Plage du Portel is a picturesque sandy beach located in the town of Le Portel, within the Pas-de-Calais department of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region in France. The beach spans approximately 1.5 kilometers, extending from the city center towards the north. The beach's natural beauty is further enhanced by the stunning views it offers of the surrounding areas, including the houses of Le Portel and Boulogne-sur-Mer.
The beach is well-maintained throughout the year, with cleaning activities undertaken every morning. The southern part of the beach is particularly popular and boasts several amenities, including a snack bar and changing cabins. Additionally, summer animations are often held here.
A variety of water sports activities such as paddleboarding and towed buoys are available for rent during the summer months. The beach also transforms into a playground for land yachts during low tide. However, visitors are advised to exercise caution near the nearby Fort de l'Heurt, which is accessible at low tide, as the water can rise quickly.
To ensure the safety of visitors, the beach is supervised during the months of July and August. Furthermore, the beach is accessible to people with reduced mobility, with mats laid out on the sand and a tyralo available for use.
Plage du Portel also offers ample parking facilities, including free parking lots and designated spaces for a dozen motorhomes, complete with water and electricity. However, it's worth noting that these parking lots can get crowded during the summer. There are also toilet facilities available for visitors' convenience.
Accessibility to the beach is fairly straightforward, with a paved road leading to it. There's also a set of steps from the promenade above, which offers a fantastic vantage point of the town. Along the beach, a promenade provides a pleasant walking path for visitors to enjoy.
Despite its numerous amenities and the various activities it offers, Plage du Portel maintains a peaceful atmosphere. However, it can get a bit windy at times. Lastly, it should be noted that dogs are not permitted on the beach during the summer season.