Looking for activities to do in the Côte D’Opale area? Have you heard of Cap Blanc Nez? This area is the perfect place to enjoy a day of hiking. The scenery is just stunning and if you’re lucky and get a sunny day, you might even be able to spend the English coast on the other side of the channel. Sounds interesting? Then join me while we explore Cap Blanc Nez!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COTE D'OPALE AND CAP BLANC NEZ
Côte D’Opale (Opal Coast in English) is a coastal region in the north of France, very close to the border of Belgium. It is bathed by the North Sea and the English Channel (La Manche). Its name comes from the opal light caused by the reflection of the sun on the chalk cliffs and the sand dunes. Its main city or “capital” is Calais, from which you can take the Eurotunnel to cross the English Channel towards England.
Grand Site Des Deux Caps: Cap Blanc Nez and Cap Gris Nez
The Grand Site des Deux Caps is the area around the coast between Boulogne-Sur-Mer and Calais. It gets its name from the two capes in it, Cap Blanc Nez and Cap Gris Nez. It has been granted the label of Grand Site of France due to its exceptional natural highlights.
The combination of the beautiful cliffs and white sandy beaches makes it the perfect location for a weekend or a day trip. Among the many activities you can do are:
- Hiking along the coast and the capes.
- Relaxing on the beach
- All sorts of water sports such as windsurfing, kite surfing, sailing, etc.
- Explore the different bunkers used in both World Wars situated in between the two capes.
Cap Blanc Nez
The cape of Blanc Nez can be recognized by its obelisk standing on top of the cliffs that are up 134m high. It is one of the three Dover Patrol monuments that commemorate the sacrifice of the French and British soldiers that protected Pas de Calais during the First World War. According to the signs next to the obelisk, its construction started in 1920 and it was inaugurated in 1922.
Next to the obelisk, there are some viewpoints from which you can admire the view of the English Channel. On a sunny and clear day, you can even see the white cliffs of Dover from it.
HIKING FROM CAP BLANC NEZ TO WISSANT
Hike Summary
- Trail Start/End: Cap Blanc Nez Parking
- Distance: 16,25 km
- Elevation Gain: 390 m
- Route Type: Circular Route
- Estimated Time Needed: 5-6 hours (This includes plenty of time to rest and have a picnic at the beach).
The Obelix And Its Viewpoints
Hiking in Cap Blanc Nez is not very challenging and can be completed by beginner hikers. It is approximately 16km long and it should take around 4 hours to complete. However, if you are someone like me who likes to stop quite frequently to admire the view, it can take a bit longer.
You can start the hike by parking your car in the Cap Blanc Nez parking. From there, you can first walk a short distance to observe the obelisk and the breathtaking views of the coast and the English Channel.
After walking around the obelisk, you can start walking back to the parking. Halfway between the obelisk and the parking, you will see a small path to your right that will lead you down to the beach of Cap Blanc Nez. At the bottom of the path, you can decide whether to do the first part of the hike through the beach and the second part from the top of the cliff or vice versa.
Tip: Don’t forget to check at what times the tide goes up and down! This will help you avoid bad surprises and getting stuck down at the beach.
Walking Along The Beach
In my case, we arranged our arrival to match the low tide, so I did the first part of the hike on the beach. Walking along the beach towards Wissant can be so peaceful with the sea wind blowing your hair away. The low tide reveals wide sandy beaches, that extend as long as your eye can see.
This part of the hike is really easy and impossible to get lost, just walk along the beach to Wissant. At Wissant, you can either eat in one of its restaurants or have a picnic at the beach while contemplating the sea and England in the distance.
Return Walking On The Clifss
From Wissant, you have to walk back towards Cap Blanc Nez. Instead of walking on the beach follow the path that is just behind it. Soon you will start going up the cliffs (don’t worry it is not very steep). You need to continue this path until you are back to where you started your hike.
The walk along the cliffs is also beautiful with the view of the beach and the sea below and the wind in your face. As you walk back, you will notice that the tide will start to go up. The beach will start to become thinner until it eventually disappears.
Along the way, there are several bunkers used during the First and the Second World Wars. Inside them, there is nothing to see as they are empty and they are also a bit dirty. Also please be careful as there is no protection and you might fall down the cliffs!
Once you are back at where you started your walk on the beach you can either decide to go back up to the parking to finish your day, or relax and watch the waves crash into the rocks.
WHAT TO BRING IN YOUR BACKPACK?
Are you planning to do this one-day hike in Cap Blanc Nez? Here are a few things you might need for your hike and you should consider bringing in your backpack.
- Hiking shoes: Don’t be tempted by the fact that part of this hike takes part on the beach to think you don’t need appropriate hiking shoes. You will still be walking a long distance and it’s important to protect your feet. If the weather is warm and you want to feel the water, you can always remove your shoes for a while.
- Light towel: In case the weather is warm and you want to feel the water with your feet or are brave enough to go for a swim in the North Sea, a light towel will come in handy to dry yourself afterwards.
- Hat and wind-repellent jacket: If like me you visit the region in the early autumn even if you are lucky and get a sunny day, the region is very windy.
- Sunscreen.
- Snacks and plenty of water.
MAP WITH LOCATIONS
And that’s it for my blog about hiking in Cap Blanc NEz. I hope you liked it and it made you want to do this hike. Let me know what you think in the comments!
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Amazing hike
Thank you! This hike is one of my favorites!