Explore the Region
Discover the must-see attractions of the Opal Coast and the surrounding area
The Opal Coast
Located in northern France, the Opal Coast is one of France’s most beautiful natural destinations. From Sangatte, you can easily reach Cap Blanc-Nez, Cap Gris-Nez, fine-sand beaches, protected dunes, and quaint fishing villages.
This area, designated a “Grand Site de France” known as the “Deux Caps,” is ideal for seaside vacations, hiking, biking, and water sports.
Hiking, Walking, and Mountain Biking on the Opal Coast
The Grand Site des Deux Caps offers more than 200 km of marked trails.
From Sangatte, you can easily enjoy:
● Hiking along the cliffs of Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez
● Walks along the GR coastal trail and dune trails
● Mountain bike trails in the Calaisis hinterland
● Cycling routes along the Vélomaritime EuroVelo 4 (the Opal Coast by bike)
Maps and hiking itineraries
Visiorando
The Opal Coast by bike: 150 km along the Vélomaritime
Lesdeuxcaps.fr
The Most Beautiful Beaches on the Opal Coast
The region is known for its large, natural, and unspoiled beaches.
Sangatte Beach
A large beach with fine sand, ideal for relaxing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, and long walks along the seashore.
Wissant Beach
An iconic beach located between the Blanc-Nez and Gris-Nez headlands, very popular with families and sports enthusiasts.
Escalles Beach
A small, unspoiled beach at the foot of the Cap Blanc-Nez cliffs, offering an exceptional view.
Ambleteuse Beach
A more secluded beach overlooked by Fort Vauban.
Wimereux Beach
An elegant seaside resort with a boardwalk, beach huts, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
The beaches of the Opal Coast are ideal for swimming, water sports, and sunsets.
Cap Blanc-Nez, Cap Gris-Nez, and Must-See Natural Sites
● Cap Blanc-Nez (130 m): white chalk cliffs with a view of the English coast
● Cap Gris-Nez: the closest point to England
● Cran d'Escalles: a spectacular natural fissure in the cliff
● Wissant Bay: protected natural area
● Dunes and marshes along the Pas-de-Calais coast
These sites are part of the “Deux Caps” Grand Site de France, one of France’s most beautiful natural landscapes.
Villages on the Opal Coast Worth Visiting
From Sangatte, you can easily explore the region’s charming villages:
● Escalles (at the foot of Cap Blanc-Nez)
● Wissant (a seaside resort between the two capes)
● Audresselles (fishing village)
● Ambleteuse (Vauban fort by the sea)
● Wimereux (an elegant seaside resort)
● Audinghen (heart of the Grand Site des Deux Caps)
What is there to see around Sangatte?
Calais (8 min)
A must-see town on the Opal Coast, featuring:
a historic town hall, a UNESCO-listed belfry, the Statue of the Burghers of Calais, a lighthouse, a harbor, a beach, the Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, the Museum of Fine Arts, Fort Risban, and the citadel.
Boulogne-sur-Mer (25 min)
France’s leading fishing port, featuring:
a fortified old town, ramparts, the Notre-Dame Basilica, the castle-museum, and the historic center.
Nausicaá – Boulogne-sur-Mer Aquarium
Discover Nausicaá, the National Marine Center, Europe's largest aquarium.
Highlights:
● large marine aquariums
● immersive tunnels
● exhibits on the oceans
● an exploration of marine life from around the world
A must-see attraction on the Opal Coast!
Nausicaa
Museums and Heritage in Pas-de-Calais
● City of Lace and Fashion (Calais)
● Museum of Fine Arts (Calais)
● Atlantic Wall Museum (Audinghen)
● Boulogne-sur-Mer Castle Museum
● House of Marble and Geology (Rinxent)
International City of Fashion and Lace
Sangatte
The perfect starting point for exploring the Opal Coast
Thanks to its exceptional location, Sangatte puts you just minutes away from the most beautiful sites along the Pas-de-Calais coastline: Cap Blanc-Nez, Wissant, Calais, Boulogne-sur-Mer, and Nausicaá.
With its beaches, natural beauty, and cultural attractions, the Opal Coast is the perfect destination for a seaside vacation in northern France.