The beautiful scenery of the two capes

The Two Capes, or Grand Site des Deux Caps, is a spectacular stretch of the Opal Coast in Hauts-de-France. This natural haven, home to rugged cliffs, crashing waves and long sandy beaches, is remarkably close to the LeShuttle terminal. Indeed it’s the perfect way to stretch your legs and fill your lungs with sea air at the start of your French road trip. 

Walking to Cap Blanc-Nez

What is the Grand Site des Deux Caps?

The Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez cliffs combine to form the Grand Site des Deux Caps nature reserve. The names of the two cliffs literally mean ‘white nose’ and ‘grey nose’, which will make sense when you see their shapes jutting out from the coastline into the water!

The two capes mark the beginning and end of a particularly unspoiled part of the coast of Northern France. Les Deux-Caps are connected by a popular coastal path, on a wide headland giving breathtaking views of the sea, at times becalmed and beautiful, at others wild and brooding. On a clear day you can easily see the English coast from Les Deux-Caps. Birdwatchers will be able to spot many rare species here, while grey seals are often to be seen in the shallows. All along this coastline are concrete wartime bunkers, part of the Atlantic Wall network of German fortifications, and worth visiting as part of a tour of the D-Day beaches.           

Cap Blanc-Nez - White cliffs, open beaches, and sweeping views

The French White Cliffs

The most well known of the capes is Cap Blanc-Nez, formed of white limestone and at 134 metres the highest point on the Opal Coast. It is very much the French counterpart of the White Cliffs. There is a wide footpath up to the Dover Patrol Monument, the 23-metre high obelisk that dominates the landscape. The monument commemorates the 2,000 men who lost their lives protecting the Channel from German U-boats during the First World War. The seas around the cape also saw action in the Battle of Boulogne in 1940. It’s a wonderful place for a coastal walk, with sea birds soaring overhead, and the monument at the summit of the steep coastal meadow inching closer with every step you take. 

The panoramic views at the top are more than worth the effort, especially at sunset! 

Driving to Cap Blanc-Nez from Calais

It’s just a 10 minute drive from leaving the LeShuttle terminal at Calais to the free car park overlooking the beach near the village of Escalles. 

Cap Gris-Nez - Rugged headland with views across the Channel

Cap Gris-Nez

Cap Gris-Nez is the closest point in France to the UK – just 21 miles (34km) from the Kent coast. More understated than Cap Blanc-Nez, the lower grey chalk and sand cliffs offer some of the most incredible views of the Channel, as well as nature walks across the gently rising heathlands and down onto the beach. There’s a superb seafood restaurant, La Sirene, right on the seafront. Close by you’ll also find the imposing Atlantic Wall Museum at the former Todt Battery, one of the main German wartime bunkers. It’s open to the public most of the year, and gives a fascinating insight into what happened here between 1942 and 1944.

Driving to Cap Gris-Nez from Calais

Cap Gris-Nez is a further 15 minutes drive down the coastal D940 road from Cap Blanc-Nez – or for those who fancy a coastal walk, a bracing 3 ½ hour ramble. If you’re making it your first cape of the day, it’s only a 25-minute drive from our Calais terminal, along the A16 and D191 inland roads. There are two free car parks at Cap Gris-Nez, both with easy access to the beach and headland. 

The best walks near Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez

If you want to spend more time in the area, there are plenty of Côte d’Opale walking routes to discover. 

Fort Vauban, Ambleteuse

Hike between Ambleteuse and Wimereux

These two coastal villages are situated between Cap Gris-Nez and Boulogne-sur-Mer. There are trails suitable for all abilities winding through the dunes, meadows and heaths, which is rich with wildlife. Start your ‘amble’ to Wimereux from the picturesque Fort Vauban, the 17th-century fort that becomes an island at high tide.  Your 3 mile walk will take around an hour and 15 minutes. 

Explore Platier d’Oye nature reserve

Escape the hustle and bustle in this glorious nature reserve, around 30 minutes drive eastward from Cap Blanc-Nez. There is ample parking nearby and guided tours on the first Sunday of every month. Bring your binoculars as you can spot over 230 different bird species here, including quite rare breeds as the reserve acts as a safe haven.

Walk around the Dunes de Fort Mahon 

Nestled between Sangatte and Blériot Plage near Calais, the dunes of Fort Mahon (also known as Fort Lapin) are ripe for spotting flora and fauna. They are ‘Dutch style’ dunes, narrow and shallow, covered in marram grass and sea holly as well as lots of other coastal plants. There are some remaining ruins of the 19th century fort (not to be confused with Fort Vauban near Ambleteuse which is sometimes also called Mahon). 

Villages to visit near the Grand Site des Deux Caps

Soak up the sunny views at Wissant

Wissant

Wissant means white sand in English, which you can see spread across the enormous beach of this charming seaside village. Perfect for families and dog-friendly, the vast expanse of sand is ideal for sports like windsurfing and sand yachting. Wissant lies in the middle of a protected landscape, so there is plenty of unspoiled natural beauty here. The village has plenty of shops, restaurants and cafes too. 

Ambleteuse

Ambleteuse is a small town sitting right on the coast and surrounded by Caps et Marais d'Opale natural park. With big skies and a huge beach, it’s a lovely place to wander, watch the world go by and try the freshest of seafood. For those rainy days when the beach isn’t quite so appealing, visit Fort Vauban, open on selected days, and Musee 39-45, a World War II Museum where you can see original uniforms and weapons.

Wimereux

The most southerly resort on the Opal Coast, Wimereux has a long seawall promenade and Anglo-Norman-style houses from the Belle Époque era. Art lovers will enjoy the many galleries in Wimereux, but ultimately this is a fantastic place to relax and unwind on the pebble beach and sandy dunes. Golfers will love the classic links course here, one of a number of excellent golf courses in the area. 

Step back in time in picturesque Wimereux

The Maison de Site des Deux-Caps visitor centre

The visitor centre for the Two Capes is located on the Cap Gris-Nez end, near the village of Audinghen. This is the place to go for all the practical information you need for exploring the area, including hiking maps, bike rental, and information about tide times. There is also  a small museum and exhibition space and toilet facilities. It’s a great place to park the car if you’re heading out on a hike. 

Experience Les Deux-Caps with LeShuttle

If you’re planning a day trip or overnight stay in Calais, exploring the Deux-Caps has got to be on your list of things to do. Get there in just 35 minutes with LeShuttle.