The 10 most beautiful hikes to do in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais

Hiking in Nord-Pas-de-Calais, it is discovering at its pace everything that bases the unique identity of this region: dunes and cliffs all along the coastline, ancient terrils are the highest reliefs, History and heritage meet along the paths...

As always, it is by walking that one truly plunges into the atmosphere of a place. The observation is the same with the most beautiful hikes of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais, by the sea or in the countryside, on ancient mining sites or vestiges of the Great War, the walk is as sporty as it is cultural to discover this beautiful region of northern France.

One of the benefits of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais hikes is their accessibility: the difficulty comes more from the number of kilometers than the generally low denial, and it is always possible to adapt a route to its level. Hiking in all seasons, as the landscapes of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais keep all their charms under the sun and under the grey!

1. Cape White Nose

Here is one of the hikes of the North-Pas-de-Calais really unmissable, as the natural site of Cap Blanc Nez is superb: a series of steep and dizzying cliffs, composed of chalk giving it this characteristic white color.

The walk, without major difficulty, starts in Escales, along the cliffs above, overlooking the English coasts in clear weather, then dominates Sangatte before returning to the starting point by the countryside. Several remnants of the Second World War are the route, including the MKB Lindemann Battery.

2. Cape Gris Nez and the Pale Coast

This beautiful hike of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais follows a part of the route of the GR120 along the Côte d’Opale : an absolutely beautiful coastal path, with for strong points the beautiful beach of Wissant, the panorama from the cliffs of Cap Gris Nez, the fort of Ambleteuse, and the air of the sea to accompany you on all the way.

A itinerary that you can easily adapt to your needs, shorter, longer, looped or roaming, everything is good to take if you hike on this section of GR120.

3. Le Chemin du Saint-Nazaire

In the Artois region, not far from Lens, it is in the memory of the fighters of the First World War that this interesting hike of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais: from Ablain-Saint-Nazaire, take the Chemin du Saint-Nazaire which leads you straight to Notre-Dame-de-Lorette Basilica and its vast military cemetery.

Nice view of the top of this hill, a place of many clashes between 1914 and 1915. The rest of the route, simple and easy to level, allows you to complete a hilly loop to your starting point.

4. The Tower of the Oye Platier

Between Calais and Dunkirk, one of the most beautiful natural reserves of the region extends along the sea: the Platier d’Oye will be the occasion of a superb hike in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais, between the sea and the dunaire cord, for lovers of preserved landscapes, flora and marine fauna.

The path is marked, with some bridges to cross wetlands and do not damage the dunes. Flat terrain, no denial, but possibility to link a small ten kilometers by making the tour of the reserve.

5. The abbey of Mont des Cats

This short hike from the Nord-Pas-de-Calais is ideal for strolling with the family and taking the air, while growing a little by the way. The buckle is a tour of the Cistercian Abbey of Mont des Cats, through the beautiful hilly landscapes of French Flanders.

Good news, the abbey is active, and the Trappist monks are still working: a break on the way allows to visit the places and taste beer of the abbey and local cheese, typical of the North, to complete the program of a beautiful half day.

6. The loop of the dunes of Bray-Dunes

Many will have in mind a well-known song by Alain Souchon during this pleasant hike of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais, on the border with the Belgium , from the well known seaside resort of Bray-Dunes.

The itinerary is indeed beautiful dunes and endless sandy beaches that characterize the northern coastline: to prolong to the envy by following the seaside, a maritime ride to make the full of iodine and to swim on the way to the beautiful days.

7. The boat lift from the Fontinettes

You start this hike from the Nord-Pas-de-Calais to the Arques side, just steps from Saint-Omer, in order to follow the Fontinettes trail: a pleasant loop that cuts the small town, runs along the canal of Neufossé by the halage road, crosses locks, cross ponds and forests, in short, a rather varied route!

Curiosity to discover on the way: the boat lift of the Fontinettes, impressive work. A hike level walk, for an interesting half day trip.

8. The forest of Phalempin

Between the great agglomeration Lille and the old mining basin around Lens, it doesn’t hurt to offer a beautiful hike from the Nord-Pas-de-Calais in the green setting of the Phalempin Forest.

So we don’t lose the opportunity to make a good walk on the various paths that cross the forest: many routes are possible (don’t lose!), to adapt your exit to your needs, from the short walk to the long walk.

9. Walking on the Tops of Artois

With this hike from Nord-Pas-de-Calais, you explore the beautiful region of Artois, well worth visiting: this is where you will have the most chance to accumulate a bit of denial!

Departure from the village of Nielles-lès-Bléquin, typical of the North, to throw you through the hills and fields of this very campagnard route, offering several beautiful general views of the surrounding area: you reach 195 m of altitude per place on the Hauts d’Artois! A rando to enjoy calm and get green.

10. The tower of the tiles in the mine basin

Full change of scenery with this hike from the Nord-Pas-de-Calais that looks at the industrial past of the region. In the Lens Mining Basin, impressive terrils have redesigned the natural relief: this small forest loop offers you to turn two of them, the 108 and 122 terrils, which you can climb for the view.

Note also nearby, in Libercourt, the ascent of the Terril 115 said of the Cableway, to complete a day of thematic walk.