Discovering the Opal Coast, from Calais to Le Touquet
In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration7 days
-
LevelIntermediate
-
DestinationHauts-de-France / North
-
AgeFrom 13 - 90 years
-
CO₂-Emissions77.98 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
This section of the GR120 invites you to explore exceptional natural sites and a rich local heritage . Discover Cap Blanc-Nez , Cap Gris-Nez , the Bay of Wissant , the Bay of Canche , Boulogne-sur-Mer , and the Fort of Ambleteuse . Walking along the steep cliffs and fine sandy beaches , let yourself be captivated by the spectacular panoramas of the Opal Coast . The changing hues of the sea and the interplay of light on the dunes create a unique atmosphere . The fishing village of Wissant immerses you in an authentic and preserved way of life . Take advantage of this stop to savor local specialties , such as bouchot mussels or smoked herring , accompanied by a regional craft beer .
This stay is an invitation to discovery , relaxation , and wonder, ideal for lovers of nature and local traditions . Between hikes and gourmet breaks, let yourself be charmed by the diversity and richness of this unique region.
The highlights
-
The Two Capes site
-
Accommodation near the GR®120
-
A route that is still relatively unfrequented
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 18 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 238 m
- Average daily descent: 238 m
Management
Program
-
Arrival in Calais
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You arrive in Calais and enjoy a day exploring the city at your own pace. Discover its historic fortifications , including the citadel and ramparts, which bear witness to its rich past. The iconic watchtower offers an essential landmark in the heart of the city. Stroll through the narrow streets, let yourself be charmed by the maritime atmosphere, and immerse yourself in the history of this port city.
Day 1 -
From Calais to Wissant
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 20 km
- Positive elevation gain 345 m
- Negative elevation 345 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You're heading towards Wissant Bay and the famous Two Caps site . Your first stop is Cap Blanc-Nez , recognizable by its white chalk cliffs that give it its name. From this point, you'll have a breathtaking view of the Strait of Dover , a panorama not to be missed.
Day 2 -
From Wissant to Ambleteuse
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 175 m
- Negative elevation 155 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This leg of the journey takes you to Cap Gris-Nez , the second unmissable headland on your route. If the sky is clear, you might even catch a glimpse of the English coast on the horizon. The day ends in Ambleteuse , a charming town boasting a 17th-century fort, a listed historical monument . A perfect way to conclude this day rich in scenery.
Day 3 -
From Ambleteuse to Boulogne-sur-Mer
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 145 m
- Negative elevation 130 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
From Ambleteuse, you'll cross the Slack Dunes , a protected natural area where the estuary marks the last wild stretch of sand in the Boulonnais region. The landscape, a mix of sand and vegetation, offers a peaceful atmosphere perfect for walking. Continuing your route, you'll arrive in Wimereux, a charming seaside resort . Its Belle Époque villas, lining the Bay of Saint-Jean, bear witness to a rich architectural heritage. The invigorating sea air is ideal for a relaxing break.
Your journey then takes you to Pointe de la Crèche , where a fort steeped in history stands. After this stop, you end your stay in Boulogne-sur-Mer , a lively town where culture and the seaside blend together.
Ask GPT-4 for a better answer
Length and format
Day 4 -
From Boulogne-sur-Mer to Hardelot-Plage
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 330 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You'll depart from Boulogne-sur-Mer , renowned as the largest fishing port in France and one of the few towns in the North to have preserved its medieval ramparts . Along the way, you'll enjoy Écault beach , a peaceful spot bordered by a protected dune system that stretches near the Écault state forest . It's the perfect setting to immerse yourself in nature and begin your stay at a leisurely pace.
Day 5 -
From Hardelot-Plage to Etaples
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 19 km
- Positive elevation gain 225 m
- Negative elevation 230 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This final stage invites you to cross more dunes before reaching Le Touquet. Traveling the last few kilometers, you follow the estuary of the Canche Bay , a 45-hectare protected natural site offering a peaceful and unique panorama.
Day 6 -
Departure from Etaples
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The day begins with breakfast at the hotel , the perfect way to start. Once ready, you'll hit the road to begin your program.
Day 7
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Outbound: TGV Paris Nord - Calais Ville, sometimes with a connection at Calais Fréthun (2h30 to 3h30 journey time)
Return: TGV Etaples Le Touquet - Paris Nord, sometimes with a connection in Amiens or Arras (2h15 to 3h journey time)
From Paris: Motorway (A1) to Arras and A26 to Calais (approximately 3h30).
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation for 6 nights in a double room
- Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers ( 13 kg max and one per person )
- The digital roadbook
The price does not include
- Meals
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
Options
- Travel pouch : CHF54.89 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Toiletry bag
- Bath towel
- Sunglasses
- Headlamp
- 1.5L bottle
- Pocket knife
- Toilet paper and a lighter
- Plastic box with plastic cutlery
- Plastic bags for waterproofing your belongings
- Dirty laundry bag
- Earplugs
- Walking sticks
- Pair of binoculars
- Camera
Clothing to bring
- Hiking shoes
- Lightweight shoes ( tennis shoes or sandals )
- Underwear
- Hiking pants
- Shorts
- Fleece jackets
- T-shirts
- Rain poncho or waterproof jacket ( Gore-tex type )
- Hat
- Pair of lightweight gloves
- Cap
- Swimsuit
- Bath towel