GENERAL

For all places of interest in the spacious region, it is best to get the green Michelin guide Picardie - Nord-Pas-de-Calais. The IGN topographical maps are also recommended. With the Guide Tourism & Recreation of Boulogne-sur-Mer, you also will be well-placed to discover the beautiful Equihen.

WALKING/HIKING GUIDES

Follow the yellow triangle signs for the most fun and easy walks. They come listed in a pack per region, available for free (maybe after insisting a bit) in all tourist information centres. The Boulonnais region comes in a pack of 12 trips, all tested and approved!

For the novice hiker: "24 Balades dans le Pas de Calais" by Roland Huguet for Conseil Général Pas-de-Calais. The walks range from 4 to 10 km and are very simple if you have an IGN map with you. Trip 19, 20 and 21 start in the vicinity of Le Domaine Sauvage.

More experienced: "Le Pas-de-Calais à Pied" from the Topo Guides series: 23 fun walks with a lot of extra info. Or "Les Nouveaux Guides Franck: Randonnées Pas-de-Calais, Côte d’Opale" by Christophe Lépine: a lot of daytrips between 10 and 20 km, combining existing walks. Include the nicest sceneries for the very experienced hiker.

Recommended: walk 12 – Entre les 2 Caps ; walk 20 – Montreuil-sur-Mer.

NATURE

Check out Dominique Arnaud's "Nature en Caps et Marais d’Opale": a wealth of details on the area's fauna & flora. Arena. The educational centre on nature in Condette is worth a visit, as are the educational walks in the region of Eden 62. Their free program is available everywhere.

HIDDEN GEMS OF THE REGION

A small journey through our own experiences with charming local eateries.

OVERVIEW OF MARKETS NEAR VILLA LE GRAND BLEU

🐟 Boulogne-sur-Mer Fish Market: Enjoy Seasonal Seafood

This iconic market combines tradition, friendliness, and quality. Every day, fresh seafood is brought directly from the harbor: fish, shellfish, and crustaceans.
Passionate and experienced fishmongers are happy to share their expertise and advice to help you choose the best products for your recipes. More than just a place to shop, the fish market is a true sensory and cultural experience at the heart of maritime tradition.

📍 Location: Quai Gambetta
⏰ Opening hours: depend on boat arrivals, tides, and the day’s catch.


🥕 Place Dalton Market – Boulogne-sur-Mer

Every Wednesday and Saturday morning, Place Dalton comes alive with the weekly market. Seasonal fruits and vegetables, cheeses, charcuterie, bread, flowers, clothing, and handicrafts… a lively atmosphere full of discovery and interaction for locals and visitors alike.


🏛 Covered Market – La Halle de Condette

In the heart of Condette, this wooden hall with traditional architecture hosts a vibrant covered market. Each week, you’ll find fresh, local, and artisanal products for food lovers and curious visitors.

📅 Days: Wednesday morning – Friday afternoon – Sunday morning


🌊 Weekly Market – Wimereux

Discover local products and regional crafts twice a week.
• From September to June: Place Albert 1er (about 30 stalls) – 8:00 am to 12:30 pm
• During the summer: Rue Wimet (double the space, triple the number of vendors) – 7:30 am to 1:30 pm


🌙 Evening Markets – Wimereux

In July and August, every Saturday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Quai Hazebrouck offers artisanal products, cheeses, vegetables, jams, pastries, and other sweet and savory treats. A perfect way to end a day at the beach with a leisurely culinary stroll.


🏖 Strolling Through the Market – Le Touquet-Paris-Plage

Under the high arches of the covered market, inaugurated in 1932, colorful and fragrant local products fill the stalls. Fresh fish and shellfish, juicy fruits, olives, dried fruits, cheeses, meats, and organic vegetables… a feast for the senses.

Open every Thursday and Saturday morning year-round, and Monday morning in summer, it’s a must-visit spot for anyone wanting to explore local flavors.



👉 With this selection of markets, your stay at Villa Le Grand Bleu will be a full immersion in local culture, with tradition, fresh products, and authentic experiences.

TRIPS

Nature lovers: take a whisper boat ride through the Clairmarais (St-Omer) nature reserve and the Somme Bay. Or explore the bay and its extraordinary nature by car. Along the coastline and through the bay’s ‘hinterland’ you’ll see nature’s different facets. There are a couple of themed parks and visitor centres along the way. And of course, don’t miss a city tour of the towns of Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme or Le Crotoy.

A unique nature walk, straight through the Somme Bay, is possible too. On the way back, don’t miss the beautiful St-Riquier abbey and the garden of the Valloires abbey. Try this route, it’s a top priority! History enthusiasts: Visit La Coupole near Saint-Omer, an impressive WW2 bunker museum. And, of course, golfers won’t want to miss the Hardelot Golf.

SURROUNDINGS