Our recent trip to France saw us head up the coast to see what the Côte d’Opale had to offer. Although more popular now than it once was, this little known part of France has much to offer. We saw bomb craters from World War II, an obelisk to commemorate the Dover Patrol and heard about the guns beneath the lake at Cap Blanc Nez.
The Musée du Mur de l’Atlantique (Museum of the Atlantic Wall) was located close by at Cape Gris Nez. Built by the Germans, Batterie Todt was officially open in 1942, it’s now dedicated to military history with thousands of collectables including weapons, uniforms and posters split across ten rooms and three floors.
A little further along the coast towards Boulogne-sur-Mer, we stopped at a beautiful fishing village called Audresselles. Although its population is less than 700, the market square was abuzz when we arrived with many taking advantage of the mussels, crabs and shrimps on offer. Audresselles has always been a fishing village and traditional long houses can still be found in the centre. There are lots of wonderful streets to wander down too.
We knew it would be high tide when we passed through the village but it didn’t stop us checking out a fort down by the seafront. There are two beaches at Audresselles – the main one being South Beach which extends out towards Ambleteuse. The North beach on the other hand is much wilder.
The landscape is a mix of sand, rock pools and pebble surrounded by fabulous views in all directions. There is plenty of wildlife to be seen including (if you’re really lucky!) seals.
Having had a wander round the stunning Audresselles, we headed to the relatively undiscovered Wimereux where we devoured a rather late lunch. This seaside town is located in a valley and served well by shops, hotels and restaurants with architecture primarily Anglo-Norman in style. There are many activities on offer in Wimereux – from swimming, sailing, yachting and windsurfing to horse riding, walking and golf.
A wedding party travelled through the town just before we left. There was much beeping of horns and waving before the guests settled in this grand building above opposite the local church. Outside were parked two cars with British number plates. It was a lovely end to our last stop before reaching Boulogne-sur-Mer.
This part of France looks so beautiful I’m thinking we should look at France for next year’s holiday.
Those photos of the coast are so beautiful! They’re making me forget that it’s grey and pouring with rain outside my window 🙂
I love seeing photos of the coast, there is something so stunning about it.
That part of France looks amazing
I love looking at photos with such stunning blue skies – especially when the one I can see from my settee right now is so grey!
We love this part of France too, in fact I just love France and would like to spend more time there. Your pictures are ace Charly
Although I’ve visited a lot of northern France, I haven’t been here. What a stunning coastline – really must put it on our itinerary for next time.
This really looks beautiful. It’s not somewhere I’ve ever been, but it really looks appealing.
Gorgeous photos – the coast looks beautiful and such great weather too. x
What lovely photos, looks like a beautiful place x
Such beautiful photos, what a pretty place x
I love that rocky beach, so much character. Great pics as always. Mich x
What some beautiful photos and that sky – so blue! x
You should have out that wedding photo in!! Cannot wait to visit here in February!
You’ll love it Kara, I’ll do a round-up post in the coming weeks. The wedding photo is coming, it was a little further along the coast – another fort on the beach! x
Nothing I love more than a blue sky. Really enjoyed this post and the photos. I hope we continue to get some blue skies in Autumn. x
wow this looks like a really beautiful place to go!
Wow this part of France looks stunning
The area looks beautiful, and its history is fascinating. Your photos are gorgeous.
This looks like an amazing place to visit. I’d certainly never heard of the Cote d’Opale.
It sounds like a great place to visit, I like hearing and reading about these not so touristy places!
We used to visit this area a lot before we moved to Normandy. Both areas are beautiful!
[…] week’s #whatsthestory post is from Audresselles and Wimereaux in France. We took the Eurotunnel to Calais and spent the weekend exploring theCôte […]
We loved France this year, I just wrote up our experience with Canvas Holidays – I loved the mix of culture, scenery and history which you capture so well here x
What fabulous photos, it looks like a wonderful place to visit
[…] there was so much to see, from the obelisk at Cap Blanc Nez and Batterie Todt at Cap Gris Nez to Audresselles, Wimereaux. Having stayed in Boulogne-sur-Mer and explored the old town, we visited fishing […]