Wimereux: beautiful resort of the glory days on cote d’opale in northern france

In the heart of the Regional Natural Park of Caps and Marais d'Opale lies Wimereux, a small resort popular with holiday makers and famous holiday resort of the Glory Days. Its popularity stems from the nineteenth century, the city has kept its stunning villas that give such charm to the waterfront, probably one of the most beautiful promenades of the Côte d’Opale. This is one of the most authentic resorts in the Nord Pas de Calais.

General view of Wimereux with bathing huts, beautiful houses and its beach

Wimereux is the oldest resort on the coast. It is close to Boulogne-sur-Mer and offers a multitude of activities and entertainment to its visitors throughout the year. Off-season, the city is adorned with thousands of colours and gives artists a different outlook of the English Channel and the English coast (from a distance).

Wimereux: low tide at the end of the day

For a long time, it was the favourite destinations of the rich families of Paris and Lille and its railway station even received the first train Paris-Calais, a real opportunity for those who would come to the most beautiful city on the coast. Nowadays, holiday makers wander in this setting that has not changed and take advantage of this architecture with its special charm. Enthusiasts can also go to the tourist office to attend a guided tour during the summer, the opportunity to learn about the “Glory Days” and the listed villas.

The houses of the “Glory Days” with bathing huts

A lively seafront with numerous cafes

Wimereux offers a multitude of things to do. Most holiday makers like to relax on the sand, the resort offers more than a kilometre of coastline to escape or to engage in some sporting activities. Sailing, kayaking, surfing, stand-up paddle or windsurfing, the resort is ideal to try out various water sports. For a taste of freedom, some even opt for horse riding on the sand, at sunset. Unforgettable!

A beautiful sandy beach at the resort centre

During the summer season, the resort changes and welcomes thousands of holiday makers. There are several beaches in Wimereux. Only the one near the city centre has a lifeguard station in the summer season. Those who prefer peace and quiet will head to the beach at Wimereux golf course (after the “Pointe des Oies”), take the direction for Ambleteuse. Bordered by the dunes of the Slack, this beach has an untamed side. It is also a very popular place to walk.

An untamed beach surrounded by the dunes of Slack

The city is surrounded by trails. A change from swimming, nothing like discovering the inland, via the trail of “Pointe des Oies”, the “Parcours Imperial” or the “Mont Duez” trail, three possibilities for all walkers to leave the cliffs for the dunes, the forests for the marshes. “Pointe aux Oies” is located near a hundred-year-old golf club known worldwide for its incredible sea views. The English coast can be seen when the weather allows. You can also see a host of wild rabbits. In fact, the place was once a warren! By visiting inland, it is not uncommon to come across small castles and large mansions, hidden away in the valleys of Wimereux and Denacre, true treasures.

The Atlantic Wimereux: a 4-star seafront hotel

The dam is also the meeting place of the resort. People come to admire the vast exhibition area hosting the works of local artists, but also simply to stroll and enjoy the local cuisine in one of the local restaurants’ terraces. Among the things to see, the Church of Wimereux and the neighbouring resorts of Wissant and Audresselles without forgetting to discover the Cap Blanc and Cap Gris offering the finest views on the Côte d’Opale.