Are you in the Nord region and looking to hit the beach? Here are the 10 most beautiful beaches in Nord-Pas-de-Calais!
There’s more to the Nord than the Corons! Some towns, like Lille or Arras, are famous for their Flemish architecture. On the other hand, although bordered by the sea, the region is not renowned for its beautiful beaches. And yet, some of them are very beautiful and have little to envy those of the South of France.
All the beaches are located on the Côte d’Opale, which offers magnificent panoramic views from many of the beaches we’re about to introduce. Even if a beach like Le Touquet looks posh, they’re all good-natured and family-friendly. That’s the beauty of the North, with its relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere.
Fancy taking a dip while facing England? Here are the 10 Nord-Pas-de-Calais beaches we’ve selected!
1. Le Touquet-Paris-Plage
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Pack-Shot
The most famous beach in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region! Located south of Boulogne-sur-Mer, Le Touquet is more than just a beach, it’s a history. The seaside resort was founded in the 19th century, and was given the name Paris-Plage, as it was intended more for the inhabitants of the capital.
It’s a beautiful seaside resort with no fewer than twenty historic monuments. Magnificent buildings can be found around every corner, including the distinctive « toquettoise » houses. And don’t miss the large lighthouse, a local landmark. It’s almost more about the town than the beach! But the beach is one of the most beautiful in the region and offers a wide range of water sports.
2. Wissant beach
Photo credit: Shutterstock – RobArt Photo
Boasting an exceptional location between Cap Gris-Nez and Cap Blanc-Nez, Wissant beach offers one of the finest panoramic views of any beach in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. The famous beach is temporary and depends on the tide. Each low tide gives rise to a new sandy beach, shallow enough for those with children. You can also go sand yachting between the two capes, a unique experience as the view, if you have the time to appreciate it, is splendid!
At high tide, the beach disappears and only a stroll along the rocks lining the dike is possible. Here too, the view of Cap Blanc-Nez to the right and Cap Gris-Nez to the left is impressive.
3. Cran d’Escalles
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Cathy Php
This is perhaps the most secret beach in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. Situated at the foot of Cap Blanc-Nez, this cove enjoys an exceptional location. Cap Gris-Nez is visible on the left, offering a breathtaking panorama at low tide. At high tide, the sea gives way to a sandy, pebbly beach, but beware of falling rocks! It’s best to walk on the heights when the sea is at its highest.
A little bonus when the weather’s fine: you can see the British side of Folkestone in the distance!
4. Petit Fort Philippe beach
Photo credit: Shutterstock – E5TELLE
A complete change of scenery for this beach in Nord-Pas-de-Calais. Situated at the mouth of theAa, a coastal river popular with cruciverbists, Gravelines beach has the advantage of being right in the middle of town, easily accessible and well-equipped. If you haven’t brought your own catering equipment, it’s easy to take a stroll through the center of Gravelines.
On the beach, there are cabins for changing and plenty of water sports activities. The local specialty is kitesurfing.
5. Malo-les-Bains beach
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Massimo Santi
Nicknamed « The Queen of Northern Beaches », the beach at Malo-les-Bains resembles the beach at Petit-Fort-Philippe with its small, colorful cabins. The difference is that it’s much bigger and more popular.
Located in Dunkirk, it’s a family favorite, with so many activities to choose from. In fact, it’s a very family-friendly beach, perfect if you’re travelling with toddlers. Don’t forget to take a stroll along the dike, which is pedestrianized in summer, to appreciate the beautiful little three-storey cottages.
6. Berck beach
Photo credit: Shutterstock – LOUIS-MICHEL DESERT
Just south of Le Touquet, Berck beach, with its 12 kilometers of fine sand, is a haven of peace for those seeking calm and escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Experienced windsurfers and beginners alike can enjoy the activity. Berck is the windiest beach in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region, offering the ideal terrain for windsurfing.
The wind also offers a remarkable playground for kites, and Berck is the venue for the annual Rencontres Internationales de Cerfs-Volants. If you’re traveling with children, Berck’s beach offers them a wide range of activities. To round off your day, take a stroll along the dunes.
7. Wimereux beach
Photo credit: Shutterstock – sofifoto
Wimereux is a mixture of all the beaches we’ve already mentioned. Near Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez, you can see the start of the cliffs for which the area is famous. With sand on one side and pebbles on the other, you can choose your favorite spot!
Water sports such as catamarans, dinghies, kitesurfing and windsurfing are also available. Finally, Wimereux is also a beautiful seaside resort with Victorian-style houses dating from the 19th century.
8. Boulogne-sur-Mer beach
Photo credit : Wikimedia – PIERRE ANDRE LECLERCQ
The town of Boulogne-sur-Mer is better known for Nausicaá, the national marine center, than for its beach. And yet, typical of the Côte d’Opale with its little blue and white cabins, Boulogne beach has a lot to offer. An immense expanse of fine sand, plenty of activities for young and old alike: ideal for a successful beach day!
You can also visit Boulogne-sur-Mer town center in search of typical old buildings and, weather permitting, Nausicaá.
9. Calais Beach
Photo credit: Shutterstock – ID-VIDEO
The Nord-Pas-de-Calais region’s most touristic beach offers the perfect playground for a long stroll along the seafront. You can walk ten kilometers along the sand to the foot of Cap Blanc-Nez! A pleasant hike that’s much appreciated in fine weather.
On the Calais beach itself, the walk along the wooden footbridge leading to the navigation lighthouse is shorter and also offers a superb panorama. Shallow at low tide, Calais beach is perfect for families with children, with many activities on offer. The port of Calais is the largest in the region, and it’s not uncommon to see ferries and other large ships out to sea – a view of these behemoths appreciated by young and old alike!
Finally, if the sky is clear, it’s easy to see the British mainland in the distance.
10. Bray Dunes Beach
Photo credit: Flickr – CalieSN
Bray Dunes beach is without doubt the most original beach in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. At first glance, however, it appears to be a classic. With its ten kilometers of fine sand, it’s the perfect place to practice locally popular activities such as sand yachting, kitesurfing and windsurfing, thanks to the almost constant wind. There are also bouncy castles for children, and walks along the seawall and dunes.
What makes it so original? After a twenty-minute stroll to the east, you can cross the Belgian border! A milestone, built in 1819, is a reminder of this invisible border. So it’s not too difficult to have a beach day in two countries.