The park administrators have a unifying objective, to show that it is possible to reconcile development, the preservation of the landscape and protection of our heritage.
What is a Regional Natural Park?
The regional natural parks were created to protect and enhance large, inhabited rural areas. Usually classified as such are predominantly rural territories whose landscapes, natural environments and cultural heritage are of high quality, but in which the balance with new developments is fragile. The Regional Natural Parks are organised around a concerted project of sustainable development, based on the protection and enhancement of our natural and cultural heritage.
On the ground
Specifically, the administration is charged with a number of direct actions. For the inhabitants this means help with energy transition, planning, sustainable agriculture, local activities, eco-citizenship and so-on... while for visitors, it means helping to discover the beauty of the park's landscapes, its roads and paths, the development of tourist facilities, initiations to the observation of nature and much more besides.
Exploring the park
The Caps et Marais d'Opale Regional Natural Park draws a triangle of nature between three major towns, Saint-Omer, Calais and Boulogne-sur-Mer. With its beaches, cliffs and green groves that characterise the territory, the Caps et Marais d'Opale Regional Natural Park, works with its partners to build and maintain beautiful hiking trails and natural spaces accessible to all.
The villages and towns around the perimeter of the Regional Natural Park are:
- Wimereux
- Wimille
- Pittefaux
- Pernes lez Boulogne
- Conteville-lès-Boulogne
- La Capelle-lès-Boulogne
- Baincthun
- Echinghen
- Isques
- Hesdin l'Abbé
- Equihen-Plage
- Saint-Etienne-Au-Mont
- Condette
- Hesdigneul-lès-Boulogne
- Nesles
- Neufchâtel-Hardelot
- Dannes
Hiking and observation
More than 20 signposted trails cross the territory. Seascapes, green glades, hedgerows, forests and other beautiful landscapes for you to discover in our beautifully preserved natural environment. We also offer the chance to meet with experts to discover the fauna and flora, for example in Wimereux and Hardelot. Whether in the highest dunes of the Cote d'Opale or in the forest, just a stone's throw from the village, there's something for everyone!
