Discover the 10 most beautiful beaches in Nord Pas-de-Calais

Nord Pas-de-Calais is full of unsuspected treasures along its magnificent Côte d'Opale. Between wild dunes, majestic cliffs and stretches of fine sand as far as the eye can see, this region offers some of the most beautiful beaches in France. Whether you're looking for a lively seaside resort or a secret cove to recharge your batteries, the northern coastline will seduce you with its diversity and authenticity. From the famous Touquet-Paris-Plage to little gems like Cran d'Escalles, discover our selection of the 10 most beautiful beaches in Nord Pas-de-Calais that have nothing to envy their southern counterparts.

1. Le Touquet-Paris-Plage

Here is undoubtedly the most famous beach in Nord Pas-de-Calais! Visiting Le Touquet means discovering much more than just a beach: it's immersing yourself in real history. Founded in the 19th century, this seaside resort was given the name "Paris-Plage" as it was initially intended for inhabitants of the capital seeking sea air and chic holidays.

Le Touquet-Paris-Plage has no fewer than twenty historic monuments that testify to its prestigious past. You'll discover magnificent buildings on every street corner, particularly the distinctive toquettoise houses with their Anglo-Norman architecture. Don't miss the great lighthouse either, a local singularity that has watched over the resort for over a century.

Download the audio-guided circuit to discover Le Touquet on foot and independently

To make the most of your visit to Le Touquet, let yourself be guided by the Ryo audio-guided itinerary. This 3.6 km route takes you to discover 17 emblematic places of interest in the pearl of the English Channel. Between remarkable architecture, fascinating history and chic seaside atmosphere, you'll explore this mythical resort at your own pace while benefiting from captivating anecdotes and enriching historical commentary.

But Le Touquet beach is one of the most beautiful in the region and offers multiple water activities. With its 12 kilometers of fine sand bordered by dunes, this immense golden stretch allows you to practice sand yachting, kitesurfing, or simply take long invigorating walks facing the waves. At low tide, the beach seems to stretch to infinity, offering a striking natural spectacle. Sunbathing enthusiasts will appreciate the comfortable beach clubs, while sports lovers will enjoy the excellent conditions for their favorite activities.

2. Wissant Beach

Benefiting from an exceptional location between Cap Gris-Nez and Cap Blanc-Nez, Wissant beach offers one of the most beautiful panoramas of the beaches in Nord Pas-de-Calais. This famous beach is actually temporary and depends on the tide. Each low tide gives birth to a new sandy beach, shallow and ideal for families with children.

You can practice sand yachting between the two capes, a unique experience as the view, if you have time to appreciate it, is splendid! The Grand Site des Deux Caps classified offers an exceptional preserved natural setting. At high tide, the beach disappears and only a walk on the rocks bordering the dike is possible. Again, we are impressed by the view of Cap Blanc-Nez on the right and Cap Gris-Nez on the left, two chalk giants that majestically frame this bay.

3. Cran d'Escalles

Here is perhaps the most secret of the beaches in Nord Pas-de-Calais. Located at the foot of Cap Blanc-Nez, this cove enjoys an exceptional situation. Cap Gris-Nez is visible on the left to offer a breathtaking panorama at low tide. Escalles beach consists of sand and pebbles, creating a wild and authentic setting far from summer crowds.

At high tide, the sea leaves little room for the beach but beware of falling rocks! It is therefore rather advisable to walk on the heights when the sea is at its highest level. The coastal path then offers spectacular viewpoints over the chalky cliffs that plunge into the English Channel. Little bonus on clear days: it's possible to see the British coasts of Folkestone in the distance, giving the impression of being at the end of the world while contemplating England on the horizon.

4. Malo-les-Bains Beach

Nicknamed the "Queen of Northern beaches," Malo-les-Bains beach in Dunkerque resembles Petit-Fort-Philippe beach with its small colorful cabins that give it all its charm. The difference is that it is much larger and more popular, extending for several kilometers along the Dunkerque seafront.

Located in Dunkerque, it's families' favorite beach as there are so many activities. It's indeed a very family-friendly beach, perfect if you're traveling with little ones. Children love the beach clubs, inflatable games and the possibility of building huge sand castles on this vast expanse. Don't forget to stroll along the dike, pedestrianized in summer, to appreciate the beautiful little three-story houses that line the seafront. These charming typical northern homes, with their red bricks and white balconies, add a unique architectural touch to this seaside landscape.

5. Berck Beach

South of Le Touquet, Berck beach and its 12 kilometers of fine sand constitute a small haven of peace for those seeking calm and escape from urban turmoil. This immense golden expanse is one of the wildest and most preserved beaches on the Côte d'Opale.

Experienced or beginner sand yacht practitioners can indulge in this emblematic activity of the region. Very windy, Berck is indeed the beach in Nord Pas-de-Calais offering the ideal terrain for its practice. The wind also offers a remarkable playground for kites and it's in Berck that the International Kite Meetings take place every year, a colorful spectacle that attracts thousands of visitors. If you're traveling with children, Berck beach offers them multiple activities in a secure setting. To perfect your day, you can take a little walk on the sea dunes which constitute a fragile and protected ecosystem.

6. Wimereux Beach

Wimereux is a bit like a mix of all the beaches already presented. Near Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez, you can see the beginning of the cliffs that make these places famous. With its sand on one side and pebbles on the other, you can choose your preferred location according to your mood of the moment!

It's also possible to practice water sports such as catamaran, dinghy, kitesurf or windsurfing thanks to favorable wind conditions. Finally, Wimereux is also a very beautiful seaside resort with its Victorian-style houses from the 19th century that line the seafront. These elegant villas testify to the prestigious past of this seaside resort favored by the British and French aristocracy. The promenade along the dike, with a view of the English Channel, is particularly pleasant during sunsets that set the horizon ablaze.

7. Boulogne-sur-Mer Beach

The city of Boulogne-sur-Mer is better known for Nausicaá, the national sea center, rather than for its beach. However, typical of the Côte d'Opale with its small blue and white cabins aligned like soldiers, Boulogne beach has beautiful assets to show off.

An immense expanse of fine sand, many activities for young and old: ideal for a successful family beach day! It's also possible to visit downtown Boulogne-sur-Mer in search of old typical Boulogne buildings, notably its old fortified town perched on the heights. And if weather permits, Nausicaá really deserves a detour to discover the wonders of the oceans through its spectacular tanks and captivating educational activities.

8. Calais Beach

The most touristy of the beaches in Nord Pas-de-Calais offers a playground conducive to a long seaside walk. It's indeed possible to walk on the sand for ten kilometers to the foot of Cap Blanc-Nez! A pleasant hike much appreciated in good weather that allows you to discover all the wild beauty of the coastline.

On the very beach of Calais, the walk on the wooden walkway leading to the navigation lighthouse is shorter and also offers a superb panorama. Shallow at low tide, Calais beach is perfect for families with children, with many activities offered there. It's also common to see ferries and other large boats offshore, as Calais port is the most important in the region. A view of these behemoths appreciated by young and old alike! Finally, if the sky is clear, it's easy to see British lands in the distance, recalling the proximity to England located just 34 kilometers away.

9. Bray-Dunes Beach

Bray-Dunes beach is undoubtedly the most original beach in Nord Pas-de-Calais. At first glance, it seems classic with its ten kilometers of fine sand bordered by preserved dunes. You can practice locally very popular activities like sand yachting, kitesurfing or windsurfing due to an almost permanent wind that delights thrill-seekers.

Children also have access to inflatable games and you can stroll along the dike and on the dunes which offer a remarkable natural ecosystem. But what makes it original, you might ask? After a short twenty-minute walk eastward, you can cross the Belgian border without even realizing it! A historic marker, built in 1819, recalls the presence of this invisible border between the two countries. It's therefore possible to have a beach day in two countries without too much difficulty, a unique experience that particularly delights children.

10. Petit Fort-Philippe Beach

We completely change scenery for this beach in Nord Pas-de-Calais. Located at the mouth of the coastal river appreciated by crossword puzzle enthusiasts, the Aa, Gravelines beach at Petit Fort-Philippe has the advantage of being located in the middle of town, easily accessible and well equipped.

If you haven't brought food, it's therefore very easy to take a tour of downtown Gravelines to enjoy its restaurants and shops. On the beach, there are cabins for changing and many water activities are offered. The local specialty is kitesurfing, a discipline for which wind conditions are particularly favorable. This family-friendly and lively beach is an excellent alternative for those seeking both nature and urban amenities.

In conclusion, Nord Pas-de-Calais holds magnificent surprises for beach and open space lovers. From the sophistication of Touquet-Paris-Plage to the wildness of Cran d'Escalles, passing through the family atmosphere of Malo-les-Bains, each beach has its unique character. The Côte d'Opale offers exceptional landscape diversity with its dunes, cliffs and immense stretches of fine sand. Whether you're sporty, contemplative or seeking family relaxation, these ten beaches are among the most beautiful in France and amply deserve a visit. Don't hesitate to explore these treasures of the northern coastline and let yourself be guided by Ryo itineraries to also discover the towns that border these magnificent beaches.

plage-de-petit-fort-philippe — © Shutterstock

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most beautiful beach in Nord Pas-de-Calais?

Le Touquet-Paris-Plage is generally considered the most beautiful beach in Nord Pas-de-Calais. With its 12 kilometers of fine sand, preserved dunes and elegant setting, it offers an exceptional panorama. However, Wissant with its location between the two capes and Malo-les-Bains for its authenticity are also serious contenders for this title.

Where to swim in Nord Pas-de-Calais?

The best beaches for swimming in Nord Pas-de-Calais are those of Le Touquet, Berck, Malo-les-Bains in Dunkerque, and Wissant. These beaches have lifeguard stations in summer and offer water quality that is regularly monitored. Be careful however of tides and currents, always respect supervised swimming areas.

Which beach to choose for a family day in the North?

Malo-les-Bains in Dunkerque and Berck beach are perfect for families. They offer numerous children's activities, beach clubs, play areas and are shallow at low tide. Le Touquet also offers excellent family facilities with its comfortable beach clubs and varied activities.

Can you practice water sports on the beaches of the North?

Absolutely! Nord Pas-de-Calais is renowned for its ideal conditions for water sports. Sand yachting is particularly practiced at Berck and Wissant, kitesurfing at Wissant and Petit Fort-Philippe, and windsurfing at Wimereux. The windy conditions of the Côte d'Opale make it a spot prized by thrill-seekers.

What is the best time to visit the beaches of Nord Pas-de-Calais?

The best period extends from May to September, with peak attendance in July-August. Spring and early autumn often offer an excellent compromise with fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures for walks. Autumn sunsets on the Côte d'Opale are particularly spectacular.