Activities and tourism on the Côte d’Opale

A walk in Slack Bay

This is an ideal activity for families who want to explore the Côte d’Opale and take a closer look at its biodiversity (please note that the route is not suitable for pushchairs). The route starts in the Slack estuary (a small coastal river) and takes you from the beach to an observatory on the dunes, before making its way through a pine forest and a wetland area, which features several observatories from which to admire the surrounding flora and fauna.

Cap Gris-Nez and Cap Blanc-Nez

Cap Gris-Nez boasts stunning views of the surrounding coastline. As the nearest point to England, you might even see the white cliffs of Dover in the distance on a clear day. The Strait is a hot spot for many migratory bird species. Many hiking routes start from Cap Gris-Nez and it plays an important role in the conservation and observation of unique natural habitats.

Its neighbouring cape, Cap Blanc-Nez, offers breathtaking views of the Côte d’Opale from its limestone cliffs, with a path which winds its way through the surrounding moorland and reaches the beach at the foot of the cliffs.

Wimereux

Wimereux, a traditional holiday resort on the Côte d’Opale, where the sea meets the sky, boasts exceptional natural heritage. And that’s not all: this small seaside resort in which our hotel is located is also home to a wealth of architectural delights. Here, half-timbered villas stand next to corbelled houses, with endless decorative features from friezes to wooden balconies adorning the properties’ facades. In Wimereux, you can admire a hundred or so Belle Époque and Art Déco villas which date back to the beginning of the 19th century. For those who are keen to find out more, simply scan the QR codes on the facades of the villas which make up the “Balade des Villas de Wimereux” (a walking tour of the town’s most distinctive villas) to learn more about their history.

Neighbouring seaside resorts

Whilst Wimereux is undoubtedly one of the Côte d’Opale’s highlights, the neighbouring seaside resorts also have plenty to offer visiting tourists. Just a few minutes away, Ambleteuse is a traditional and beautiful fishing village which is home to a fort designed by Vauban and built during Louis XIV’s reign. A little further north, you can also visit Wissant, a picturesque fishing village which holds a farmers’ market every Wednesday evening in high season. And you’re sure to fall in love with Hardelot: with its superb Anglo-Norman manors, dating back to the Belle Époque, its dunes and its vast sandy beach, it’s often compared to Le Touquet.

Did you know that Boulogne-sur-Mer is home to Nausicaa, Europe’s largest aquarium? An incredible showcase of oceanic biodiversity, including rare corals, sea lions and huge manta rays, it boasts a huge variety of species for a truly immersive experience in a magical underwater world. It’s a fantastic day out for all ages!

Boulogne-sur-Mer, a tourist destination with plenty to see and do

Anyone interested in history will be thrilled to visit the old town of Boulogne-sur-Mer with its imposing 13th-century ramparts, medieval belfry built by Duke Philippe Hurepel and Notre-Dame cathedral (with a dome which is more than 100 metres tall). Fans of traditional architecture will find plenty to enjoy as well. The town’s basilica is built over the largest crypt in France and is filled with religious masterpieces.

The Côte d’Opale, a symbol of remembrance

As you explore the coast, you’ll see plenty of bunkers and signs of the two World Wars, including bomb damage. Boasting a large collection of period costumes, thousands of collectors’ items, film screenings and more, the Musée 39-45 in Ambleteuse will transport you back in time to the Second World War. Fans of history who are staying on the Côte d’Opale won’t want to miss out on this tourist attraction.