Calais to Le Touquet via the D940: the French coastline road-trip

We all know the iconic 1920s poster image of a heyday-happy couple motoring roof-down towards the headland, a scarf caught by the wind. But did you know that Northern France’s slow coastal road – a 90 mile stretch on the D940 from the captivating cliffs of the north to the awe-inspiring Somme Bay - is just the same these days, with sea views, tranquil roads and French villages so unspoilt you may well feel like you’ve gone back in time? It’s time to join the classics in the ferry queue to explore Northern France’s most charming places to visit for yourself.  

 

Driving quiet roads is one of the greatest pleasures of being in France, and navigating the D940’s mostly single-carriageway D road is easy – just follow the yellow and white road-signs. It takes in some well-known spots - Boulogne, Le Touquet, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme etc. - but for those with true motoring mindset, it’s the everything- in-between, the romance of the road and the anticipation of the next view providing the richest memories. Pretty villages of rustic red brick farmhouses and fishermen’s cottages sweep past your windscreen, and you can make spontaneous pit-stops at your own pace. Just be sure to be in pole position at sunset; the sun’s slow, colourful descent is a sight to behold on this coast.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If the friendly toot of the motoring brotherhood gives you a frisson of good-old-days nostalgia, register for one of the many motoring events on the Opal Coast. After all, the pleasure of classic car motoring is in the showing off of your pride-and-joy and in the coveting of others! 

Enjoy the ‘Circuit Historique de la Côte d’Opale’. Everything about this day-long rally evokes joie de vivre, from the historical destinations to the lunch stop, and certain stipulations (only two-doored cars over a certain age may register) ensure that niche enthusiasts are in their element.

 

Blow away the cobwebs on the cliffs of Northern France. On a clear day, see the Dover cliffs from the area known as Site des Deux Caps (Cap Gris Nez and Cap Blanc Nez) near Calais. While you’re here, drop into the Maison du Site des Deux Caps, an information centre bringing the great outdoors indoors.

 

Officially one of the world’s most beautiful bays, the Bay of Somme is definitely somewhere to bring the binoculars. Head to the Parc de Marquenterre reserve - a birdwatcher’s goldmine - then due south to spy seals at the Pointe du Hourdel.  

Nature-loving walkers can head to Le Crotoy’s Bassin de Chasse - a sea wall and series of locks – to enjoy a stunning lightshow sunset or to have a go at operating the locks. There’s also Brighton (you read that correctly) boasting the tallest local lighthouse and tranquil pine forest walking routes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For restaurants that are big on quality, you’re spoilt for choice all along the D940 coast road. But there’s somewhere you must make the short detour for: Montreuil sur Mer, a charming walled town of cobbled streets and endless foodie addresses. Steer here on a Saturday to see the natives in full on food frenzy at the market and treat yourselves at the nearby Michelin starred restaurant ‘La Grenouillère’.  Consider staying at B&B Maison76: English-owned and bursting with French country chic, you can reserve secure parking for your classic car nearby.

 

Head to Wimereux or Cayeux-sur-Mer for promenade people-watching or if you seek out pretty fishing villages for your fix of coastal charm, head to Audresselles on the Opal Coast. For an indulgent room with a view in the Somme Bay, make time for Le Crotoy’s Les Tourelles, a charming hotel-restaurant and afternoon tea spot, with its strong accents of the Hamptons.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Get the benefit of the fresh and salty sea-air by including one of Northern France’s best outdoor activities on your itinerary.  Sand-yachting and Longe-Côte are local passions or if you’re a golfer, fit in a round at Le Touquet golf course, its sublime location between forest and dunes.  You can also set off from the ‘Base Nord’ to seek the mouth of the river Canche.

 

A passion for classic cars is in my blood, as my father worked in the business too. British or French, what we enthusiasts love about them – the Jaguar, Triumph, Austin Healey, MG and so on - is their sheer style and elegance. They simply don’t make them like they used to!

 

The Brits love the fact that there’s a rich history and gastronomy plus scope for peaceful driving.  Drive off the boat or tunnel and this wonderful French coastline is right on the doorstep.

Driving comes with complete peace of mind, especially here in le Touquet with ‘Le Touquet Vintage’ at our airport providing secure parking and lock-ups plus maintenance and mechanical services. 

And all is not lost if you don’t have your own classic car – just speak to Le Touquet Classics classic car about their rental services.

 

Le Touquet has had close ties with England from the early 20th century. The British came over for golf, horseracing, archery etc. and also for our casinos (they were illegal in England!). Check out the wall of fame at the Westminster Hotel to see which famous Brits have been here over the years. 

We often meet up with our British friends for twinning rallies - on both sides of the water. Get details on the Le Touquet Automobiles de Collection website, where there’s also information on the classic car event we hold here every third Sunday of the month.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Etaples’ fabulous fish restaurants ‘Planète Océan’ and ‘Aux Pêcheurs d’Etaples’, the nearby British cemetery and the beautiful Bois de Cise. For somewhere unusual to stay, a night at Equihen’s ‘Les Quilles en l’Air’, where fisherfolk made their homes’ roofs with upturned boats.