©Nohcab 5 bike rides to do around Calais
At the crossroads of three European cycle routes, Calais and its surrounding area also offer leisurely family bike rides. Seaside, peaceful spots, or along fortifications? Here's a selection of rides: many are suitable for families!
The 'Forts Loop' of Calais
This route, which combines a stroll with a discovery of the heritage of Calais, is 11 kilometres long. It passes through both motor traffic routes and dirt roads. This bike ride is a discovery of the military heritage of Calais. The main stages will take you to Fort Risban (departure), the Citadel of Calais and Fort Nieulay.
Recommended parking:
Avenue Winston Churchill
Parking opposite La Compagnie du Dragon
©Nohcab The Coulogne-Guines cycle route
First stop on our list is the Véloroute des Marais, between Coulogne and Guînes! This greenway is highly recommended for a family outing and is especially ideal for young and old alike. Stretching 7 kilometers to the edge of our urban area, it forms part of the EuroVelo 5 European route (which actually runs all the way to Rome!).
If you're looking for a walk in the heart of nature, this is undoubtedly the perfect route. Inspired by the path of a former railway line, the route peacefully follows the canal, in a rural setting popular with cyclists, walkers, and scooter riders. The starting point is at the Coulogne bridge, just a stone's throw from Calais. For a 100% sustainable mobility experience, consider... the Majest'in river shuttle which connects Calais to the starting point. Alternatively, opt for parking nearby. L'Octogone media library or Rue des Anciens Combattants. Along the way, a small tunnel allows you to pass under the railway line (be careful of the slope!). After Coulogne, a few safe intersections and rare sections shared with residents simply remind you of the importance of remaining vigilant. But here, everything is in place to peacefully enjoy the pleasures of a family walk in the countryside.
Recommended parking:
Avenue du Général Pourailly in Coulogne
L'Octogone Media Library Parking
©Nohcab In the city too, we cycle
The area boasts plenty of wide open spaces perfect for cycling. But Calais city center also offers a route through the heart of the city designed for families, from the seafront to Boulevard Jacquard (or vice versa). The pedestrian and cycle path along the beach runs alongside the Cité du Dragon (Dragon City), offering the chance to encounter the Dragon of Calais on its own dedicated lane, with no cars in sight. The route then heads back up towards Place d'Armes and its terraces, Richelieu Park, the Museum of Fine Arts and its Rodin trail redesigned for younger audiences, and finally the UNESCO-listed belfry with its 55-meter-high view over the English Channel. The last stop is the Anima Urban Farm, a 5,000 m² space with around sixty animals hidden behind the facades of the city center.
See the family circuit in the city center
The Coquelles Green Belt
On the edge of town, the Coquelles Green Corridor offers another option for a family bike ride. Stretching for nearly 7 kilometers, the cycle and pedestrian path is entirely safe. Away from traffic, it's even an ideal spot for novice cyclists looking to gently build their confidence.
Easily accessible from the sports complex (Calquella hall and Crespel stadium), the Coulée verte is also suitable for people with reduced mobility. Along the way, benches and tables invite you to take a break, while a few peaceful sheep are busy with their natural maintenance.
Educational panels are placed along the walk, allowing visitors to discover the richness of local biodiversity. At one end of the route, Matheron Square holds a major surprise: the Virginie tunnel boring machine, an impressive relic of the Channel Tunnel adventure, serves as a reminder that Coquelles is a crossroads between the continent and Great Britain.
Recommended parking: Route de la Rouge Cambre in Coquelles
Parking at the football stadium or Espace Calquella
©Nohcab A nature getaway in Marck
Behind the Church of Saint-Martin in Marck, striking for its post-war architecture, lies a haven of peace. Simone Veil Park offers a children's playground and is the perfect starting point for a family bike ride. Just beyond, a gentle path runs peacefully alongside the Marck Canal for nearly two kilometers. This safe, tree-shaded, and water-lined trail invites young and old alike to enjoy a tranquil stroll, far from traffic. Ideal for first-time bike rides, the walk also provides an opportunity to observe local wildlife, particularly the ducks that lead a peaceful life there.
Recommended parking:
Rue Saint Martin in Marck
Saint-Martin Church Parking
©Nohcab 
©Nohcab Calais XXL, at the crossroads of 3 Euroveloroutes
The Calais XXL area has the privilege of being located at the crossroads of three major cycling routes, the EuroVelo routes. These signposted routes, spanning over 1000 kilometers and crossing borders, are constantly evolving, and numerous improvements are underway throughout Europe.
EuroVeloroute 4
Central European Cycle Route, Roscoff-kyiv, also called the Velomaritime on the French section, between Brittany and Hauts de France.
EuroVeloroute 5
Via Romea Francigena, Canterbury-Rome is inspired by the Via Francigena pilgrimage trail. Calais XXL is its starting point on the European continent!
EuroVeloroute 12
The North Sea Cycle Route, Norway-Scotland is an entirely coastal route which follows the route of Eurovéloroute 4 to Calais XXL.