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Côte d'Opale and Côte Flamande: The Must-See Beaches of Northern France

Published on 2 January 2026 · updated on 10 July 2025 · 5 min read
Théo By Théo
Côte d'Opale and Côte Flamande: The Must-See Beaches of Northern France

The Hauts-de-France coastline hides plenty of treasures: fine sandy beaches, wild dunes and majestic cliffs. Far from the clichés, the Côte d’Opale and the Côte Flamande offer an authentic side of seaside France, a holiday destination well worth discovering. Let us guide you through the most beautiful beaches of northern France.

plus belles plages du Nord

What beach atmosphere suits your holiday in the north?

Each beach has its own character. Whether you’re after a lively seaside resort for the whole family, a land-yachting spot to get your adrenaline pumping, or an unspoilt corner of nature to recharge, you’ll find what you’re looking for here. Let us guide you to your own piece of paradise between Dunkirk and the Bay of the Somme, among France’s most beautiful beaches.

Malo-les-Bains: fine sand, history and waffles at the “Queen of Beaches”

In Dunkirk, Plage de Malo-les-Bains is a must-see. Nicknamed “the queen of the beaches of the north” by locals, it stretches for several kilometres. Its fine white sand is a joy underfoot.

The seafront promenade running alongside is perfect for a stroll, filled waffle in hand, facing the Belle Époque villas. These early 20th-century residences bear witness to the resort’s prestigious past.

It’s also a place steeped in history, the main setting of Operation Dynamo during the Second World War in 1940, when more than 338,000 Allied soldiers were evacuated.

Le Touquet-Paris-Plage: the elegance of land yachting and colourful beach huts

The seaside resort of Le Touquet-Paris-Plage is renowned for its vast golden sandy beach. At low tide, it becomes an endless playground, ideal for land yachting, of which it’s one of Europe’s top spots.

Its colourful beach huts and pine forest give it a unique charm. Le Touquet is a destination that combines the pleasures of the seaside with the buzz of a lively town, also offering must-try activities for families.

Le Touquet-Paris-Plage

Wissant: a paradise for board sports between two capes

Nestled between Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez, Plage de Wissant is a raw gem. Swept by the wind, it’s a favourite spot for kitesurfers and windsurfers. Its vast expanse of sand at low tide offers an exceptional view of the cliffs.

The fishing village has kept its authenticity, with its “flobarts” – traditional flat-bottomed boats – still visible on the sand. This is arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais.

Berck-sur-Mer: the kingdom of kites and seals

Berck is famous the world over for its International Kite Festival, which fills the sky with colour every year in April. Its huge beach is perfect for families.

But the real magic happens over towards the Bay of the Authie: at low tide, it’s common to spot a colony of seals basking on the sandbanks. An unforgettable sight for young and old alike.

Cap Blanc-Nez: cliffs and breathtaking views over the Hauts-de-France

Here, the experience is completely different. The beach at the foot of Cap Blanc-Nez is a mix of sand and pebbles. The real spectacle comes from the white chalk cliffs, which tower more than 130 metres above the sea.

Classified as a “Grand Site de France“, the location is protected for its rich ecosystem. On a clear day, the view over the Strait of Dover and the English coast is striking. A beautiful beach in the north not to be missed.

Plage du Perroquet in Bray-Dunes: a wild beach for lovers of dunes and quiet

Located on the border with Belgium, Plage du Perroquet in Bray-Dunes is the northernmost beach in France. Part of the Dune Marchand National Nature Reserve, this Bray-Dunes beach is a haven of peace.

Here, there’s no concrete seawall, but a belt of unspoilt dunes home to many nesting birds. The remains of half-buried Second World War bunkers add a historical touch to this raw northern landscape.

Practical information for your stay on the Côte d’Opale

  • Do you need to watch out for the tides? Yes, and it’s very important. Tides on the Côte d’Opale are among the strongest in Europe. The sea can retreat for miles, but it also comes back in very quickly. Always be sure to check the tide times before a long walk on the sand or near the cliffs, so you don’t get caught out.
  • Which beaches are best for families? Malo-les-Bains, Berck-sur-Mer and Le Touquet are particularly well suited, with beach clubs, supervision in summer, and plenty of space to play on the white sand.
  • What sports can you do? Land yachting reigns supreme on almost all the main beaches. Wissant is the go-to spot for kitesurfing. Berck is a kite-flying paradise. Aqua-walking (longe-côte) can be practised everywhere.
  • Is it easy to park near the beaches? During peak season (July-August and sunny weekends), parking can be tricky and often chargeable in resorts like Le Touquet or Malo-les-Bains. A tip: arrive early in the morning, or don’t hesitate to park a little further away and walk to the beach.

The coast of northern France is waiting for you for an authentic getaway. Don’t wait any longer – book your holiday at one of our waterside campsites.

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Théo
Théo
Product Manager Aimer Camper, spécialiste SEO HPA

Théo Mercier-Balaz pilote les portails camping du réseau Aimer Camper depuis plus de dix ans, au contact quotidien des campings partenaires.

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