The best road cycling routes around Calais

There are over 440 road cycling routes around Calais listed on komoot, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. You can find routes ranging from easy to difficult, exploring both coastal and inland areas.

The Calais region offers diverse terrain for road cyclists. You'll find routes along the picturesque Opal Coast with dramatic chalk cliffs like Cap Blanc-Nez, providing challenging climbs and stunning sea views. Inland, routes traverse open countryside, green valleys, and marshlands, offering more gentle rides along canals and through rural settings.

Yes, for cyclists seeking a challenge, the area around the Two Caps (Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez) offers routes with notable elevation gain. For example, the Two Caps and Opal Marshes Loop is a difficult 108.5 km route with over 1300 meters of ascent, exploring these dramatic coastal features.

Absolutely. While there are challenging routes, Calais also offers nearly 100 easy road cycling routes. These often follow canal towpaths or quieter country roads, providing a more relaxed experience. The Leaning Tower – Grand-Fort-Philippe loop from Les Fontinettes is a moderate route with minimal elevation, suitable for those looking for a less strenuous ride.

The Opal Coast is renowned for its scenic coastal routes. Many routes provide breathtaking views of the English Channel, beaches, dunes, and cliffs. The Cap Blanc Nez – Wimereux Beach loop from Les Fontinettes is a popular choice that leads through coastal areas and past the iconic Cap Blanc-Nez.

Road cycling routes around Calais often pass by significant landmarks. You can cycle past the impressive Cape Blanc-Nez, a dramatic chalk cliff offering panoramic views. Other points of interest include the Town Hall and its belfry in Calais, and the Dover Patrol Monument at Cap Blanc-Nez.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Calais are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Calais Town Hall and Belfry – Cap Blanc Nez loop from Les Fontinettes and the Étang d'Ardres loop from Beau Marais, which explores the tranquil Ardres lake area.

The spring and summer months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling in Calais, with milder temperatures and longer daylight hours. The coastal routes can be particularly enjoyable during this time, though the region's diverse landscapes make it suitable for cycling through much of the year, weather permitting.

While this guide focuses on road cycling, the broader Calais region offers family-friendly cycling options, particularly on dedicated cycle paths. The La Vélomaritime coastal route has accessible sections, and the Coulogne-Guines Cycle Route, which follows an old railway line, is ideal for family rides through green spaces and along the Calais-Saint Omer canal.

Many road cycling routes in Calais pass through charming villages and towns where you can find cafes, bakeries, and small shops for refreshments. Coastal towns like Wissant and Wimereux, often featured in routes like the Cap Blanc Nez – Wissant Beach loop from Les Fontinettes, are good places to plan a stop.

The road cycling routes in Calais are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 240 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, from the dramatic coastal cliffs to the peaceful inland countryside, and the well-maintained paths that make for an enjoyable experience.

Beyond the coast, the Pas-de-Calais region offers tranquil inland routes. The Regional Nature Park of the Opal Capes and Marshes provides a network of roads through hedged farmland, green valleys, and marshlands like the Audomarois Marshes. Routes such as the Blanchard Column Trail lead through the region's open fields and rolling terrain.

Many road cycling routes around Calais, particularly those exploring the Two Caps area, often start from locations like Les Fontinettes or Sangatte. These points provide convenient access to both coastal and inland routes. For example, the Cap Blanc Nez – Bazinghen loop begins from Sangatte.