The Grand Site des 2 Caps, located on the Opal Coast between Calais and Boulogne-sur-Mer, is a protected natural site remarkable for the diversity of its landscapes.
It covers the coastal area of the Opal Coast Regional Park and Marshes, covering 7,500 hectares comprising the cliffs of Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez, the dune fields of La Slack between Ambleteuse and Wimereux, and the rolling countryside.
The Grand Site des Deux Caps is the area that includes the towns of Sangatte, Escalles, Wissant, Tardinghen, Audinghen, Audresselles, Ambleteuse, and Wimereux, as well as its fine sandy beaches stretching for several kilometers and various hiking trails, including the GR 120, which runs along the coast from Sangatte to Wimereux.
Towns and villages of the Two Capes Site – Our favorites:
Wissant (20 min by car)
A peaceful and charming village of 1,300 inhabitants nestled between Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez, with the Boulogne bocage countryside in the background.
The Wissant seawall is a 500-meter walk with breathtaking views of Cap Blanc-Nez.
www.cote-dopale.com/villes/wissant
Wimereux (28 min by car)
A charming seaside resort on the Opal Coast with a population of 8,000, located 7 km north of
Boulogne-sur-Mer. Ideal for lovers of its architecture, many summer visitors come here all year round to relax or take part in one of the many activities that make this town so pleasant to live in. Many Victorian Anglo-Norman style villas still remain. The remarkable facades and gables rival each other in elegance, often decorated with Desvres-style earthenware frescoes.
www.cote-dopale.com/villes/wimereux
Ambleteuse (26 min by car)
A fishing village best known for its majestic Fort Mahon (built in the 17th century by Vauban under the orders of Louis XIV), its beach, and Slack Bay with its unique flora.
The promenade offers views of the beach and the fort built by Vauban.
At high tide, the beach is covered with pebbles, but once the tide goes out, a fine sandy beach appears.
At high tide, Fort d’Ambleteuse is surrounded by the sea, and on stormy days it is literally besieged and attacked by powerful waves that explode on its sides in impressive sprays of foam.
www.cote-dopale.com/villes/ambleteuse
For more information : www.cote-dopale.com
