Kiki's road trip: ‘The sea air in Pas-de-Calais feels like medicine’
So what's the situation with traveling within Europe? Can we do it a bit again or are we cheering too early? Kiki called her best friend, grabbed the Peugeot 508 SW, and went on an adventure. Destination 3? Hotel Atlantic (Wimereux, France).
Saturday morning 07:18. I look out the window of our hotel room and immediately feel activated to take action. The sea looks delightful. Without makeup, I slip into a fluttery dress and five minutes later I'm standing like an enthusiastic puppy at the beach. Nice when the world is still asleep and you feel like you're one step ahead. Roos is still sleeping, so I see it as a perfect opportunity to take a morning walk.
Sea air does something to a person. What is it that makes you feel calmer, fresher, and more positive after a visit to the beach? Doctors have been sending patients to the sea for centuries. And that's not for nothing: in fact, sea air is a medicine you can breathe in.
From the Belgian Bütgenbach, this road trip has brought us to a gem in Northern France. Pas-de-Calais surprises me, especially the colorful houses in Wimereux. No idea if it's because of the coast, but in some places you immediately feel at home. It reminds me a bit of the French Scheveningen, but maybe that's also because of the giant Ferris wheel I see looming in the distance. The typical seaside style, the unspoiled nature, the charming fishing villages, the cliffs, and the infinitely long beaches. If I am to believe the locals, everything in the region has changed, and at the same time nothing has... I like that though.
Next to me, I see a man digging a beach chair into the sand. He plops down and stares at the sea. It looks like he is watching a classical concert. The sea is his composer. Nature abounds here for lovers of slow tourism, walking, cycling, local markets, and good food. Tomorrow another four hours of driving to the last destination of this road trip. Pas-de-Calais, I will be back. Because this encounter was far too short, you understand that, I understand that...
Also taking the car for a weekend in Pas-de-Calais? You want to see this.
- Cap Blanc Nez: the highest point of the Opal Coast
- Wissant: a quaint, lovely, picturesque fishing village.
- Cap Gris Nez: here you can enjoy a nice walk to the Belvedere.
- Audresselles: a cozy fishing village.
- Le Backspin: the restaurant of the golf course in Wimereux. Very nicely located! (Address: Avenue François Mitterrand, 62930 Wimereux.)
- Hotel Atlantic: the beautiful rooms, the sea view, the friendly staff. And last but not least: the fruits de mer... Meine gute what a party for the fish lover.
- Le Touquet Paris-Plage: a cool town to stroll through.
- Ambleteuse: the fort of Ambleteuse and a walk through the dunes of ‘de Slack’.
- Oh and also do: rent bikes! Ride along the boulevard and then into the smaller streets.
- Wimereux: for the most fun colorful villas. And okay okay, that Instagram shot.
P.S.: Follow our road trip adventures on Instagram via @kikiduren.
