Cycling from the Somme Bay to the Opal Coast

Ideally located onto a limestone promontary facing the Somme Bay, you will be amazed by the medieval city of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme with its lively streets and its colourful fishermen’s houses. Take the time to settle down in your hotel before strolling along the wharfs.

Slowly start off the day by placing your bikes into a vintage steam train (optional) or cycle up to Le Crotoy to make the most of the view over the Somme Bay. If you are lucky enough to arrive at low tide, you will be able to wave at France’s biggest seal colony!

Keep going on small country roads up to the Marquenterre’s park (Birds nature reserve) where we advise you to stop. Then follow the bike path surrounded by pine trees before reaching Fort-Mahon’s beach.

Leave Fort-Mahon and follow the Vélomaritime route accross fields to reach Berck-sur-Mer. Park your bikes on the embankment and enjoy a walk on its long sandy beaches. You may meet up with the Authie Bay’s seal colony lying down on the sandbank.

The road goes further inland and takes you through Stella-Plage’s vintage neighbourhood with its charming 70’s-looking houses. You will then arrive in the very chic Le Touquet, surounded by pine trees and Belle Epoque villas.

Today you cycle along Le Touquet’s quiet and leafy paths to reach the heart of the Opal Coast. Etaple’s small country roads will give you the opportunity to warm your legs up and to fully test your bikes before going back down for a swim in Sainte-Cécile.

The Vélomaritime will then lead you right to the bottom of Château d’Hardelot, wonderful French-British castle nestled in the forest.

The cycling path slowly climbs back up to the plains, offering a breathtaking view over the coastline and Boulogne-sur-Mer’s belfry. One last effort and you will arrive in front of the city’s walls to enjoy a well-deserved beer!

With today’s stage, you will make the most of the Opal Coast’s seaside towns. No sooner have you left Boulogne-sur-Mer than you will start spotting Wimereux’s Belle Epoque villas from the cliffs. Take a break on the beach before jumping back on your bike to reach Ambleteuse and its Vauban’s fortress.

You will have one more opportunity for a swim in Audresselles before starting your climb up Cape Gris-Nez. Your efforts will be rewarded by the stunning view over the Bristih cliffs, only 35 km away from France.

Make the most of the view while cycling down country roads to the lovely seaside town of Wissant, ideally located between the two capes.

Leaving Wissant, you will have two options to reach Cape Blanc-Nez : we advise you to follow the road to Escalles where you will be able to park your bikes before hiking up the cape. The most audacious ones can, if they wish to, take the winding road to the top (Be careful with the traffic during high peak season). After this last effort, you will leave your legs in peace for the rest of the trip.

Easily bike through Calais thanks to its well organised bike paths. Don’t forget to stop by the famous statue of "Les Bourgeois de Calais" when cycling past the Town Hall.

In case you were missing the beach, you will meet up with it again when arriving at le Platier d’Oye. This nature reserve is worth a stop for its incredible fauna and flora. You will then only need to cycle down the river Aa to reach the city of Gravelines, designed by Vauban.

You are only a few pedal strokes away from Dunkirk, thanks to this short stage through parks and residential neighbouroods.

Whether you are a History buff, a food connoisseur, or an ocean lover, you will have the time to explore the city of Jean Bart, a notorious 17th-century privateer. In this town made for cycling, you will easily reach the beach, sadly famous for its Operation Dynamo during the Second World War. Don’t forget to visit the maritime museum before ending the day in a local brewhouse.

This is the end of your journey. However, there is still plenty to do and see in Dunkirk. Extend your stay and take the time to explore the warfs, walk along the canals or visit the Frac, regional contemporary museum.

Don’t forget to get your post work-out meal after all these miles and try a waterzoi (chicken soup) or a pot jevleesch (litteraly "potted" meat) before leaving !