Panorama of the Saint Roch region and its expanses of water.

Three unexpected natural walking spots

If you Cape Blanc-Nezthe large Marck and Calais beaches THE beach While Calais XXL rightly features among the must-see walks in our destination, it also holds more confidential treasures, far from the beaten track… Some of these sites are surprising because of their history: who would have imagined that in the heart of areas once marked by industry, nature would reclaim its rights with such vigor?

The Saint-Roch Lands

A secret natural haven just a stone's throw from Fort-Nieulay

A haven of calm in the urban area, the Terres Saint-Roch are a true surprise for walkers. In the Fort-Nieulay district, this 25-hectare space offers the experience of nature reclaiming its rights where it is least expected.

While the site's immediate proximity to the highway and a commercial area might seem surprising, that's precisely what makes it so charming! What was once a gravel pit has become, after a transformation that began in 2003, an unexpected haven of peace. This transformation demonstrates how an industrial past can give way to a thriving and tranquil ecosystem.

Discover the Saint-Roch Lands

vegetation and pontoons of Terres Saint Roch in Calais.

Birds bathing at Terres Saint Roch in Calais.

The Virval Dovecote

110 hectares of wild nature on the outskirts of Calais

Just like the Terres Saint-Roch, the Colombier Virval offers a major surprise to visitors. What was once a vast industrial “no man's land” and a gravel pit wedged between the A16, the A26 and the RD943, has become a favorite walking spot in Calais XXL.

Spanning over 110 hectares, this site demonstrates nature's exceptional ability to reclaim its territory. After years of restoration, Colombier Virval has emerged as a vast and tranquil green space, where the traces of human activity give way to a preserved haven. It is the ideal destination for those who wish to immerse themselves in a raw environment, far from the city center, while remaining close to urban amenities.

Taking a walk in the Virval Dovecote

The fishermen of Colombier Virval in Calais.

The marked trails around the bodies of water at Colombier Virval in Calais.

The walking path at the Tom Souville Sailing Base

A 2,4 km loop around a 25-hectare body of water

Often overlooked, the walking path at the Tom Souville Sailing Base in Calais is an invitation to discovery. Between nature, a lake, and soothing landscapes, this walk offers an ideal setting to recharge, observe local wildlife, and enjoy a stroll in the fresh air in Calais. Accessible to all, this route is perfect for a family outing, on foot or by bike, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Along the way, the views of the lake and natural spaces invite contemplation in every season. A wonderful idea for a walk to discover a more secluded side of Calais and enjoy a relaxing moment surrounded by nature.

Tom Souville Sailing Base

A couple of runners at the Tom Souville base in Calais.

Fond Pignon à Sangatte

The stunning expanse of water overlooking the sea

To get off the beaten track, head to Fond Pignon in Sangatte, a protected natural area that deserves its place among the most beautiful walks on the Opal Coast. Nestled between the iconic landscapes of Cape Blanc-Nez And the Sangatte coastline, this secluded spot offers a peaceful respite where nature reclaims its space. Fond Pignon reveals a more intimate and authentic side of the region. Still relatively unknown to visitors, this place is nevertheless an essential stop for discovering the natural beauty of the Opal Coast in a new light.

The panoramic view from the heights of Fond Pignon

The Bellevue

A secluded balcony overlooking the English Channel

In the same area, forget about Cap Blanc Nez for a moment and take a few steps to the heights of Peuplingues. The “Bellevue” site lives up to its name: it is a true natural balcony overlooking the English Channel, a gem mainly known to locals.

Not the kind of place to rack up miles of hiking, but rather to savor the moment. The various access paths, from Sangatte or Peuplingues, offer an ideal warm-up, transforming the climb into a walk rewarded by a spectacular view. On a clear day, the reward is complete with a view of the shipping traffic and, in the background, the white cliffs of England.

Explore the Fund Trail

Panoramic balcony at La Bellevue with sea view.

The Dryads Pond in Marck

A reinvented green oasis

East of Calais XXL, the Étang des Dryades in Marck offers an inspiring example of successful redevelopment. What was once a sand quarry has been transformed into a green oasis, a haven of peace in the heart of an urban environment. Designed for everyone's well-being, this site is ideal for a family outing: with its walking paths, fishing platforms, and picnic tables, the pond invites relaxation in a tranquil setting. Visitors can extend their walk by visiting the nearby Ferme des Aigrettes (Egrets Farm).

Flock of birds photographed on the Hemmes de Marck.