The Plage de Wissant is a picturesque beach situated on the Opal Coast in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais-Picardie region of France. It is particularly adored for its expansive sandy landscape, which is exposed during low tide and provides an ideal setting for activities such as sand yachting. The beach is also characterized by the absence of buildings and cars, providing visitors a serene and natural environment to unwind.
This beach is not only renowned for its natural beauty, but also for its backdrop that includes the Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez cliffs, as well as the "flobarts", which are small coastal fishing boats. The sea, while often slightly choppy, covers the entire beach during high tide, causing waves to crash against the rocks along the new seafront promenade.
The Plage de Wissant is a family-friendly destination, with shallow waters that are safe for children to swim in. Dogs are permitted on the southern side of the beach during specific times of the year. However, visitors are advised to be aware of potential safety hazards like camouflaged sharp iron rods in the sand, and to be mindful of the safety of the water mixing in the sea.
Amenities at the beach include a boardwalk and a beach bar, along with cafes and ice cream shops where visitors can enjoy refreshments while taking in the views of Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez.
The beach is a popular spot for kite-surfing and windsurfing due to the consistent winds from the southwest and northeast. Despite the strong winds, the waves at Wissant are often present but not overly challenging, making it accessible to experienced windsurfers. When the wind is particularly strong, visitors have the option to visit the nearby beaches of Blériot in Calais and Sangatte, which are less crowded and offer views of Cap Blanc-Nez.
Finally, the Plage de Wissant is easily accessible, and there is a sand yachting school in Wissant for those interested in learning the sport. Despite its popularity, the beach is not overly crowded, allowing visitors to enjoy the serene environment and wide expanse of the beach.
