©Nohcab Spring Tides: Dates, Spots and Tips
Twice a year, in spring and autumn, the sea recedes further than usual and reveals landscapes that the Opal Coast usually keeps underwater. The spring tides transform the coastline into an exceptional spectacle that also demands caution. To fully enjoy it, you simply need to know the right dates, the right places, and a few basic safety rules.
The big tides 2026
When do spring tides occur? En February March et in September-OctoberWhen the Moon and the Sun are perfectly aligned and close to Earth (lunar perigee and Earth perihelion in winter), spring tides occur when the tidal coefficient exceeds 100. These periods typically last three to five consecutive days, allowing ample time to plan a visit without constraints. In 2026, the most spectacular periods will be concentrated in spring and autumn, as at each equinox.
©Nohcab Spring
- March 2026
From Thursday 19th to Saturday 21st March, with a peak of 104 on Saturday. - April 2026
From Friday 17th to Sunday 19th April. Saturday the 18th has the highest coefficient of the year: 105.
Autumn
- September 2026
From Friday 11 to Sunday 13 September, with a coefficient of 100 on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13. - October 2026
Tuesday, October 27th, coefficient 100.
XXL format tides
The strength of the tides depends on the coefficient. Each tide has its coefficient, indicated on the tide table. When the coefficients reach or exceed 100 for a few days, These are high tides! This phenomenon of high tides is even more spectacular during the equinox tides, in spring and autumn. This is where the vastness is revealed, inviting you to take a walk! But always with the necessary precautions.
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©Nohcab Where can I observe the spring tides near Calais?
The Calais XXL area offers several observation points depending on the atmosphere you're looking for. Cap Blanc-Nez remains the most striking spectacle. When the sea recedes at the foot of the cliffs between Sangatte and Escalles, a stark, rocky expanse stretches for hundreds of meters. The winds can pick up, and the viewpoint from the Dover Patrol observation deck is a prime spot.
Calais beach, facing the open sea, offers a more horizontal spectacle. At low tide during spring tides, the strip of sand stretches to the horizon, giving walkers a rare sense of space in the English Channel. The jetty, finally, allows you to observe the sea in both directions: the beach on one side, the harbor entrance on the other. It's an ideal vantage point to appreciate the magnitude of the phenomenon, particularly during incoming tides.
©Nohcab Tips for walking safely during high tides
The essential tool: it's the tide table! This booklet is available free of charge at the Calais XXL Tourist Office or online. A tide cycle lasts about 12 hours. There are therefore about 6 hours between a low tide and a high tide: this leaves time to enjoy the immense space that the sea leaves us for walking. The important thing is to check the tide times carefully so as not to get caught out. In any case, never go down to the foreshore without first checking the time of high tide. Winds can be violent, and it is essential to follow local safety guidelines in case of severe weather.
Today's tide table
Understanding the phenomenon of tides
The phenomenon of tides has been observed since ancient times. The great breakthrough came in the 17th century thanks to Isaac Newton. This English scientist made discoveries about gravitation and the Earth's attraction. The movement of water is for him linked to the attraction exerted by the Sun and especially the Moon. When the Earth, Moon and Sun are roughly aligned, attractiveness increases and coefficients increase. This is especially the case during the 2 equinoxes, when the Sun is facing the equator and the length of the day equals the length of the night. In the Napoleonic period, the French scientist Pierre-Simon de Laplace established the method of calculating tide times.
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