A woman and her dog sitting on the relaxation areas of the Calais LA Plage seafront. ©Nohcab

Holidays with your dog in Calais: beaches and addresses

Calais and its surroundings are among the most welcoming destinations on the north coast for dog owners. With beaches accessible depending on the season, vast natural spaces at Cap Blanc-Nez, shaded urban parks, inviting terraces, and accommodations accustomed to four-legged companions, the region has cultivated a genuine culture of hospitality for travelers who refuse to leave without their pets. Here's what you need to know to plan your stay.

Welcome to Calais XXL, a destination where you travel big, and in good company! Here, your stay is also shared with your four-legged companions: long walks, beaches, nature, dog-friendly places, and experiences designed just for you… and your dog. Between wide open spaces, culture, heritage, and the fresh sea air, Calais and its surroundings invite you to breathe, explore, and slow down together. Let yourself be guided, follow your instincts, and experience a BIG getaway with your dog.

A dog sitting calmly on the terrace of a restaurant in Calais Nord. ©Nohcab
dog tourism marck beach ©Nohcab
Dog and his owner in the water at the foot of Cap Blanc Nez, Sangatte beach. ©Nohcab

Where to walk on the beach around Calais with your dog?

Calais beach, From May 15th to September 15th, dogs can enjoy the sand during quieter hours, before 9am and after 19pm.

Blériot-Sangatte Beach, Walks are permitted from May 15 to September 30 on the section located between the Semaphore and the VVF.

Hemmes Beach in Marck, Lovers of wide open spaces will find what they're looking for as it is accessible to dogs all year round.

Escalles Beach, You will have to wait: from May 15th to September 15th, dogs are not allowed on the sand.

Shaded or cool spaces in the city

When temperatures rise, parks and tree-lined walks become popular havens for our four-legged friends. Calais offers several places ideal for peaceful walks, where owners and dogs can relax in the shade or in the cooler coastal air.

Le Richelieu Park and Saint Pierre Park are located in the heart of the city. Perfect for a break in the shade, these two large green spaces are ideal for strolling in the cool of the city, away from the hustle and bustle. Shaded paths, lawns, and benches... your dogs will enjoy them as much as you do!

In the city, we also find Vauban Square which leads to the Citadel. Located on the Jacques Vendroux esplanade in a residential area, it offers a pleasant stroll near the canal surrounding the fortress, and leads to the Stade du Souvenir.

The promenade of the maritime district, between Courgain and Fort Risban, offers a route that is both historic and refreshing, perfect for a leisurely stroll along the seaside.

Finally the Calais dikes and Sangatte offer an open view of the sea. Late in the day or early in the morning, these long walks along the seafront are a great opportunity to breathe deeply. A view of the horizon and the salty air: the perfect combination for a breath of fresh air.

A woman walking her dog in Parc Saint-Pierre with Calais town hall in the background. ©Nohcab
Focus

The Dog Tourism Label

A welcoming approach

Created in 2007 at the initiative of the Troyes La Champagne Tourist Office, the Toutourisme® label was designed to promote the reception and information for pet owners within a Tourist Destination.

To date, 55 destinations across France have been awarded the label. At the Calais XXL Tourist Office, you will be welcomed with a welcome pack including: the Dog-Friendly Tourism guide, some dog waste bags, and surprises depending on current partnerships!

The website of the dog tourism label
A woman walking her dog along the Perré Risban in Calais. In the background: the Courgain Maritime district.

A city to be discovered on all fours

Calais city center is also an invitation to stroll. Thanks to its open architecture and numerous points of interest within walking distance, He happily goes for walks with his dog. The surroundings of belfry of the town hall, The port basins also offer a pleasant and dynamic cultural route. Along the way, visitors can enjoy numerous inviting terraces, particularly on the Place d'Armes, around the theatre, or in the Courgain district. Here the Restaurants They know how to receive, even when it comes to your furry companions.

A couple sitting at a table on a terrace in Calais with their dog. ©?ohcab
A woman walking her dog along the Perré Risban in Calais. In the background: the Courgain Maritime district. ©Nohcab

Or in communion with nature

Walks along the water

The Coulogne Canal is frequently cited among the popular places for walking. It offers a particularly peaceful setting, especially at certain times of the year when the vegetation and light enhance its appeal. The towpath is regularly used by cyclists, making it an environment interesting for getting young dogs used to the presence of bicycles. Please note, however, that direct access to the site may require some planning, as parking options in the immediate vicinity are limited.

Marck is the perfect place to find the beach where your dog can enjoy the water too! At Plage de la Huchette, the sand is accessible to dogs all year round!

a family on the Coulogne cycle route along the Calais-Saint-Omer canal. ©Nohcab

Walking your dog at Cap Blanc-Nez

Finally, walking your dog in the hills above Cap Blanc-Nez means enjoying a breath of fresh air amidst open and unspoiled landscapes. The trails offer superb views of the sea, the cliffs, and the surrounding countryside. Along the way, you'll alternate between meadows, heathland, and coastal paths, in a largely untouched natural environment. It's a calm and rejuvenating setting, perfect for dogs who love to explore, run, or simply walk at a leisurely pace. The walk can be a little more challenging in places, but it remains accessible. Note that it can be windy, and you may sometimes have to share the paths with other hikers or grazing cows. Sangatte beach, accessible to dogs year-round, allows you to step off the trail for a stroll along the water's edge.

A couple on the heights of Cap Blanc-Nez. ©Nohcab
A couple walking their dog on the nature trails of Cap Blanc-Nez. ©Nohcab

Dogs welcome and responsible

So that everyone can enjoy the spaces of Calais XXL:

  • Pick up the droppings and use the bins provided.
  • Keep your dog on a leash on most beaches and parks.
  • Respect the prohibited areas to protect nature.
  • Remember to provide water and keep an eye on your companion.
  • A clean and respectful dog makes for more pleasant walks for everyone!
Dog hygiene awareness sign on the Calais seafront with the pier in the background. ©Nohcab
Dog Tourism Badge
The Guide to download

Guide to Tourism

Browse or download the Dog-Friendly Tourism Guide now to plan your stress-free stay in Calais and the surrounding area. All the best addresses, useful numbers, recommended places… The essential guide for a successful holiday!

Download the guide