Little did we know there was so much to see on the Opal Coast. From the obelisk at Cap Blanc Nez and Batterie Todt at Cap Gris Nez to Audresselles and Wimereaux. Having stayed in Boulogne-sur-Mer and explored the old town, we visited fishing village Ambleteuse before checking out the pretty seaside town of Wissant.
Located in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region, it’s just over ten miles from Boulogne and about the same from Calais. It’s one of the last villages in France that uses a flobart which is a type of wooden boat. It’s also a mecca for surfing which was evident when we arrived. Hundreds upon hundreds of kite surfers and surfers enjoying the wind and the waves.
It certainly wasn’t a day for paddling, not just because the waters were busy but as it was a little chilly. Even POD, who is almost always warm, had to wear her beach robe over her clothes! The skies were the most fabulous shade of blue though and the sun shone brightly making for smiles all round. First stop was a carousel ride where POD got to whizz round on a pig pointing at various things that caught her attention. Having discovered the larger restaurants in Wissant finish serving at 2pm (clearly an error on our part!), we found a great place that served tasty moules and frites outside. After a little encouragement, POD even tried one too – we’d eaten the rest!
Down at the beach, there were kite surfers and surfers a plenty, many of whom were in wetsuits. We spent a while watching them before making our way towards the giant sand dunes. POD joined some of the other children running down the banks at great speed trying not to fall over. She did eventually much to the amusement of POD and nearby onlookers! Wissant is a beautiful little village and it would have been great to stay longer than we did although we did manage to squeeze in a lolly before we left for Calais.
