Pas-de-Calais, a camping destination between the sea and wide open spaces
Pas-de-Calais is a region best explored on the move. Within a few kilometres, you can go from the sea to farmland, from bustling seaside resorts to wilder natural areas. It is this diversity that makes it a destination particularly suited to camping. There are sites close to the sea, others nestled in the countryside or near cultural and historical sites. Here, holidays are spent outdoors, in tune with the landscapes and your own desires.
Camping by the sea on the Opal Coast
An open, wild and accessible coastline
The Opal Coast is one of the Pas-de-Calais region’s greatest assets. It stretches for over 120 kilometres between cliffs, dunes and vast beaches. It is a vibrant coastline, where seaside resorts, natural areas and fishing ports alternate.
Seaside resorts where you can stay at a campsite
In Berck, campsites are highly popular for their proximity to the large beaches. Here you can go sand yachting, watch the large kite-flying gatherings and enjoy a very open coastline.
Near Boulogne-sur-Mer, campsites allow you to combine a seaside holiday with cultural exploration, between the bustling harbour and the historic centre.
Further south, Le Touquet-Paris-Plage offers a different, more elegant atmosphere, with its villas, forests and long beaches that are very popular in summer.
Some iconic campsites along the coast
In Camiers, Camping La Dune Blanche is set in a natural environment between dunes and forest. It offers a peaceful setting close to the sea, with facilities suited to family holidays. An ideal base for exploring the Opal Coast and its vast, unspoilt beaches.
In Berck-sur-Mer, Camping Paradis Belle Dune is situated in a prime location on the Opal Coast, just a few minutes’ walk from the beach. It benefits from a setting between dunes and the seaside, typical of the Pas-de-Calais coastline. Its water park and entertainment programme make it an ideal spot for a family holiday.
In Le Portel, Camping Le Phare d’Opale overlooks the sea and offers unobstructed views of the English Channel, just a stone’s throw from Boulogne-sur-Mer. Its elevated position allows guests to fully enjoy the landscapes of the Opal Coast. The campsite offers a family-friendly and convenient base for exploring the coastline.
From headlands to wide open spaces: a coastline that changes its face
As you continue north along the coast, the landscape becomes more spectacular. The cliffs of Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez mark a break in the scenery. Here, the sea is closer, more impressive, and on a clear day the views stretch as far as the English coast. These sites are also popular, accessible and well-maintained hiking spots.
The Marais Audomarois: a different atmosphere
Leaving the coast behind, you’ll discover a completely different landscape in the Marais Audomarois. This vast area of canals, meadows and gardens can be explored by boat or on foot. The pace here is slower and calmer, offering a stark contrast to the coastline. It’s a fascinating stop to experience a change of scenery during a camping holiday.
Things to do in Pas-de-Calais during a camping holiday
In Pas-de-Calais, a camping holiday is never limited to a single experience. The region invites you to switch up your activities and scenery as the days go by. The day might begin in the Baie d’Authie, where seals can be spotted on the sandbanks at low tide.
Continuing towards the coast, you reach Boulogne-sur-Mer and Nausicaá, one of Europe’s largest aquariums, where you can discover the richness of the marine world. In Berck, sand yachting is a signature activity, made possible by the wide beaches and steady winds. Walkers favour the coastal paths, particularly around Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez. Between outings, local markets offer a chance to discover local produce and soak up the atmosphere of the villages of the North.
Towns and heritage around the campsites
Arras, a city of architecture and heritage
Just a few kilometres from the coast, Arras offers a different kind of break. Here, the atmosphere changes: you leave the open landscapes of the coast behind for an elegant city, steeped in history and characterised by a very consistent architectural style. The heart of Arras centres around the Grand-Place and the Place des Héros. Surrounded by Flemish-style façades with their characteristic gables, they form a unique architectural ensemble, bustling by day and quieter in the evening. It’s easy to explore the city on foot, letting yourself be carried along by the cobbled streets, open squares and historic buildings. The whole place exudes an atmosphere that is both heritage-rich and accessible, without feeling stuffy. Arras is a city that’s easy to visit, simply by taking the time to stroll and observe its architecture, without a set itinerary.
Boulogne-sur-Mer, between port and history
Boulogne-sur-Mer is a town that lives to the rhythm of the sea. It is France’s leading fishing port, a bustling place where boats come and go constantly, giving the town a very distinctive atmosphere, somewhere between constant movement and the open horizon. Up on the hill, the old town contrasts with the port. Surrounded by ramparts, it retains a rich historical heritage, with its cobbled streets, ancient gates and buildings steeped in history. A stroll along the ramparts offers a panoramic view of the town, the sea and the port below. Boulogne-sur-Mer is also closely linked to the sea in its cultural dimension. It is here that Nausicaá is located, a major site dedicated to exploring the oceans and marine biodiversity, which naturally extends the coastal experience. With its port activity, heritage and connection to the sea, the town offers a well-rounded and varied stopover during a stay in the Pas-de-Calais.
Lens and its mining heritage
Lens embodies another facet of the region, far from the coast. Here, the landscape is shaped by industrial and mining history, which has profoundly shaped the region and its identity. The former mining sites, now repurposed, still define the landscape with their spoil tips and ruins. They bear witness to several generations of labour and now constitute a heritage in their own right, integrated into the region. At the heart of this transformation, the Louvre-Lens plays a central role. Situated on a former mining site, it offers an open and modern approach to art and history, in a minimalist setting that contrasts with the site’s industrial past.
Nearby, the Lewarde Mining History Centre allows visitors to delve deeper into this heritage, offering a tangible insight into the lives of miners and the organisation of the old mining operations. Lens and its surroundings thus offer a different perspective on the Pas-de-Calais, centred on its industrial heritage and its transformation into cultural heritage.
Why choose Pas-de-Calais for a camping holiday?
Pas-de-Calais has everything you need for a successful camping holiday:
- a vast and accessible coastline
- numerous and well-distributed campsites
- varied natural landscapes
- a rich historical heritage
- activities to suit all tastes
It is a comprehensive, accessible destination, ideal for outdoor holidays.
A comprehensive and accessible camping destination
Choosing Pas-de-Calais for your camping holiday means opting for a lively and diverse destination. With its mix of sea, nature, historic towns and natural sites, the region offers a variety of experiences without having to travel long distances. An ideal destination for a simple, active and refreshing break.