Sangatte: Coast, Dunes and History

When choosing a stay in Sangatte, the coast, trails and local history offer different points of reference. At Plage de Sangatte, the focus is on the transition between landscapes and a walk by the sea; inland, the higher ground offers trails for hiking and mountain biking. Protected dunes, water sports and two historical landmarks round out the options.

Coast and Dunes

Plage de Sangatte marks the transition between the sandy coastal landscape of Calais and the chalk landscapes associated with Cap Blanc-Nez. Two distinct types of scenery meet along this stretch of coast. For a walk by the sea, the seawall promenade is a specific option: it is 2.4 kilometres long and runs alongside Plage de Sangatte as far as the semaphore station. The route offers a clearly defined option if you want to walk along the coast. Unlike the hiking and mountain biking trails used on the higher ground, the focus here is on walking by the sea.

The Dunes du Fort Mahon add a 42.54-hectare protected area in Sangatte, open to the public, to this landscape. The area consists of a narrow strip of dunes with damp hollows; there is also a discovery trail. The narrow strip of dunes and the damp hollows give the area a different character from the seaside promenade. The discovery trail adds an opportunity to explore the landscape.

Walking Trails and Activities

Three trails in the municipality of Sangatte have been accredited by the Fédération Française de Randonnée pédestre for hiking. They pass through remarkable or protected landscapes. On the heights above Sangatte, trails run through Les Noires Mottes towards Peuplingues and Cap Blanc-Nez. They are used for both hiking and mountain biking. The three accredited municipal routes are designated as hiking trails; both uses are mentioned for Les Noires Mottes. If you want to include a specific activity in your plans, this distinction is a useful point of reference. As the condition of individual trails can change, check the latest conditions before setting out.

The Descenderie is a water sports spot in Sangatte, appreciated by windsurfers on windy days. This adds another activity to walks along the coast and hikes inland. If water sports are among your travel interests, the Descenderie is a specific point of reference when deciding what kind of stay you want.

Historical Landmarks

Two different landmarks are connected with the town’s history. A stele commemorating the famous aviator Louis Blériot stands on the D 940 in the village of Blériot-Plage. Fort Lapin became part of the Atlantic Wall; in 1941, the gable of one entrance to the redoubt was reinforced and concreted. The stele commemorates a person, while Fort Lapin reflects the development of a fortification and a specific structural modification. If you are also considering historical themes when planning your trip, these examples offer different points of interest.

Discover more destinations: Dainville, Tilloy-lès-Mofflaines, Fruges, Vaulx, Carvin, Grand-Rullecourt, Ligny-En-Cambrésis, Dennebroeucq

For the regional travel overview: Pas-De-Calais.