Wimereux Seaside and Dunes de la Slack
1 / 10

Wimereux Seaside and Dunes de la Slack

4.6
·512 reviews·Wimereux, France

Explore miles of stunning beach at low tide and majestic, wild sand dunes. A truly inspiring natural escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Low tide mornings

Miles of beach to explore

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Wimereux Seaside and Dunes de la Slack

Wimereux Seaside and Dunes de la Slack

Best Time

Low tide mornings

Miles of beach to explore

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore miles of stunning beach at low tide and majestic, wild sand dunes. A truly inspiring natural escape.

4.6
(512 reviews)

"Wow! This is stunningly wonderful - you can walk for miles and kilometres when the tide is low. It's an inspiring experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Tide Charts First! :ocean:

Crucial for beach access. Low tide offers miles of walking; high tide can block paths. Plan accordingly!

Wear Sturdy Shoes :athletic_shoe:

Dunes can be sandy and uneven. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the natural landscape.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Expansive Low Tide Beach

Expansive Low Tide Beach

Wimereux Beach

Walk for miles on a vast, scenic beach when the tide recedes. Perfect for long, inspiring strolls.

Majestic Sand Dunes

Majestic Sand Dunes

Dunes de la Slack

Explore breathtaking, wild sand dunes offering a unique natural landscape and great hiking opportunities.

Coastal Road Views

Coastal Road Views

Coastal Road from Calais

Enjoy scenic views along the coast road, with easy access to the beach and dunes from designated car parks.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Tide Times are Crucial

Check tide charts before you go! Low tide reveals miles of stunning beach for walking, but high tide can restrict access to certain areas and the village. Plan your visit around the ebb and flow of the sea for the best experience.

Embrace the Wild

This is a natural, wild area. Expect rustic charm and fewer amenities. The Dunes de la Slack are a protected nature reserve, so stick to marked paths. It's perfect for those seeking tranquility and scenic beauty.

Best Times

When
Low tide mornings
Why
Miles of beach to explore
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful walks
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings
Why
Golden hour light on dunes
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Trésors de la nature 🫶🏻 n’hésite pas à t’abonner si tu aimes ce genre de contenu ! 🥰 #pourtoi #nord #npdc #nordpasdecalais #dunesdelaslack #slack #wimereux #randonnee #nature
@pau.flo
21.8K likes • 310.1K views

Check Tide Charts First! :ocean:

Crucial for beach access. Low tide offers miles of walking; high tide can block paths. Plan accordingly!

Wear Sturdy Shoes :athletic_shoe:

Dunes can be sandy and uneven. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the natural landscape.

Une rando incroyable sur la côte au départ de Wimereux. 📍 Départ de la Pointe aux Oies (10mn du centre) 🥾 Gr 120 sentier des Dunes de la Slack 🏰 Pause au Fort d’Ambleteuse 🌊 Retour par le sentier ou la plage 🕞 Environ 1h aller - 1h retour #lille #cotedopale #wimereux #sortielille #lescachotteriesdelille
@lescachotterieslille
12.1K likes • 456.9K views
Une balade mémorable sur la Côte d’Opale ☀️🥾 📍 Pointe de la Crèche - départ de Wimereux 👉🏻 6 km aller - retour (environ 1h50 en profitant bien) 🏰 Tu verras les vestiges du fort de la Crèche en chemin, un lieu historique construit en 1879 ayant joué un rôle dans les deux guerres (observatoire/bunker) ☀️ Prend de la hauteur et profite du paysage. C’est une petite rando incontournable et mémorable, a...
@lescachotterieslille
10K likes • 302.1K views

Pack Snacks & Water :water_wave:

Amenities are limited. Bring your own refreshments for a comfortable and enjoyable day out in this wild area.

Respect the Reserve :seedling:

The Dunes de la Slack are a nature reserve. Stay on marked paths to protect the fragile ecosystem.

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Tide Charts First! :ocean:

Crucial for beach access. Low tide offers miles of walking; high tide can block paths. Plan accordingly!

Wear Sturdy Shoes :athletic_shoe:

Dunes can be sandy and uneven. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the natural landscape.

Pack Snacks & Water :water_wave:

Amenities are limited. Bring your own refreshments for a comfortable and enjoyable day out in this wild area.

Respect the Reserve :seedling:

The Dunes de la Slack are a nature reserve. Stay on marked paths to protect the fragile ecosystem.

Car Parks Available :car:

Two car parks offer access. Arrive early during peak times to secure a spot, especially for larger groups.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(512 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the stunning, wild beauty of Wimereux Seaside and Dunes de la Slack, particularly the miles of beach accessible at low tide and the majestic dunes. It's praised as an inspiring and amazing natural area perfect for long walks and relaxation. Some note that amenities are limited and high tide can restrict access, but the rustic charm is a significant draw for many.

"Wow! This is stunningly wonderful - you can walk for miles and kilometres when the tide is low. It's an inspiring experience. Don't miss it."

AnthonyPeter Swallow

"Amazing wild area, majestic dunes, great for walks."

Joelle Dufour

"Very nice beach. However you cannot just cross to the village (River estuary might stop you from getting there) and with high tide you cannot go past the other Cap. The back of the beach is a fenced of nature reserve. While some seemed to go through the Dunes at high tide, it did not seem pleasant at all."

Simon Willems

What People Like

Stunning wild beauty
Miles of beach at low tide
Majestic sand dunes

What People Dislike

Limited amenities
Tide restrictions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The easiest way is by car, with two car parks providing access to the beach and dunes. It's located off the coastal road from Calais. Public transport options are limited, so driving is highly recommended for flexibility.Reddit

There are two car parks available. While generally sufficient, they can fill up during peak season or on busy weekends. Arriving earlier in the day is advisable.Reddit

Access can be tricky depending on the tide. The river estuary might block direct passage, and high tide can limit routes. It's best to use the designated car parks for direct beach access.Reddit

Yes, the coastal road from Calais towards Wimereux offers lovely views, making the drive itself part of the experience. It's a pleasant route to access this wild area.

Public transport is not readily available directly to the beach and dunes. It's best to plan your visit with a private vehicle for convenient access.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the beach and the Dunes de la Slack is free. It's a natural, public area for everyone to enjoy.

As a natural area, there are no set opening or closing hours. You can visit anytime, but it's best to go during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.

There is no entrance fee for the Dunes de la Slack nature reserve. However, visitors are expected to respect the environment and stay on marked paths.

You can access the beach anytime, but your experience will be vastly different depending on the tide. Low tide is ideal for extensive exploration.Reddit

The main restriction is respecting the nature reserve. Stick to designated paths and avoid disturbing wildlife. High tide can also naturally restrict access to certain areas.Reddit

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy long walks on the beach at low tide, explore the majestic sand dunes, relax by the sea, and take in the scenic coastal views. It's a great spot for nature lovers and hikers.Reddit

Absolutely! The dunes offer a unique hiking experience. The vast beach at low tide also provides ample space for long-distance walks.Reddit

Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes or boots, as the sand can be soft and uneven. Layers of clothing are recommended as coastal weather can change quickly.

Yes, swimming is possible, but be aware of currents and conditions. It's a wild beach, so always exercise caution and check local advice if available.

Definitely! The dramatic dunes, expansive beach, and coastal scenery offer fantastic photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Amenities are limited directly at the beach and dunes. You'll find more dining options in the nearby village of Wimereux, which is a short drive away.Reddit

Yes, picnicking is a great option. Bring your own food and drinks as there are no facilities on-site. Remember to take all your litter with you.

Wimereux village offers a range of eateries, from casual cafes to seafood restaurants, providing a good selection for a meal after your visit.

No, there are no shops or kiosks directly at the beach or dunes. It's best to come prepared with all your food and drink needs.

Public toilet facilities are scarce directly at the beach and dunes. It's advisable to use facilities in Wimereux village or plan accordingly.

📸 📸 Photography

Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic light for capturing the dunes and beach. Overcast days can also create a moody, atmospheric feel.

The rolling sand dunes with their textures and shadows, the vast expanse of the beach at low tide, and the coastal landscape are all highly photogenic.

No specific photography restrictions apply, but always be mindful of the natural environment and any other visitors. Respect the nature reserve rules.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the dunes and beach. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details or distant coastal features. A tripod is helpful for low-light conditions.

Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check current local and national drone laws before flying, especially in natural or protected areas.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Wimereux Seaside and Dunes de la Slack offer a fantastic natural playground for families. The vast beach at low tide is perfect for kids to run around, build sandcastles, and explore. The dunes provide an exciting landscape for gentle adventures, but always supervise children closely, especially in sandy or uneven terrain.Reddit

Remember to pack plenty of snacks, drinks, and sun protection, as amenities are scarce. The rustic nature of the area means it's less crowded than more developed beaches, offering a more relaxed experience for families. Checking tide times is also important to ensure maximum beach play area for the little ones.

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers

For solo travelers and hikers, this destination is a dream. The expansive beach at low tide provides miles of uninterrupted walking, perfect for contemplation and enjoying the coastal scenery.Reddit The Dunes de la Slack offer a more rugged hiking experience with unique natural beauty. It's an ideal spot to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature.

Safety is paramount for solo visitors. While the area is generally safe, it's always wise to inform someone of your plans, especially if venturing far along the beach or into less-traveled dune paths. The lack of crowds can be a major draw for those seeking solitude, but also means being more self-reliant.

📸 Photographers & Nature Enthusiasts

This location is a paradise for photographers and nature lovers. The dramatic sand dunes, the ever-changing seascape, and the coastal light create endless photographic opportunities, particularly during sunrise and sunset.Reddit The wild, untamed nature of the landscape offers a raw and authentic subject matter.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the protected status of the Dunes de la Slack, offering a glimpse into a delicate coastal ecosystem. Birdwatching can also be rewarding here. Remember to tread lightly and respect the environment to preserve its beauty for future visitors.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Dunes de la Slack

The Dunes de la Slack are a significant natural asset, forming a protected nature reserve that offers a unique landscape. These sand dunes are characterized by their wild beauty and are a haven for local flora and fauna. Visitors are encouraged to stick to marked paths to preserve the fragile ecosystem.Reddit The dunes provide a dramatic backdrop to the beach and offer excellent opportunities for walking and photography.

When exploring, be prepared for sandy terrain. The shifting sands create ever-changing patterns, making each visit potentially different. The area is less developed than a typical tourist beach, which is part of its charm for those seeking a more natural experience. It's a place where you can truly feel immersed in nature, away from the hustle and bustle.

Remember that this is a wild area, so amenities are minimal. Bringing water and snacks is essential for a comfortable exploration. The dunes are best appreciated on foot, allowing you to fully absorb the scale and tranquility of this beautiful coastal environment.

The Magic of Low Tide Walks

One of the most celebrated aspects of Wimereux Seaside is the opportunity for extensive walks during low tide.Reddit As the sea retreats, it reveals a vast expanse of sand, stretching for miles. This creates an incredible sense of freedom and space, perfect for leisurely strolls, invigorating jogs, or simply finding a quiet spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.

The receding tide also uncovers interesting textures and patterns in the sand, and sometimes even small pools teeming with marine life. It's a chance to connect with the rhythm of the ocean and appreciate the sheer scale of the coastline. Many visitors describe the experience as 'inspiring' and 'stunningly wonderful' due to the sheer immensity of the beach available for exploration.Reddit

It's crucial to be aware of the tide times before setting out. While low tide offers the most freedom, high tide can significantly reduce the available beach area and may even cut off certain routes. Always check a tide chart to maximize your time on the sand and ensure a safe and enjoyable walk.

Navigating Access and Amenities

Access to Wimereux Seaside and Dunes de la Slack is primarily via car, with two designated car parks serving the area.Reddit These car parks offer convenient entry points to the beach and dunes, making it accessible for day-trippers. However, it's worth noting that during peak seasons or on popular weekends, these car parks can become full, so arriving earlier is often recommended.

When it comes to amenities, this is a wild and natural location. You won't find many facilities directly on the beach or within the dunes themselves. This means it's essential to come prepared. Bringing your own food, water, and any other necessities is highly advised for a comfortable visit.Reddit There are no shops or cafes directly on-site.

For dining and more comprehensive facilities, the nearby village of Wimereux is your best bet. It's a short drive away and offers a selection of restaurants, cafes, and potentially public toilets. Planning your visit to include a stop in the village before or after your beach and dune exploration can enhance your overall experience.

You may also like

1 of 2