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The Opal Coast, or La Côte d’Opale, is one of northern France’s most stunning coastal regions. Sweeping panoramas, rolling green-and-brown landscapes, and dramatic white chalk cliffs make it a feast for the eyes. Whether you’re planning a few days away, a long weekend, or a mini road trip through northern France, this coastline is perfect for hiking, cycling, and exploring charming seaside towns. Along the Opal Coast, you can escape the hustle and bustle and fully immerse yourself in French life, winding coastal roads, laid-back villages, and spectacular sea views make every stop memorable. Even a weekend here feels like a proper holiday.
A mini road trip along the Opal Coast in France
You can reach the Opal Coast surprisingly quickly, which makes it perfect for a short road trip across Northern France. That’s exactly what we did: over the course of about a week and a half, we mapped out our own route along the Côte d’Opale. We followed the coastline, avoided the motorways whenever we could, soaked up the laid-back summer vibe, and fully slipped into French life. Even if you only go for a weekend, it still feels like a proper mini holiday in France.
The beautiful coastline of Hauts-de-France
Located on the North Sea coast in Nord-Pas-de-Calais, the Opal Coast stretches from Calais to Berck-sur-Mer. The region is characterized by the typical French landscapes, cozy fishing villages, special history and the always fine beaches. A place where many people come for a fanatical hike, a beautiful route cycling or to take a road trip along the highlights of northern France.
A stopover in Calais
Chances are you know Calais primarily as the port city for crossing to England. From here you can easily travel to Britain by both boat and train. It is also a fast and often inexpensive route. Are you interested in this? Then also read our article about the passage with DFDS to Dover!
Calais was a convenient stop for us on the way to France’s Opal Coast. We spent one night in the city centre so we could hit the road early the next morning and drive to one of the dramatic headlands of Les Deux Caps: Cap Blanc-Nez, just about 20 minutes from Calais. As a stopover, Calais is easy to add to your itinerary. And if you’re here anyway, you might as well make the most of it. Here are our tips for visiting Calais.
Hotel tip for Calais: A great option for a comfortable and well-located stay in the city centre is Brit Hotel Calais — simple, clean and perfect for a stopover.
Also read: Our tips for visiting Calais
Calais is often thought of as just a stopover for the ferry to England, but this port city has plenty of sights worth exploring.
A highlight along the Opal Coast: Cap Blanc-Nez
Cap Blanc-Nez is the absolute highlight of any road trip along the Opal Coast. This striking white chalk cape rises 134 metres above sea level and commands a stunning view over the English Channel, making it the iconic landmark of the region. On clear days, you can even see the famous white cliffs of England in the distance.
Near Cap Blanc-Nez, you’ll find a large parking lot from which it’s about a 5-minute walk to the start of the hiking trail. With 120 kilometres of coastline, this area is perfect for hiking. For hiking routes, we recommend checking the website of Pas de Calais Tourisme. For panoramic views of the surroundings, England, and Cap Gris-Nez, be sure to hike to the top. But don’t forget to follow the path down to the beach. The cliffs at the foot of the white chalk rocks are equally impressive. Looking for more tips and inspiration for visiting Les Deux Caps? Take a look at our mini guide to Cap Blanc-Nez. Here we share great places to stay in the area as well as beautiful hiking routes.
Another icon: Cap Gris-Nez
Just 16 kilometres from Cap Blanc-Nez, you’ll find Cap Gris-Nez: another impressive chalk headland on the Opal Coast. Together, Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez, are known as Les Deux Caps. When you drive here, you can park at the car park right on top of the cape. From there, it’s about a five-minute walk to the viewpoint, with a great view back towards Cap Blanc-Nez. Cap Gris-Nez may only rise around 50 metres above sea level, but it’s absolutely worth a stop. On a clear day, you can even spot the white cliffs of England from the French coast.
The nicest French seaside resorts on the Opal Coast
The Opal Coast is full of charming seaside towns that will make you want to linger for a few days. These are four villages you shouldn't skip as far as we're concerned.
1. Wissant
We continue our journey to the small yet charming seaside village of Wissant. This cozy town is the perfect base for a bite to eat, a refreshing drink, and a leisurely exploration of the surrounding nature. Nestled at the foot of Cap Blanc-Nez and surrounded by expansive French landscapes, Wissant also boasts a unique marshland just to the south. Stroll along the lively boulevard, but don’t miss wandering through the town center, where quaint shops, inviting restaurants, and bustling terraces give the village its charming atmosphere.
Tip: One hotel we recommend for a fantastic stay in Wissant is Hotel de la Plage. There is also a very cozy waterfront terrace.
2. Wimereux
From Cap Gris-Nez, follow a 20-minute route along the coast until you arrive at the charming seaside town of Wimereux. This village is characterized by its picturesque and colorful villas, cute beach cottages, a cozy promenade and expansive beach. Wimereux is a nice stop on this route along the Opal Coast for a nice lunch or dinner, if you have a little longer you can certainly stay here for a night and embrace the French charm.
3. Boulogne-sur-Mer
Set aside a day to explore Boulogne-sur-Mer on your Opal Coast route. This lively, maritime city is home to France’s largest fishing port, which immediately catches the eye. Take a stroll along the wharves, visit Nausicaá — Europe’s largest marine aquarium — and wander through the historic center, where culture and history surround you at every turn.
4. Le Touquet
Another charming seaside resort on the Opal Coast is the village of Le Touquet, where beautiful villas line the streets and capture the eye. Many visitors pair their stay with a walk or bike ride through the Baie de Canche Natural Park, enjoying dunes, beach grass, and pine forests along the way. Fun fact: Le Touquet was France’s very first official tourist resort. Reason enough to include it on your mini road trip along the Opal Coast!
Nice accommodations along the French Opal Coast
Looking for the best places to stay along the French Opal Coast? Here are two accommodations that will make your visit to this beautiful region even more enjoyable:
In Le Touquet you are at Les Lodges in the middle of the atmosphere of this stylish seaside resort: ideal if you love beautiful details, tranquility and yet everything close by.
Prefer to look more rural between the coast and Cap Blanc-Nez? Then B&B La Ferme Du Dizacre in Leubringhen an absolute must.
Check out the accommodations below and find the perfect spot to make your stay on the Opal Coast unforgettable!
More France travel tips
France is an amazing destination for just about any kind of trip: a mini road trip, a city break, or a longer holiday. But where should you go, and what does France actually have to offer? We’ve rounded up a few great ideas to inspire you.
First, if you want to extend your road trip along the Opal Coast further consider driving inland. In fact, just under an hour's drive from Paris, you'll find one of the most beautiful villages in the country. The fairytale Gerberoy is characterized by half-timbered houses, rose-covered facades and narrow, cobblestone streets that you would prefer to wander through endlessly. In short, worth a visit!
Needless to say, Paris is and will always be a fascinating city to visit. From iconic highlights to cozy neighborhoods and bistros, you can wander, look and taste endlessly, as well as discover something new every time. These are our tips for a city break to Paris.
Would you rather get out into nature? Then visit the French Alps in summer! You will be amazed by the beautiful mountain ranges and the charming mountain villages like Saint-Martin-de-Belleville and Deux Nants.
A destination that is also wildly popular is the city of Nice. Especially in combination with the French seaside resort of Cannes this is a heart-stopping destination for the summer months.
Last but not least, skiing in the French Alps is what many winter sports enthusiasts enjoy doing. The Les 3 Vallées ski area is the largest interconnected ski area in Europe, and even among the top in the world. Val Thorens is one of the ski villages in this area, known for Dutch Week and the good slopes. But you can do more than just good skiing and snowboarding in this area. Discover the best winter activities in Les Menuires, also one of the ski villages in Les 3 Vallées!
Tailor-Made Road Trip Through France
Would you like to discover France in a different way? For example, by taking a road trip along the Opal Coast and beautiful French villages like Gerberoy? Then let us organize your trip down to the last detail. As a personal travel consultant, we arrange everything for you: from flights and accommodations to excursions and activities, completely tailored to your needs. Thanks to our extensive experience and knowledge of France, we ensure that your trip will be unforgettable. Request a travel proposal now for a tailor-made trip to France!
Travander
At Travander, we’re all about exploring hidden gems, unique destinations, and off-the-beaten-path travel experiences. Our motto, “Let’s Travel and Wander,” reflects our passion for discovering both local treasures and faraway adventures. As experienced travel bloggers and travel consultants, we share insider tips, personal stories, and practical advice to help you make the most of every trip. From city breaks and weekend getaways to tailor-made travel itineraries, we guide you to the most beautiful and inspiring places. Explore the world with Travander and let us spark your next unforgettable adventure!
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