Cape Blanc Nez and Mount Fouret

Walking route around Cap Blanc-Nez: Discover the History, the Coast, and the Charm of Escalles

This walking route offers an impressive combination of history, coastal landscapes, and picturesque villages. Starting at the parking lot of Cap Blanc-Nez, you explore the breathtaking scenery, wind your way past historical bunkers, and enjoy views over the French and English coasts.

 

Starting point: Parking Cap Blanc-Nez

The route begins at the parking lot of Cap Blanc-Nez, where you get the chance to immediately take in the coastline and the imposing white chalk cliffs. The view here is breathtaking: on clear days you can even see the coast of England.

 

Cap Blanc-Nez Obelisk

From the parking lot, we walk towards the famous Obelisk of Cap Blanc-Nez. This monument is a tribute to the French and British soldiers who fought during World War I and serves as a reminder of the shared history of France and the United Kingdom. From this lookout point, you can enjoy a spectacular view over the Channel.

 

Descending to Rue de la Mer

We now begin the descent towards the coast and follow the Rue de la Mer, a charming route that brings us closer to the beach. This road offers a beautiful view of the dunes and the imposing chalk cliffs of Cap Blanc-Nez.

 

Blockhaus WN 111 Wolfsschlucht

At the coast, we find the Blockhaus WN 111 Wolfsschlucht, a remnant from World War II. This bunker complex is part of the Atlantic Wall and provides an intense glimpse into the war history of this region. An impressive piece of history to reflect on as you are surrounded by the rugged coastal landscape.

 

Plage du Cap Blanc-Nez

We continue walking along the Plage du Cap Blanc-Nez, where the view of the cliffs and the open sea beautifully come together. Here you can admire the calm surf and the rolling water, while the chalk cliffs rise majestically above you.

 

Center of the Village of Escalles

The route takes us further towards the center of Escalles, a charming coastal village with traditional stone houses. Here you can take a break and enjoy the authentic, tranquil atmosphere of the village. Escalles has a unique charm and offers a beautiful contrast with the rugged nature surrounding it.

 

Haute Escalles

We continue the walk upwards to Haute Escalles, a higher area with a stunning view of the surroundings. The route takes us past green fields and the characteristic French farmlands. The landscape becomes hillier and offers a picturesque view of the sea and the surrounding villages.

 

Vieux Moulin

On our way, we pass the Vieux Moulin, a historic mill that testifies to the rural heritage of this region. The mill stands in a picturesque location and offers a nice viewpoint over the surrounding landscape. Here you can enjoy the tranquility and the rural character of the area.

 

Mont Fouret and Le Fond Pignon

We climb further towards Mont Fouret and Le Fond Pignon, where the route takes us to greater heights. It's a steep climb, but the effort is rewarded with panoramic views over the landscape of Nord-Pas-de-Calais. Here you can take a break and enjoy the expansive view.

 

Sangatte

The route leads us further to Sangatte, a small seaside town known for its role in the history of the Channel Tunnel project. A great opportunity to explore the coastal village and learn more about its history and connection with England.

 

Return Journey over the Cliffs to Cap Blanc-Nez

We return to Cap Blanc-Nez via a path along the cliffs. This part of the route is spectacular with breathtaking views of the chalk cliffs and the Channel. The sea breeze, the high cliffs, and the view of the waves crashing against the rocks create an unforgettable hiking experience.

 

Endpoint: Parking Cap Blanc-Nez

The hike ends where it began, at the parking lot of Cap Blanc-Nez. After a day full of variety and nature, it is delightful to look back on this impressive walk.

 

Enjoy.