📷 Photo by Yana Vandeborne on UnsplashOpal Coast: Calais to the Bay of Somme
Chalk capes facing England, dunes and the seals of the Bay of Somme.
- Distance
- 118 km (73 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 37 min
- Suggested days
- 2
- Stops
- 5
- Countries
- France
- Updated
- August 9, 2026
At a glance: 2-day road trip of about 118 km (73 mi) with 5 stops, from Calais to Saint-Valery-sur-Somme. About 1 h 37 min of driving in total.
More road trips in France
Route description
Calais is the arrival point for ferries and the Channel Tunnel. Leave town on the D940, which follows the coast west to Cap Blanc-Nez, white chalk cliffs facing Dover; on a clear day the English coast is plainly visible across the Strait. Beyond Wissant, Cap Gris-Nez is the closest point in France to England.
Boulogne-sur-Mer is France’s leading fishing port, with a walled upper town and the large Nausicaá sea centre. South of it the landscape changes to dunes and pine woods, and Le Touquet-Paris-Plage is an elegant resort with a wide sandy beach and villas among the trees.
The route ends at Saint-Valery-sur-Somme on the Bay of Somme, a vast tidal estuary where seals rest on the sandbanks, best seen from Le Hourdel at low tide. A heritage steam railway runs round the bay in season. Never try to cross the bay on foot without a guide, as the tide comes in fast.
The D940 is narrow through the villages and exposed to strong winds on the capes, which can make high-sided motorhomes feel unsteady. Spring and September are pleasant and quieter; the seaside car parks and campsites are busiest during French summer holidays.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Calais
France - 213 km
Cap Blanc-Nez
ViewsEscalles, FranceWhite chalk cliffs facing Dover. On a clear day you can see the English coast.
- 329 km
Boulogne-sur-Mer
France - 429 km
Le Touquet
France - 547 km
Saint-Valery-sur-Somme
France
Suggested stages and overnight stops
2 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Calais → Le Touquet · 71 km · 0 h 58 minOn the way: Cap Blanc-Nez, Boulogne-sur-Mer.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping de la mer (6 km); Camping La Dune Blanche (5 km).
- Day 2: Le Touquet → Saint-Valery-sur-Somme · 47 km · 0 h 39 minOvernight nearby, for example: Le Picardy (3 km); Camping Marie-Céline Lemaitre (4 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in October. Cold, short days in January. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Opal Coast: Calais to the Bay of Somme?
2-day road trip of about 118 km (73 mi) with 5 stops, from Calais to Saint-Valery-sur-Somme. About 1 h 37 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Opal Coast: Calais to the Bay of Somme?
We suggest 2 days: about 1 h 37 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Opal Coast: Calais to the Bay of Somme start and end?
It starts in Calais and ends in Saint-Valery-sur-Somme.
Which countries does Opal Coast: Calais to the Bay of Somme pass through?
France.
Where can you camp along Opal Coast: Calais to the Bay of Somme?
OpenStreetMap lists 204 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Camping-car Park Calais, Camping Calais La Plage and Camping du Casino.
When is the best time for Opal Coast: Calais to the Bay of Somme?
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
