to take you on a journey to meet the local artworks.
Depending on your chosen route, you might even have time to relax with the family along the banks of the Liane River.
5:00 PM - Visit the Fortified Town of Boulogne-sur-Mer
Not everyone knows it, but Boulogne-sur-Mer is a city rich in history. Overlooking what is called “the lower town,” the area known as the “old town” preserves an attractive heritage and built legacy.
Armed with powerful ramparts built in the 13th century, let yourself be carried away by the medieval atmosphere of the narrow, cobbled streets of this former port city. Like any visit, the old town has its must-see spots. Don’t miss a thing:
- the castle-museum;
- the crypt of the Basilica of Notre Dame;
- the belfry.
Alternative : Au coeur de la crypte de la basilique Notre Dame
Envie d’en savoir plus sur la plus grande crypte de France ? Ne manquez pas votre visite guidée ou libre à l'aide d'un visioguide !
7:30 PM - Dining in Boulogne-sur-Mer
The day is coming to an end. However, before you rest, a good meal is in order. If you want to dine at a restaurant, we recommend:
- Il Siciliano, an Italian restaurant with vegetarian and vegan options;
- Le Chatillon, where you can enjoy fresh fish and seafood.
For those who prefer to cook homemade meals, feel free to stop by the supermarket:
- Leclerc in Outreau;
- Auchan in Saint-Martin-Boulogne;
- Carrefour Market in Wimille.
9:30 PM - Accommodation in Wimereux
Visiting the Côte d’Opale in 3 days means you’ll need somewhere to stay. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! For you, and only for you, we’ve selected some places to stay temporarily in Wimereux:
- La Fenardière (Gîte with spa and private pool)
- La Résidence La Naturelle
- Hotel Saint Jean
- Camping L’Été Indien
9:30 AM - DEPARTURE FROM WIMEREUX
A new day begins.
And off we go for a 45-minute journey, heading to Le Touquet-Paris-Plage or Merlimont!
9:30 AM - DISCOVERY OF LE TOUQUET-PARIS-PLAGE
- Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the dune areas. You can take three trails through the dunes.
- History buffs can admire the local heritage, on foot or by bike.
Alternative: With the family at Bagatelle
Your children want a fun activity?
Take them for a day to where everyone has fun: the Bagatelle amusement park!
11:00 AM - STROLLING THROUGH THE CITY CENTER OF LE TOUQUET
12:30 PM - DINING IN LE TOUQUET-PARIS-PLAGE
- Le Touquet’s Beach
- L’Enduro Plage
- Le Burger Fermier Les Enfants Rouges (vegetarian dishes)
2:00 PM - CRUISE IN THE CANCHE BAY
All aboard, sailors! About 5 km to the east, you’ll find Étaples and its famous marina. Set sail for a guided maritime tour of approximately 1 hour.
You’ll be in good hands: two former fishermen from the town will share the secrets of the Canche Bay (and perhaps a few tales from old sea dogs!).
Alternative: Cultural immersion in Étaples
Want to know what to do in Étaples when it’s raining or windy? Do you enjoy the cultural and historical aspects of the cities you visit?
You're in luck! There are some great things to discover in Étaples:
- The House of Miniatures will delight budding model makers
- The Marine Museum will immerse you in the lifestyle of sailors and their families
- The Traditional Shipbuilding Workshop offers a journey into the heart of maritime carpentry
4:00 PM - MEETING THE SEALS OF BERCK-SUR-MER
Have you ever heard of the beach in Berck? This beach is one of the most beautiful beaches of the Opal Coast and is considered a refuge by seals. They gather here in groups. On the vast stretches of fine sand, these animals take some rest. Of course, when the tide is high, the colony will head into the depths.
Indeed, in Berck, you’ll have the opportunity to observe them. However, a few precautions are necessary:
- If you walk on the beach with your dog, keep it on a leash.
- Do not try to approach them too closely. We recommend staying at least 200 meters away from the group: disturbing their rest harms their health as well as that of the younger seals.
To be sure of seeing the seals of the Authie Bay, head to the beach at least two hours before low tide.
For the perfect experience, let yourself be guided by the “Rando Baie de Somme” association, which offers guided hikes to make sure you don’t miss any of the local wildlife and flora: Click here to view their hikes.
And if you’re in the area during spring, don’t miss the International Kite Festival held annually in Berck-sur-Mer.
Alternative: Cultural immersion in Berck
Want to know what to do in Étaples when it’s raining or windy? Do you enjoy the cultural and historical aspects of the cities you visit?
You’re in luck! There are some great things to discover in Étaples:
- The House of Miniatures will delight budding model makers
- The Marine Museum will immerse you in the lifestyle of sailors and their families
- The Traditional Shipbuilding Workshop offers a journey into the heart of maritime carpentry
6:00 PM - SHORT TRAIN RIDE IN BERCK
To finish the afternoon activities, give in to the temptation of a 30-minute ride aboard the Petit Train of the Opal Coast.
On the agenda: departure in front of the tourist office, a city tour, and stunning views of the seafront.
7:30 PM - Dinner and overnight stay in Wimereux or Calais
For your third and last day of visiting the Opal Coast, we offer you the choice between:
- An in-depth visit to the Grand Site of the Two Caps
- Exploring the Dunkirk region.
If you choose the Grand Site of the Two Caps, we recommend having dinner and spending an extra night in Wimereux.
Prefer to head to the Dunkirk region? For you, accommodation in the Calais area would be more suitable, saving you time on the road.
To ensure your dinner in Calais is a success, here are our top three recommendations:
- l’Histoire Ancienne (vegans and vegetarians welcome)
- La Tourello (vegan options available)
- L’Hovercraft (vegetarian dishes)
Now it’s time to go to bed, before continuing your adventure! For accommodation in Calais, you can contact:
- La Fenardière, if you’re looking for a gîte with a private spa and pool
- Ibis Styles Calais Centre, if you prefer to stay in a hotel
- Le Domitys – Le Fil de Soie, if you’d like to stay in an aparthotel
- Le Domaine des Palominos, if you’re interested in renting a mobile home
As mentioned above, you have two options for Day 3:
- If you wish to explore the Grand Site of the Two Caps, continue reading.
- If you wish to explore the Dunkirk region, click here to view the day’s itinerary
9:00 AM - Departure from Wimereux
- Explore the Dunes of the Slack. Park at the Pointe aux Oies beach parking. Let yourself be carried away through this beautiful, wild space. Do you enjoy hiking? The Slack loop is a 5 km walk. Our tip? Head down to the beach and enjoy the view!
- Visit Audresselles. This fishing village, popular with tourists, has some surprises in store. Beyond the charming houses and the rocks where the sea crashes, remnants of the Second World War can be found: a blockhouse with a view of the sea! Today, it has been refurbished, and yes, you can rent it during your vacation.
- Stop at the Châtelet Beach in Tardinghen. Let’s continue enjoying the fresh sea air offered by the Opal Coast! Come admire, at low tide, the wreck of the Lord Grey, a 37-meter steam trawler, which has made the Châtelet Beach famous!
- Stroll through the town center and along the seawall in Wissant. Just as famous as Wimereux, Wissant is a very popular village. You’ll enjoy discovering the traditional architecture of the fisherman’s houses, its lively town center, and the seawall, which is perfect for a family stroll.
12:30 PM - Lunch in Wissant
- Le Green Bistrot
- La Maison Wissant (vegetarians welcome)
2:00 PM - Sand yachting in Wissant
The Côte d’Opale is known for its windy climate, making it perfect for a variety of sports, including land sailing.
Discover the Wissant Land Sailing School and feel the thrill!
For the more adventurous, the Wissant Kite Surf School offers beginner kite surfing lessons: Book their courses online
Alternative : Dédale Opale
You want to do an activity with the family?
Look no further than Dédale Opale, a maze made from a cornfield in Wissant. Both young and old will have fun there!
Please note, Dédale Opale is only open during the summer season.
7:00 PM - Dinner in Wissant
Again, here are our must-visit dining spots in Wissant:
- Le Green Bistrot
- La Maison Wissant (vegetarians welcome)
9:00 PM - Sleep in Wissant
Some will hit the road again, while others will prefer to stay on site.
To stay in Wissant, you can book a room at the Hôtel de la Baie de Wissant or contact a gîte.
Fin de la visite de 3 jours
The journey is coming to an end. But it’s just a goodbye: you’ll be back to the Côte d’Opale sooner than you think!
Only have one day to visit the Côte d’Opale? Discover our 1-day itinerary!
8:30 AM - DEPARTURE FROM CALAIS
12:30 PM - LUNCH IN DUNKIRK
- For a unique experience, board the Princesse Elizabeth
- Enjoy a delicious burger at HOB’S – House of Burgers
2:00 PM - WALK ON MALO-LES-BAINS BEACH
7:00 PM - DINNER IN DUNKIRK
9:00 PM - SLEEP IN DUNKIRK
End of the 3-day visit
The journey is coming to an end. But it’s only a farewell: you’ll be back to the Côte d’Opale sooner than you think!
Short on time? If you only have one day to explore the Côte d’Opale, discover our 1-day itinerary!