The best cycling routes around Calais

Calais offers a wide variety of touring cycling routes, with over 340 options recorded on komoot. These routes cater to all levels, including 139 easy, 140 moderate, and 62 difficult trails.

The Calais region provides diverse terrain for touring cyclists. You'll find generally flat coastal paths along the

Opal Coast

Yes, Calais has many easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners and families. These often follow flat coastal paths, canals, or dedicated greenways. An example is the Tour of the Channel Tunnel — loop from Calais, an easy 13.4-mile route.

Experienced touring cyclists can find more challenging routes with significant elevation gain, particularly around the dramatic headlands. For instance, the EV 4 Royal Dyke – View of Cap Blanc-Nez loop from Les Fontinettes is a difficult 32.3-mile route with substantial climbs, offering stunning views.

Absolutely. The iconic Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez are popular destinations for cyclists, offering breathtaking views over the English Channel. Routes like the View from Cap Blanc-Nez – View of Cap Blanc-Nez loop from Peuplingues allow you to experience these dramatic chalk cliffs. You can also visit the Cape Blanc-Nez itself, a prominent viewpoint.

Yes, Calais is rich in history. You can cycle past and visit landmarks such as the Town Hall and its belfry, or explore routes that pass by historical forts. The Town Hall and its belfry – Marsh Cycle Route loop from Calais-Ville is an easy route that includes this iconic building.

Beyond the famous Cap Blanc-Nez, you can explore the diverse natural landscapes of the Opal Coast, including picturesque beaches like Cran d'Escalles, and the scenic Cliffs of Escalles and Wissant. Inland, the

Forêt de Guînes

Yes, Calais offers excellent opportunities for cycling along both its coastline and canals. The

Opal Coast

Calais is a significant hub for long-distance cycling, serving as a crossroads for three EuroVelo routes. Notably, the

Vélomaritime (EuroVelo 4)

EuroVéloroute 5 London-Rome

The region benefits from generally mild weather, making spring through early autumn (April to October) ideal for touring cycling. During these months, you can enjoy pleasant temperatures and longer daylight hours, perfect for exploring both coastal and inland routes. The coastal areas offer refreshing sea air, especially in warmer months.

The touring cycling routes around Calais are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 800 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, from the refreshing coastal paths to the tranquil canal routes and scenic forested areas. The variety of routes suitable for different skill levels, combined with historical landmarks and natural beauty, makes it a popular destination.

Yes, many touring cycling routes around Calais are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Tour of the Channel Tunnel — loop from Calais and the Forêt de Guînes and Norbertins Abbey Loop, providing convenient options for exploring the region.