Wimereux is a picturesque resort town set on the Channel Sea and filled with beautiful Belle Époque architecture. It’s been attracting holidaymakers since Victorian times and is brimming with historic charm. Relax on the sandy beach, dine on fresh seafood and explore the sparkling Côte d’Opale.
Things to do in Wimereux
The postcard-perfect Wimereux Beach is dotted with blue-and-white huts and overlooked by elegant Belle Époque villas. Relax under the shade of an umbrella, stroll along the breezy promenade and walk out onto the seabed at low tide to collect shells. On clear days, you can see the English coastline in the distance.
The atmospheric town centre features narrow streets lined with 19th-century buildings. Many stand out with fairy-tale turrets, ornate balconies, gable roofs and colourful facades. Find some of the best shopping along Rue Carnot, where independent boutiques outnumber chain stores. On Friday mornings, the main square hosts a lively market. Stock up on fresh produce, local cheeses and homemade jams.
Venture out of town to explore the shimmering Côte d’Opale, a scenic stretch of coast dotted with charismatic towns and villages. Marvel at soaring chalk sea cliffs and explore the ruins of “Atlantic Wall” artillery fortifications built by Germany in World War II.
From casual bistros to waterfront restaurants overlooking the Channel Sea, there are plenty of places to wine and dine in Wimereux. Freshly shucked oysters served with a squeeze of lemon, a dash of black pepper and a glass of white wine are a local specialty.
Getting around Wimereux
Wimereux is compact and easy to get around on foot. The town is located in the Pas-de-Calais department, a 30-minute drive from Calais and three hours from Paris. Trains call at Boulogne-sur-Mer, a 15-minute drive from Wimereux, while rental cars offer the freedom to explore the Côte d’Opale at your own pace. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is a 2.5-hour drive away.