📍 France

OPAL COAST AND BELFRIES: CLIFFS, MEDIEVAL TOWNS, SEASIDE HERITAGE

Chalk cliffs glow at sunset. Belfry bells ring through Flemish air. Oyster harvests, fishing nets. Coast meets history, fully customizable.

≈ 10
Days
291
Km
9
Stops
📖 5 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Visit Boulogne-sur-Mer and Nausicaá, Calais and its Fine Arts museum, Arras Flemish squares, Montreuil-sur-Mer citadel. Pas-de-Calais, between cliffs and Flemish heritage.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Arras

symmetrical square flemish pride

🔍

Discover

1
Grand'Place and Heroes Square (UNESCO belfry).
2
Underground boves.
🎯

Activities

Notre-Dame-de-Lorette.
Ring of Memory.
Louvre Park.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 12.7 km
Travel time: 25min
2
Day

Vimy

ridge memorial stone remembrance

🔍

Discover

1
Canadian Memorial of Vimy.
2
Trenches.
3
Cemeteries.
🎯

Activities

Ethnology Museum.
Castle-museum.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 8.8 km
Travel time: 18min
3
Day

Lens

coal heritage mining landscape

🔍

Discover

1
Louvre-Lens (museum).
2
Bollaert Stadium.
3
Mining city (UNESCO).
🎯

Activities

Coastal walks.
GR120 hiking trail.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 22.8 km
Travel time: 46min
4
Day

Bethune

belfry gothic red brick

🔍

Discover

1
Saint-Vaast Church.
2
Fortified town (belfry).
3
Basilica).
🎯

Activities

View of England.
Calais lace.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 98.4 km
Travel time: 1h38
5
Day

Boulogne Sur Mer

harbor nets fishing legacy

🔍

Discover

1
Nausicaá (aquarium).
2
Belle Époque villas.
3
Dike-promenade.
🎯

Activities

City of Lace.
Audomarois marshes (boat rides).
Helfaut Dome.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 6.2 km
Travel time: 12min
6
Day

Wimereux

beach promenade seaside grace

🔍

Discover

1
Two Capes Site (Blanc-Nez and Gris-Nez).
2
The Burghers of Calais (Rodin).
3
Sandelin Museum.
4
Public garden.
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

Gourmet restaurants.
Coastal walks.
GR120 hiking trail.
+1 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 34.9 km
Travel time: 1h10
7
Day

Calais

chalk gate strait crossing

🔍

Discover

1
Belfry (UNESCO).
2
The Burghers of Calais (Rodin).
3
Museum of Fine Arts.
🎯

Activities

Beach.
Calais lace.
City of Lace.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 46.5 km
Travel time: 1h33
8
Day

Saint Omer

basilica marshland mystery

🔍

Discover

1
Notre-Dame Cathedral.
2
Sandelin Museum.
3
Public garden.
🎯

Activities

Audomarois marshes (boat rides).
Helfaut Dome.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 61.1 km
Travel time: 1h01
9
Day

Montreuil Sur Mer

clifftop fortress bay lookout

🔍

Discover

1
Ramparts.
2
Citadel.
3
Saint-Saulve Church.
4
Cobblestone streets.
🎯

Activities

Fortified village.
Market.
Gourmet restaurants.

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 8 and 12 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.