Equihen-Plage: exploring the coast

It perfectly embodies the wild beauty of the Opal Coast. Nestled in exceptional natural surroundings, Equihen-Plage cultivates the art of simple pleasures, like walking along one of the most beautiful and longest beaches in Hauts de France. A beach that indeed offers a strip of sand that stretches out for several kilometres, from the Warenne estuary in the south to the cliffs of Cap d’Alprech in the north.

Although the main beach is ideal for having fun playing in the sand, swimming and water sports, the creeks of Ningles or Crevasse (heading for Le Portel along the old customs patrol path) offer truly picture-postcard scenery. Between the rocks, the seashore fishermen and other shellfish lovers joyfully regale themselves.

The sunrises and sunsets are absolutely sublime. Perched on a clay cliff, the old fishermen’s village has inspired a host of artists, from the author René Bazin to the painters Vicente Gil-Franco, Antoine Chintreuil or Jean-Charles Cazin, who have all been struck by the singular atmosphere that prevails here.

Equihen-Plage is also the home of the… quilles en l’air! These funny cabin-cottages set up in a campsite on the cliff look like the hulls of overturned boats, and they used to serve as makeshift shelters for certain families. Until the 20th century Equihen was a renowned dry harbour. Overlooking the sea, the quilles en l’air offer a staggering view over the open sea. Equihen-Plage also has one of the few campsites along the coast that faces the sea. A total change of scenery guaranteed. From the resort you can also easily get to Ecault beach, a nugget in its own right. Bordered by a forest and an exceptional stretch of dunes, it is very popular with nature lovers.