Walk along the Opal Coast
You can travel from the Netherlands via Antwerp, Brussels or Paris, where you will change to a regional train bound for Calais or Boulogne-sur-Mer. As you travel, you will see the landscape gradually change from the familiar Dutch polders to the rolling fields of northern France. Once you arrive, you will find a coastline of contrasts waiting for you, with white chalk cliffs, wide sandy beaches and a fresh sea breeze.
Why go to the Opal Coast?
The Côte d’Opale (the Opal Coast) owes its name to the remarkable interplay of colours in the sea: depending on the light, greys, blues and greens blend into one another. The area is best known for the cliffs of Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez. On a clear day, you can even look out across the English Channel and see the English coast from the top of Cap Blanc-Nez!
The GR120 long-distance walking route runs along the entire coast and largely follows old coastguard paths. As you walk, you will pass through dune landscapes and fishing villages, and you will also pass through Wimereux, the region’s oldest seaside resort. History enthusiasts can explore Boulogne-sur-Mer's centuries-old ramparts, built on the remains of a Roman camp.
Book a walking holiday with Avontuur Dichtbij
The Opal Coast is an ideal destination for a multi-day walking tour at your own pace. Of the 175 kilometres covered by the GR120 along this coast, the 55-kilometre section between Calais and Boulogne-sur-Mer is particularly worth exploring, with its varied dune landscapes and impressive cliffs.
Avontuur Dichtbij will put together a complete walking holiday package for you. You will spend the nights in small hotels and B&Bs along the way. Your luggage will be transported for you and the route will be planned. The Opal Coast is also a great destination for those travelling with a dog. You can easily book the train journey to and from your departure and arrival stations yourself.
Travel information and buying tickets
| Destination | Changes | Travel time* | Starting price* | Header |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calais | Antwerp and LilleFlandres | 6.20 hours | € 69 | Content |
| Boulogne | Paris Gare du Nord or Antwerp and Lille | 6.46 hours | € 78 | Content |
*Price and travel time from Amsterdam, one-way trip
You can travel to Antwerp with Eurostar or Eurocity Direct. From there, you can catch a train to Lille Flandres. From there, take the train to Calais Ville.
If you are travelling from Boulogne Ville to the Netherlands, the easiest route is via Paris. You will need to change at Paris Gare du Nord. Alternatively, you can take the route via Calais and Lille.
The sooner you book, the cheaper your tickets will be. For Eurostar and TGV journeys, it is best to book a few months before departure. For French regional trains, the booking window is often shorter.
Tip: Book from the station nearest to you – it is often the cheapest option.
Alternatively, you can buy an Interrail Pass, which allows you to travel flexibly throughout France, the France One Country Pass.
Walking and cycling in Brittany
Take the train to Brittany, where you can enjoy scenic coastal walks or book a cycling tour.
A tour of Burgundy
Take the train to Burgundy and enjoy beautiful walks alongside the canals and through the vineyards. Or, go on a wonderful cycle ride.
Walking in Normandy
Take the train to Normandy and enjoy beautiful walks along the coast and through the stunning countryside.
