The 10 most beautiful beaches of the North No Calais

Are you in the North and want to go to the beach? Here are the 10 most beautiful beaches of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais!

In the North, there is not only the Corons! Some cities, such as Lille or Arras, are famous for their Flemish architecture. On the other hand, although bordered by the sea, the region is not renowned for its beautiful beaches. Yet some are very beautiful and have few things to envy to those of South France.

All the beaches are located on the Côte d’Opale, which offers a magnificent panorama from several of them that we will present. Even if a beach that Le Touquet seems chic, they are all good children and family. This is what makes the beauty of the North, its relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere.

Want to sting a head in front of England? Here are the 10 beaches of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais we selected!

1. Le Touquet-Paris-Plage

Here is undoubtedly the most famous beach in the North-Pas-de-Calais! Located south of Boulogne-sur-Mer, Le Touquet is more than a beach, it’s a story. It was in the 19th century that the seaside resort was founded and it was named Paris-Plage because it was intended for the inhabitants of the capital.

It is a beautiful seaside resort with no less than twenty historical monuments. There are magnificent buildings at every corner of the street, especially the toquettoises so special. Don't miss the great lighthouse, local singularity. We're going almost more for the city than for the beach! But it is one of the most beautiful in the region and it offers multiple nautical activities.

2. Beach of Wissant

Enjoying an exceptional location between the Cape Gris-Nez and Blanc-Nez, the beach of Wissant offers one of the most beautiful views of the beaches of Nord-Pas-de-Calais. The famous beach is also temporary and depends on the tide. Each low tide gives birth to a new sandy beach, shallow for people with children. You can also practice wind tank between the two headings, a unique experience as much as the view, if you have time to appreciate it, is splendid!

At high tide, the beach disappears and only a walk on the rocks bordering the dam is possible. Again, we are impressed by the view on Cape Blanc-Nez on the right and Cape Gris-Nez on the left.

3. Cran d’Escalles

This may be the most secret of the beaches of Nord-Pas-de-Calais. Located at the foot of Cape Blanc-Nez, this cove enjoys an exceptional situation. Cape Gris-Nez is visible on the left to offer a breathtaking panorama with low tide. At high tide, the sea leaves a small square at the sandy and pebble beach but pay attention to rockfalls! It is therefore rather advisable to walk on the heights when the sea is at its highest.

Small bonus in good time, it is possible to see the British sides of Folkestone in the distance!

4. Beach of Petit Fort Philippe

We completely change scenery for this beach of Nord-Pas-de-Calais. Located at the mouth of the coastal river appreciated by the cruciverbists, the Aa , the beach of Gravelines has the advantage of being located in the middle of town, easily accessible and well equipped. If you didn’t bring anything to restore, it is therefore very easy to go for a tour in the center of Gravelines.

On the beach there are cabins to change and there are many nautical activities. The local specialty is kitesurfing.

5. Beach of Malo-les-Bains

Nicknamed the Queen of the North Beaches, the beach of Malo-les-Bains resembles the beach of Petit-Fort-Philippe with its small colourful cabins. The difference is that it is much larger and more popular.

Located in Dunkirk, it is the favorite beach of families as many activities are. It is also a very family beach, perfect if you move with bambins. Don’t forget to walk along the dike in the summer, to enjoy the beautiful small, three-storey houses.

6. Berck beach

South of the Touquet, the beach of Berck and its 12 kilometers of fine sand is a small haven of peace for those looking for calm and escape away from the urban tumult. Experienced or beginners of sail tanks can take advantage of this activity. Very windy, Berck is indeed the beach of Nord-Pas-de-Calais offering the ideal terrain for its practice.

The wind also offers a remarkable playground for the kite and it is in Berck that the Cerfs-Volants International Meetings take place every year. If you travel with children, Berck Beach offers them multiple activities. To perfect your day, you can take a little walk on the sea dunes.

7. Wimereux beach

Wimereux is a bit the mix of all the beaches already presented. Close to the Capes Blanc-Nez and Gris-Nez, you can see the beginning of the cliffs making the place famous. With its sand on one side and its pebbles on the other, you can choose your preferred location!

Also it is possible to practice water sports such as catamaran, drifter, kitesurf or windsurfing. Finally, Wimereux is also a beautiful seaside resort with its 19th century Victorian-style houses.

8. Beach of Boulogne-sur-Mer

The city of Boulogne-sur-Mer is best known for Nausicaá , the national center of the sea, rather than for its beach. Yet, typical of the Côte d’Opale with its small blue and white cabins, the beach of Boulogne has beautiful assets to be used. A huge stretch of fine sand, lots of activities for small and large: ideal for a successful beach day!

It is also possible to visit the town centre of Boulogne-sur-Mer in search of the old typical buildings boulonnais or, if the weather permits, Nausicaá.

9. Beach of Calais

The most touristic of the beaches of Nord-Pas-de-Calais offers a playground for a long walk by the sea. It is indeed possible to walk on the sand for ten kilometers to the foot of Cape Blanc-Nez! A pleasant hike very appreciated by good weather.

On the very beach of Calais, the walk on the wooden bridge leading to the navigation light is shorter and also offers a superb view. Deep to low tide, the beach of Calais is perfect for families with children, with many activities offered there. Also it is common to see ferries and other big boats off, the port of Calais being the most important of the region. A view of her mastodonts appreciated by the little ones as big ones!

Finally, if the sky is clear, it is easy to see the British lands away.

10. Bray Dunes Beach

The beach of Bray Dunes is undoubtedly the most original North-Pas-de-Calais beach. At first sight, it seems classic. Long ten kilometers of fine sand, there are locally popular activities such as the sail tank, kitesurf or windsurfing due to a wind almost permanent. Children also have access to inflatable games and you can walk along the dike and on the dunes.

How is she original? After a short walk of about 20 minutes to the east, you can cross the Belgian border! A terminal, built in 1819, recalls the presence of this invisible border. It is therefore possible to do without too much difficulty a beach day in two countries.