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France’s Opal Coast (French: Côté d’Opale) became one of the most popular summer destinations in France this year.
Thanks to this year’s exceptional weather, the Côté d’Opale’s wide coasts, scenic cliffs, large white sandy beaches, a rich network of hiking paths, and quaint fishermen villages, this northernmost corner of France attracted many visitors, adventurers, and nature lovers.
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Today, you’ll learn about how to make a day trip to Cap Gris-Nez, one of the two capes in the Opal Coast near Calais (the other being Cap Blanc-Nez), which are the closest points in mainland Europe to England, and why this region is truly worthy of multiple visits!
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How to get to Cap Gris-Nez?
I highly recommend visiting both the Cap Griz-Nez and Cap Blanc-Nez, as well as the fishermen’s villages found in-between called Escalles and Wissant, especially if you haven’t visited this region yet.
To get to these places by public transport, from Calais’s main train station called Calais Ville, take the bus number 472 headed in the direction of Boulogne sur Mer in the south. It costs only 1 EUR for a single trip on this bus.
The bus trip from Calais first traverses the commune of Sangatte and then climbs uphill to the Cap Blanc-Nez, which is marked with a tall monument on its peak. You can alight here to enjoy the sweeping views of the English Channel, as well as the surrounding rolling hills on a clear, sunny day. However, pay attention to the bus timings of bus 472 as you might end up waiting for hours for the next bus.
Tip: take a picture of the bus timing schedule at the bus stop.
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From Cap Blanc-Nez, the trip passes the village of Escalles and Tardinghen until it finally reaches Audinghen, the commune where Cap Gris-Nez is located.
The bus stop at Cap Gris-Nez is located in front near a road curve. From here, the sweeping panoramic views of Cap Gris-Nez are a couple of minutes walk away. It is easy to locate due to the presence of a lighthouse and a nearby security tower.
Coming to Cap Gris-Nez from Wimereux or Boulogne-sur-Mer
Alternatively, you could also take bus 472 from Boulogne-sur-Mer or Wimereux, if you are coming from the south. The bus 472’s southern terminus is outside of the main train station of Boulogne-sur-Mer called Boulogne Ville so it is convenient.
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If you are coming from Wimereux’s Wimereux Wimille train station, a short walk to the St Maurice bus station is what you will need to hop on bus 472 to Cap Gris-Nez.
What to see and do at Cap Gris-Nez?
1. Relish the sweeping, panoramic views of the English Channel.
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The main draw of Cap Gris-Nez is its breathtaking views of the English Channel from French. On a clear, sunny day, the White Cliffs of Dover in the UK are visible on the horizon.
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This is possible as both Cap Gris-Nez and Cap Blanc-Nez are the closest geographical points to the UK. The narrow sea of the English Channel that cuts the two masses of land is only at least 30 kilometres long.
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2. Take a sumptuous meal in the countryside in one of the 5 restaurants near Cap Gris-Nez.
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Fortunately, there are many restaurants located within a walking distance from the Cap Gris-Nez. After enjoying the views of one of Northern France’s gems, you could take a stop at one of the restaurants for a satisfying lunch a la campagne.
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Some of these restaurants offer fantastic views of the fields and rolling hills that grace the landscape of Cap Gris-Nez.
3. Conquer the two capes on foot: hike from Cap Gris-Nez to Wissant, and then to Cap Blanc-Nez.
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If you are into active lifestyles like me, then Cap Gris-Nez offers some great hiking options if you feel that well-inclined and I highly recommend it. I have done a hike myself from Cap Gris-Nez to Cap Blanc-Nez which traversed through a variety of landscapes with magnificent views.
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You will be hiking over many hills, grassy fields with views of the sea, stunning white cliffs, farmlands, and have the opportunity to take a coffee or lunch stop at the quaint fishermen’s village of Wissant.
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This activity is so epic that I intend to do this again — or better yet — do a trail run by the coast. If the weather is nice, doing this makes your visit to the Opal Coast even more worthwhile!
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Got questions about Cap Gris-Nez? Let me know in the comments below!
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