Are you eager to discover the magical show at the Cabaret de Licques, near Calais and Boulogne-sur-Mer? Are you visiting from out of town and planning a weekend stay? We have found 10 ideas for things to do around Licques, within a 40 km radius. It is the perfect way to pass the time before the show and then extend the magic… Follow the guide!
1. Stroll along the Sentier des Écottiers.
Feeling restless and hearing the call of nature? The Sentier des Écottiers offers a lovely 9 km marked loop starting from Écottes, a hamlet of Licques. Allow 2 hours and 15 minutes for the walk, on a moderately difficult route that blends landscapes of meadows, cultivated fields, and woods on the heights. Not to mention the view of the elegant neoclassical Dippendal Castle. The highlight: the route includes a foray into the Licques woods, a Natura 2000 natural heritage site recognized for its rich bird population and tree species.
2. Discover Saint-Joseph, an astonishing village of yesteryear
Curious about past lifestyles? Near Guînes, a family of artisans has reconstructed a typical village from the 1900s, with its shops, sawmill, mill, village hall… and even its school. All of it houses period utensils, tools, and materials! The highlight: the possibility of dining at the village estaminet, tasting Flemish specialties: Pot’je’vleesch, Flemish carbonnade, and pork sautéed with Maroilles cheese.
3. Explore the Saint-Omer marshes in a 2CV
Departing from Clairmarais, Les Belles Échappées invites you to (re)discover the rich heritage of the Hauts-de-France at the wheel of legendary vehicles: 2CVs, VW Camper Vans, Méharis, Fiat 500s, tandems, and our essential electric minibikes. With family or friends, you can also enjoy our group offers such as the 2CV rally, a guided tour of Saint-Omer on Ruffian neo-retro electric motorcycles, or let yourself be guided to discover the region’s breweries in a VW Camper Van. The highlight: Les Belles Échappées offers the rental of its Citroën 2CVs, VW Camper Vans, Citroën Méharis, and Fiat 500s to make a splash in front of your guests at your private events!
4. Enjoy a change of scenery on the Belvédères trail at Cap Gris-Nez
A visit to Cap Gris-Nez in Audinghen, a classified Grand Site de France between Calais and Boulogne-sur-Mer, is a must. The Belvédères trail (about fifteen minutes from the car park) gives you access to various terraces overlooking the sea. The change of scenery is total: the North Sea to infinity, sheep grazing and lounging, and dunes on the horizon. The highlight: at the Détroit viewpoint, the largest of the four viewpoints, there is a breathtaking view of the English coast. But only on a clear day!
View of Cap Gris-Nez and its wild coast[/caption]
5. Lunch by the water at La Sirène.
Have you recharged your batteries at Cap Gris-Nez and has the sea air worked up an appetite? You are very close to the restaurant La Sirène in Audinghen, nestled on the coastline. By booking well in advance, you will have the privilege of tasting fresh seafood and fish with a plunging view of the sea. The highlight: the grilled lobster with coral sauce, the house specialty, is a delight!
6. Travel along the Calais dike on the back of a dragon
He was found stranded and asleep on October 31, 2018, on the Calais pier. 25 meters long and 10 to 15 meters high, the Sea Dragon has made his home in Calais, and the residents have tamed him, despite his sometimes difficult character. When he’s in a bad mood, he breathes fire, smoke, and water mist! But he also offers rides on his back to children and adults alike, perched on a covered panoramic platform. A great way to see Calais and its beach from above! The highlight: onlookers and the curious often gather around the dragon. From the platform, you will likely see them getting sprayed by the animal. Laughter guaranteed!
The dragon breathes water and fire under the amused gaze of onlookers[/caption]
7. Visit the Mimoyecques Fortress for a journey through history
Want to discover remains steeped in a heavy history? The Mimoyecques Fortress, located 20 km from Licques, houses the site of the “London Gun.” A project for the massive bombardment of the British capital planned by Hitler in 1943, which fortunately never came to fruition. At a depth of 30 meters, you can visit part of the service gallery for the giant “V3” cannons, which no longer exist today. Please note, the fortress is only accessible between mid-October and mid-April. The highlight: numerous well-documented information panels make the visit very instructive.
8. Visit the open-air museum of Boulogne-sur-Mer
Discovering astonishing works, as if in a museum but outdoors, is possible in Boulogne-sur-Mer. For several years, the city has organized a street art festival every summer, where urban artists from all over the world color walls, gables, and street furniture, all while sharing their vision of the city. The highlight: a mobile application allows you to discover the murals and create a discovery trail.
Boulogne-sur-Mer welcomes local and international artists every year for the Street Art festival[/caption]
9. Dive into the world of Nausicaá
Still in Boulogne-sur-Mer, why not visit Nausicaá, the largest aquarium in Europe? Watching the aquatic ballet of the 40 animal species inhabiting the tank is fascinating. Not to mention the activities offered, from the sea lion show stimulated by their keepers to immersive exhibitions and a behind-the-scenes tour of Nausicaá. The highlight: a free pass allows you to take a break during the visit and return to the site on the same day.
Hundreds of shimmering, colorful fish in a spectacular aquarium that recreates the coral reef.[/caption]
10. Climb the Column of the Grande Armée
In Wimille, very close to Boulogne-sur-Mer, stands the 54-meter-high Column of the Grande Armée. It marks the site of a lavish ceremony: the presentation of the Legion of Honor by Napoleon to 2,000 soldiers on August 16, 1804. For €4 and 252 steps climbed, you will see one of the most beautiful panoramas of the Boulonnais region. And on a clear day, England, that “perfidious Albion” that Napoleon desired to invade. The highlight : see the imposing bronze statue of Napoleon, which had been placed at the top of the column and then removed. It is located in the museum near the building, with free and open access. Looking for more ideas to organize a weekend in Pas-de-Calais? Also discover the 10 unusual places on the Opal Coast
