Invigorating walks by the sea
The sea captivates us, fascinates us, intimidates us, encourages us to travel with its horizon... We have almost all had this experience of standing in front of the sea for a moment. 20 kilometers of coastline to contemplate it, listen to the sound of the waves, calmly and peacefully... Relaxing, isn't it?
Winter paradise on the Opal Coast
The winter period has some nice surprises in store on the Opal Coast. Of course, you have to pay attention to the weather forecast to target the "good windows". The inhabitants of Calais XXL are not mistaken. Many of them dress accordingly to enjoy the radiant winter days of sunshine. The temperatures are cold, around 0°C, but the air is cold and dry with beautiful sunshine and blue skies. Ideal for an optimal walk in pleasure and well-being. The sky can also be more stormy and windy. Enough to give a different atmosphere and colors...photo enthusiasts love it!
The benefits of the seaside
Walking along the wide open spaces of Calais XXL means succumbing to the call of the open sea and getting drunk on the vastness. The sea is there, so close, sometimes intimidating. Walking near the sea, whether on the sand, with your feet in the water or with a little distance, has a recognised invigorating effect. Invigorating and invigorating, a walk along the seaside also promises a restful night's sleep.
Without playing doctor (nothing replaces medical advice!), it has been known since Antiquity that the sea and its atmosphere, jewels of Nature, are real sources of benefits for the human mind and body.
Let's take a look at the benefits that the sea provides for our health. The XXL sea air of the Calais coast is omnipresent, ready to be breathed in deeply. That's the famous "big breath of fresh air"! Of course, the winter sun's rays are less warm than in summer... but the natural light is still there. A bath of light is highly recommended in winter when the days are short: a way to maintain your vitamin D capital while walking by the sea.
The eastern coast of Calais: Horizon XXL!
Winter walks
From west to east, the twenty kilometers of coastline of Calais XXL diversifies into different atmospheres.
The great outdoors at Cap Blanc-Nez
Au Cap Blanc Nez, the expression 'breathe deeply' takes on its full meaning! At the top of the cliff, a hundred meters above the waves, the air is invigorating and the wind can ruffle your hair. But what a view! When the sky is bright and the winter sun is generous, the white cliffs of England are so close, a dazzling white.
To know, There is an inclined walk of less than 10 minutes between the car park and the top of the cliff, on a route accessible to walkers with reduced mobility.
©Nohcab At the foot of the Cape, the Sangatte sea wall
We go back down to sea level at Sangatte. Its immense beach encourages walks, well wrapped up but above all, with our noses in the air full of iodine! The horizon is wide, surrounded by Cap Blanc-Nez, the dunes, Calais which appears on the horizon, the sea and England in the background.
Summer and winter alike, a walk along the seaside is a must. Checking the weather and the tide times is enough. Otherwise, during the tides – or simply to avoid walking in the sand – there is a protective dike (due to rising water levels) of about 2 kilometres, parallel to the sea, ideal for families. It is accessible opposite the church of Sangatte, bordered by parking spaces.
©Nohcab Trails in the dunes: Blériot-Plage
At the gates of Calais, winter walks are done in adventurer mode, staying close to the coast and the benefits of the sea air. Go up, go down, wind between the vegetation, these are the dunes of Fort Mahon! To walk in this sensitive natural space, There are high quality natural trails maintained by Eden 62.
Otherwise, you can let your instinct or desire go: you can't get lost, the sea is never far away, a reassuring landmark. The only rule (of common sense) is not to walk off-trail and therefore preserve the dune vegetation.
Good to know: In addition to the appropriate clothing for winter walks, you should also add a sports or hiking aspect. The most suitable parking is located on Rue du Fort lapin, named after an old fortification that is revealed during your adventure in the dunes. You can also see the remains of blockhouses from the Atlantic Wall.
Calais LA Plage, the perfect family walk
In winter, outdoor activities are rarer but the essentials are there! A sea wall of almost 2 kilometers in soft mobility, and therefore an invigorating and beneficial round trip, whatever the weather. Wind? It's seaside wind, loaded with iodine. We can also think about the restful sleep that will embrace the tribe in the evening; especially if in addition to the walk, the children spend some time letting off steam in the play area! And then, as it's the season for pancakes and hot drinks: Calais LA Plage has a wide choice of places to sit down and comfort yourself.
©Nohcab 
©Nohcab Unspoiled nature in the East
East of Calais XXL, the Hemmes de Marck beach reveals its wild character, around the sand yachting base (parking available). This place sets the tone, it is the beach of wide open spaces. More than a beach, it is an immense space! Where riders, fat-bikers, sand yachters, kite flyers etc. meet... But there is room for everyone, especially in winter and when the tide is low! It then retreats several kilometers, leaving room for an XXL version of walking ground with only your loved ones, the sea air and the sound of the spray as you approach the sea.
©Nohcab