Escalles France on the Opal Coast

Escalles France Village

The small village of Escalles nestles in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region, not far from Calais and Sangatte. It is distinguished by its exceptional location and the richness of its landscapes. Visitors can view abandoned WW II German bunkers and deep craters from wartime bombings. It is a part of the Grand Site de France and is rich in seabirds and flora. The population of the village is currently 233.

The Beach on Escalles

The sea retreats from the sandy beach at low tide. You should walk along the beach as far as possible. Turn around and take in the whole beach. On one side are the dazzling chalk cliffs which the waves continuously erode. Across the sea, the white cliffs of Dover materialise into view. Views of the bay of Wissant are breathtaking. The sunsets are spectacular.

A cut in the cliff takes you down to the beach. The sea comes in quickly at high tide. You may then find yourself on a narrow beach with your back to the cliff.

Cape Blanc-Nez

The main tourist attraction in Escalles is arguably Cape Blanc-Nez, the northernmost cliff in all of France. It is part of the Grands Sites de France network. Made up of chalk and marl cliffs rising up to 134 m high, it is home to an impressive and rich variety of flora and fauna. The site is part of the European Natura 2000 network. Parc Naturel Régional des Caps et Marais d’Opale manages a part  of the land.

Bunkers at the top are a sign of the German invasion during World War II. A memorial in the shape of an obelisk  was built here in memory of the Dover patrol that once defended the waters of the Pas-de-Calais. Hiking and mountain biking trails makes it easy to explore Cape Blanc-Nez and Cape Gris-Nez.

History of Escalles France

The area was occupied by Celtic and Roman tribes. The name “Escalles” comes from a mix of old languages meaning a place near the sea or cliffs. The village suffered heavy damage during World War II.. The Germans built the “Atlantic Wall” here to stop enemy ships. You can still see old, sealed concrete gun bunkers (like the Wolfsschlucht) near the beach today. Today, Escalles is part of the Grand Site des Deux Caps, a protected area of natural beauty. It is a popular stop for hikers, cyclists, and tourists.

Getting There