Coasts in France-Nord-Pas-de-Calais

Coasts

Côte d'Opale (Opal Coast)This coastline was named by the Impressionists, who were enthralled by the quality of the light. © Philippe Turpin / Age Fotostock

The 75-mile coastline of Nord-Pas-de-Calais is known as the 'Côte d'Opale', or the Opal Coast, and sits between Calais and Berk-sur-Mer. Dotted along the stretch are fine sandy beaches and their clourful huts on which it is possible to practice sand yachting and kite surfing. Hiking is also possible along the beautiful dunes as well as through the pine forests just behind the beaches. There are pretty little fishing villages to visit such as Wissant and Etaples as well as larger resorts such as Le Touquet-Paris-Plage and Wimereux. You can get a taste of the region's history too by visiting the bunkers and rampart which were used to protect this oft-attacked coastline. For views of the coast and of ships coming in from England, stand atop the footpath connecting the two famous capes of Blanc-Nez and Gris-Nez, White Nose and Grey Nose respectively.