Discover the 10 most beautiful beaches in Nord Pas-de-Calais
The Nord Pas-de-Calais region abounds in unsuspected treasures along its magnificent Côte d’Opale. Between wild dunes, majestic cliffs and endless stretches of fine sand, this region offers some of the most beautiful beaches in France. Whether you’re looking for a lively seaside resort or a secret cove to recharge your batteries, the diversity and authenticity of the northern coastline will win you over. From the famous Touquet-Paris-Plage to little nuggets like Cran d’Escalles, discover our selection of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the Nord Pas-de-Calais region, which have nothing to envy their southern counterparts.
Also read the Le Touquet guide :
- Visit Le Touquet in 1 day: 17 things to do and see
- Visit Dunkerque in 1 day: 22 things to do and see
- Visit Calais in 1 day: 24 things to do and see
- 20 must-see experiences in Hauts-de-France
- Excursions around Lille: 14 ideas for day trips
- Top 6 things to do in Calais
- The most beautiful villages to visit around Lille
- Top 11 culinary specialities in Lille
- Visit Nausicaá: the National Maritime Centre
1. Le Touquet-Paris-Plage
This is undoubtedly the most famous beach in the Nord Pas-de-Calais region! To visit Le Touquet is to discover much more than just a beach: it’s to immerse yourself in a real history. Founded in the 19th century, this seaside resort was given the name “Paris-Plage” because it was originally intended for the inhabitants of the capital in search of sea air and a chic holiday.
Le Touquet-Paris-Plage boasts no fewer than twenty historic monuments that bear witness to its prestigious past. There are magnificent buildings around every corner, including the distinctive houses of Le Touquet with their Anglo-Norman architecture. And don’t miss the grand lighthouse, a local landmark that has watched over the resort for over a century.
Download the audio tour to discover Le Touquet on foot and on your own
To make the most of your visit to Le Touquet, take the Navaway audio tour. This 3.6 km route takes you on a tour of 17 emblematic places of interest in the pearl of the English Channel. With its remarkable architecture, fascinating history and chic seaside atmosphere, you can explore this legendary resort at your own pace, while benefiting from captivating anecdotes and enriching historical commentaries.
But the beach at Le Touquet is one of the most beautiful in the region, offering a host of water sports activities. With its 12 kilometres of fine sand bordered by dunes, this immense golden expanse is perfect for sand yachting, kitesurfing or simply long, invigorating strolls in front of the waves. At low tide, the beach seems to stretch on forever, offering a breathtaking natural spectacle. Fans of idleness will appreciate the comfortable beach clubs, while sports enthusiasts will enjoy the excellent conditions for indulging in their favourite activities.
2. Wissant beach
Boasting an exceptional location between the Gris-Nez and Blanc-Nez capes, Wissant beach offers one of the most beautiful panoramas of any beach in the Nord Pas-de-Calais region. This famous beach is temporary and depends on the tide. Each low tide gives rise to a new sandy beach, shallow and ideal for families with children.
You can go sand yachting between the two capes, a unique experience given the splendid views, if you have the time to appreciate them! The classified Grand Site des Deux Caps offers an exceptional unspoilt natural setting. At high tide, the beach disappears and you can only walk along the rocks lining the dyke. Here too, the view of Cap Blanc-Nez to the right and Cap Gris-Nez to the left, two chalk giants that frame the bay majestically, is impressive.
3. Cran d’Escalles
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. Escalles beach is made up of sand and pebbles, creating a wild and authentic setting far from the summer crowds.
At high tide, the sea leaves a small space on the beach, but beware of falling rocks! So it’s best to take a walk on the higher ground when the sea is at its highest. The coastal path offers spectacular views of the chalk cliffs plunging into the English Channel. A little bonus when the weather is fine: you can see the British coastline of Folkestone in the distance, giving you the impression of being at the end of the world while contemplating England on the horizon.
4. Malo-les-Bains beach
Nicknamed the “Queen of the Northern Beaches”, the beach at Malo-les-Bains in Dunkirk resembles the beach at Petit-Fort-Philippe, with its colourful little cabins that give it its charm. The difference is that it is much bigger and more popular, stretching for several kilometres along Dunkirk’s seafront.
Located in Dunkerque, it’s a firm favourite with families, with so many activities on offer. In fact, it’s a very family-friendly beach, perfect if you’re travelling with toddlers. Children love the beach clubs, the inflatable games and the chance to build huge sandcastles on this vast expanse. Don’t forget to take a stroll along the seafront, which is pedestrianised in summer, to admire the beautiful little three-storey cottages that line the seafront. These charming northern dwellings, with their red bricks and white balconies, add a unique architectural touch to this seaside landscape.
5. Berck beach
To the south of Le Touquet, Berck beach and its 12 kilometres of fine sand are a haven of peace for those seeking calm and escape from the urban hustle and bustle. This immense golden expanse is one of the wildest and most unspoilt beaches on the Côte d’Opale.
Experienced windsurfers and beginners alike can enjoy this emblematic activity of the region. Berck is one of the windiest beaches 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, a colourful spectacle that attracts thousands of visitors. If you’re travelling with children, the beach at Berck offers them a wide range of activities in a safe environment. To round off your day, you can take a stroll along the sea dunes, a fragile and protected ecosystem.
6. Wimereux beach
Wimereux is a mixture of all the beaches already mentioned. Close to 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 favourite spot to suit your mood!
Water sports such as catamaran sailing, dinghy sailing, kitesurfing and windsurfing are also available in favourable wind conditions. Finally, Wimereux is also a beautiful seaside resort, with Victorian-style houses dating from the 19th century lining the seafront. These elegant villas bear witness to the prestigious past of this seaside resort favoured by the British and the French aristocracy. The walk along the seafront, with views over the English Channel, is particularly pleasant when the sun sets over the horizon.
7. Boulogne-sur-Mer beach
The town of Boulogne-sur-Mer is better known for Nausicaá, the national sea centre, than for its beach. And yet, typical of the Côte d’Opale with its little blue and white cabins lined up like soldiers, Boulogne’s beach has a lot to offer.
A huge stretch of fine sand and plenty of activities for young and old alike: ideal for a successful family beach day! You can also visit Boulogne-sur-Mer town centre in search of typical old Boulonnais buildings, including the old fortified town perched on the heights. And weather permitting, Nausicaá is well worth a visit to discover the wonders of the oceans through its spectacular pools and captivating educational activities.
8. Calais beach
The most popular tourist beach in the Nord Pas-de-Calais region offers the perfect playground for a long stroll along the seafront. You can walk ten kilometres along the sand to the foot of Cap Blanc-Nez! It’s a pleasant walk, much appreciated in fine weather, and a great way to discover the wild beauty of the coastline.
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 plenty of activities on offer. It is also common to see ferries and other large ships out to sea, as the port of Calais is the largest in the region. 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, a reminder of the proximity of England, just 34 kilometres away.
9. Bray-Dunes beach
Bray-Dunes beach is without doubt the most original beach in the Nord Pas-de-Calais region. At first glance, it looks like a classic, with its ten kilometres of fine sand bordered by unspoilt dunes. Here you can practise locally popular activities such as sand yachting, kitesurfing and windsurfing, thanks to the almost permanent wind, which is a delight for thrill-seekers.
Children also have access to inflatable games and can take a stroll along the dyke and the dunes, which offer a remarkable natural ecosystem. But what makes it original, you may ask? After a short twenty-minute stroll eastwards, you can cross the Belgian border without even realising it! A historical marker, built in 1819, is a reminder of the invisible border between the two countries. So it’s not too difficult to have a beach day in two countries, a unique experience that children in particular will love.
10. Petit Fort-Philippe beach
A complete change of scenery for this beach in the Nord Pas-de-Calais region. Situated at the mouth of the Aa, a coastal river popular with cruciverbists, the beach at Gravelines in Petit Fort-Philippe has the advantage of being right in the centre of town, easily accessible and well equipped.
If you haven’t brought your own food with you, it’s easy to take a stroll through the centre of Gravelines to enjoy its restaurants and shops. On the beach, there are cabins for changing and plenty of water-based activities on offer. The local speciality is kitesurfing, a discipline for which the wind conditions are particularly favourable. This lively family beach is an excellent alternative for those seeking both nature and urban amenities.
In conclusion, the Nord Pas-de-Calais region has some wonderful surprises in store for lovers of beaches and wide open spaces. From the sophistication of Le Touquet-Paris-Plage to the wildness of Le Cran d’Escalles and the family atmosphere of Malo-les-Bains, each beach has its own unique character. The Opal Coast offers an exceptional diversity of landscapes, with its dunes, cliffs and vast stretches of fine sand. Whether you’re a sports fan, contemplative or looking to relax with the family, these ten beaches are among the most beautiful in France and well worth a visit. Don’t hesitate to explore these treasures of the northern coastline and let yourself be guided by the Navaway itineraries to discover the towns that border these magnificent beaches.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the most beautiful beach in Nord Pas-de-Calais?
Le Touquet-Paris-Plage is generally considered to be the most beautiful beach in the Nord Pas-de-Calais region. With its 12 kilometres of fine sand, unspoilt dunes and elegant setting, it offers an exceptional panorama. However, Wissant, with its location between the two capes, and Malo-les-Bains, with its authenticity, are also serious contenders for this title.
Where to swim in Nord Pas-de-Calais?
The best beaches for swimming in the Nord Pas-de-Calais are those at Le Touquet, Berck, Malo-les-Bains in Dunkirk, and Wissant. These beaches have lifeguards on duty in summer and the water quality is regularly checked. However, beware of tides and currents, and always respect the supervised bathing areas.
Which beach to choose for a family day out in the North?
Malo-les-Bains in Dunkirk and the beach at Berck are perfect for families. They offer plenty of activities for children, beach clubs and play areas, and are shallow at low tide. Le Touquet also offers excellent family facilities, with its comfortable beach clubs and varied activities.
Are water sports available on the beaches of the North?
Absolutely! The Nord Pas-de-Calais is renowned for its ideal conditions for water sports. Sand yachting is particularly popular in Berck and Wissant, kitesurfing in Wissant and Petit Fort-Philippe, and windsurfing in Wimereux. The windy conditions on the Opal Coast make it a popular spot for thrill-seekers.
When is the best time to visit the beaches of Nord Pas-de-Calais?
The best period is from May to September, with a peak in July and August. Spring and early autumn often offer an excellent compromise, with fewer people and pleasant temperatures for walking. Autumn sunsets on the Opal Coast are particularly spectacular.
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