The Opal Coast – From Calais to Etaples

Program

Day 1

Calais
Arrival in Calais. Night in half-board. ATTENTION, accommodations sometimes only open at 5pm (important if you’re arriving by train for your luggage).

Day 2

Calais – Escalles (16 km)

From Calais, direction “la plage – Corniche de la Côte d’Opale”, then arrival at Sangatte. The dunes of Sangatte are very particular dunes located in the continuation of the cliff of Blanc Nez. At the exit of Sangatte: former construction site of the Trans- Manche. You will then follow the customs path to Escalles.

Day 3

Escalles – Ambleteuse (22 km)

The GR du Littoral continues to the right along the Douaniers path to the Cap Blanc Nez monument (cliff cut into the chalk at 130 meters above the sea). Depending on the weather, you can see England. Passage near the Cran d’Escalles, then to the hamlet of Strouanne before going down to the beach. You arrive then in Wissant. Continuation of the hike by alternating cliffs and beaches until Cap Gris Nez. We then cross Audresselles, a small fishing village before reaching Ambleteuse.

Day 4

Ambleteuse – Boulogne (14km)

Still going along the sea, you will cross Wimereux (summer resort), then pass by the Pointe de la Crèche (exceptional view). Attention the Gr is in edge of cliff and we see the damage caused by the erosion and the storms. But if you don’t venture out of the way it is easily passable. Then you will reach Boulogne (big artisanal and industrial fishing port). It is interesting to go to the Upper Town to discover the old Boulogne : ramparts, old houses, castle museum….

Day 5

Boulogne – Hardelot (17 km)

The exit of Boulogne is made in a harbour atmosphere, fishing industry, artisanal life. Then we go to Equihen Plage (the “quilles en l’air”: typical fishermen’s houses until the beginning of the ^20th century). The GR then crosses the Massif d’Ecault (dunes where willows, poplars, rushes and reeds grow), then takes the NATURE PATH to reach Hardelot.

Day 6

Hardelot – Etaples (20 km)

Taking advantage of the fashion for sea bathing, Sir John Wintley created Hardelot in 1905 on an area of 400 hectares, a seaside resort that combined the forest and the sea. Long beach of fine sand. See with the tides if it is possible to follow the beach, this until Ste Cécile Plage. End of the stay upon arrival in Etaples. Possibility of an extra night in Etaples or Camiers (7 km before Etaples), please contact us.