Côte d’Opale

by Anne Treur

Years ago, I stayed in the Côte d’Opale in France. It was a quiet campsite with a wonderful view of the Channel. One day, I decided, I would go back and stay there again, but this time in a Quilles en l’air, an upturned boat. Such a wonderful idea!

The campsite was close to Boulogne, just south of Calais. There are two cliffs or hills, Cap GrisNez and Cap Blanc-Nez, so plenty of beautiful scenery. Just behind the coastline, there are lots of reminders of the Second World War like bunkers and forts. There are also plenty of museums about the war.

Day trips from the Côte d’Opale

You simply have to visit both Caps. They’re not terribly high. The white Cap Blanc-Nez is just over 495 feet. It does have a wonderful view, though, and you might spot the white cliffs of Dover. Take a picnic and a book and simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. On your way there, you will pass sweet little villages as well as the dark Cap Gris-Nez, but personally, I prefer the more northern Cap Blanc-Nez. Do take a jacket as it’s usually breezy up there.

Dover, Lille or Paris

You can visit the Côte d’Opale in a day from Dover. Simply get the morning ferry and spend the day looking around. From the campsite, it’s possible to get to Lille, which is also a beautiful city. In September, there is a large market in Lille that is worth visiting. Paris is about 250 kilometres but can be done in a day.

Boulogne-sur-Mer

Boulogne-sur-Mer, near the campsite in Equihen, has the largest fishing harbour in France. The centre of the city is lovely, there is a large sandy beach. You can go Sand Yachting. I haven’t tried it but it did look good! There is Nausicaa, a huge aquarium with sharks, sea lions and fish. Worth a visit, especially with children as you can touch some of the fish, apparently.

Camping La Falaise in Equihen-Plage

This was the campsite where I stayed in Equihen. You get a wonderful view and the village is quiet. It made for an ideal break. It’s not that far from England, but it gives you a real feel of France when you want to have a change of scenery.

Anne Treur is Dutch, living in the east of the Netherlands. She works as PA, but spends her free time travelling, writing, taking photos and blogging about it all! Come and travel along with her, through her website: https://www.ditisanne.nl/anne-reist-travelblog/europa/