DR940 - Tourist route of the Opal Coast

🇬🇧 Opal Coast tourism

• 🇬🇧 Cap Blanc-Nez
• 🇬🇧 Cap Gris-Nez
• 🇬🇧 D940 Tourist route

🇫🇷 Französische Version
🇩🇪 Die Opalküste
🇳🇱 De Opaalkust

Embark on an unforgettable journey along the D940 tourist road, which stretches across the entire #OpalCoast from Gravelines to Saint-Valery-sur-Somme. This iconic route takes you from majestic cliffs to endless beaches, from lively seaside resorts to authentic fishing villages, allowing a full immersion in an extraordinary natural and cultural heritage.

Your adventure begins in Gravelines, a charming Vauban fortified town where history meets the sea. With its still-intact city walls, marina, and family-friendly beaches, the town serves as a perfect gateway to the Opal Coast.

Continuing southward, you reach the Grand site des Deux-Caps, a classified jewel of the coastline. Cap Blanc-Nez, with its white chalk cliffs overlooking the English Channel, offers spectacular views as far as the English coast on clear days. Further south, Cap Gris-Nez presents a completely different face, with dark rocks and viewpoints overlooking the continuous ship traffic in the strait. Hiking, photography, and contemplation are guaranteed here.

Your journey continues through the fishing villages. In Wissant, the atmosphere remains authentic and welcoming: the vast beaches are a paradise for kitesurfing enthusiasts. In Audresselles, time seems to stand still: small fishermen’s houses, colorful boats (flobart), and the majestic Fort Vauban, which has watched over the sea for centuries. Further south, Ambleteuse enchants with its Vauban-fortified fort, maritime heritage, and proximity to the wild nature of the dunes.

The D940 then leads you to the iconic seaside resorts of the Opal Coast tourism. Wimereux, with its colorful Belle Époque villas, is perfect for a stroll along the lively waterfront promenade. A culinary stop is recommended at the artisanal biscuit factory Sophie Farrugia, offering a wide range of sweet and savory treats without preservatives or additives. Specialties include butter cookies, filled waffles, meringues, macarons, rusk, and croutons – all with authentic local flavor.

In Boulogne-sur-Mer, immerse yourself in history with the fortified old town and discover Nausicaá, Europe’s largest aquarium, which delights both young and old with thousands of marine species from around the world. Further south, Hardelot attracts visitors with its long family beaches, a medieval castle, and expansive forests, perfect for hiking. The must-see Le Touquet - Paris-Plage awaits with its elegant seaside resort charm, shops, markets, Belle Époque villas, and a lively cultural and festive atmosphere.

Finally, stop in Berck-sur-mer, a well-known seaside resort with vast beaches, international kite festivals, and an impressive seal colony visible at low tide.

Your journey ends magnificently on the beautiful Opal Coast tourism in Saint-Valery-sur-Somme. This medieval village, listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France,” enchants with its cobbled streets, colorful houses, harbor, and breathtaking views of the bay. Nature reigns supreme here, with exceptional biodiversity and a timeless, peaceful atmosphere.

At every stop, the Opal Coast tourism and the Baie de Somme reveal their treasures. History enthusiasts will appreciate the forts and museums, while food lovers will not resist the local specialties: freshly caught fish and seafood, golden waffles, regional cheeses, and craft beers.

The Opal Coast tourism is more than just a destination: it is a living experience between land and sea, where every turn holds a surprise and every stop becomes an unforgettable memory.

👉 To plan your visit and discover all the region’s treasures, visit cote-dopale.com

A rewarding route along the D940 Between historical heritage, unspoiled nature, and living history

• The Charterhouse of Neuville – Neuville-sous-Montreuil Located near Montreuil-sur-Mer, the Charterhouse of Neuville is the largest visitable Carthusian monastery in France. Founded in 1306, the current building dates back to 1875. Today, it hosts cultural events, artist residencies, and workshops, while offering a peaceful and inspiring setting. The well-kept gardens and fully preserved architecture make it a unique site to discover.

• The Audomarois Marshes – Saint-Omer About 1.5 hours away, the Audomarois Marshes provide an exceptional natural landscape. Visitors can enjoy hiking, Nordic walking, or traditional boat tours. The inn Au Bon Accueil à Salperwick in Salperwick offers guided tours and excursions in “Bacôves” to explore the marsh’s 170 km of waterways. It is also an ideal place to observe local wildlife, especially birds in the Romelaëre Ponds Nature Reserve.

• Coupole d'Helfaut Just 5 km from Saint-Omer, La Coupole d'Helfaut in Helfaurt stands as a striking World War II memorial site. This colossal dome, 71 meters in diameter, houses a museum and a 3D planetarium. It tells the story of the construction of Nazi launch bases for the V2 and V1 rockets, while also offering a glimpse into the future with contemporary exhibitions.

• The Éperlecques Bunker Around 15 km from Coupole d'Helfaut lies the Éperlecques Bunker, the largest bunker in northern France. Built in 1943 by the Germans, it served as a launch base for the V2 rockets. Classified as a historical monument, it provides an immersive insight into World War II history, with exhibitions on secret weapons and the harsh working conditions of prisoners.