Cycling through sunny country lanes is a fantastic way to explore new terrain – both at home and abroad. France, a nation of keen cyclists, is full of well-kept roads that are perfect for discovering on two wheels, and this guide on how to cycle from Calais to Dunkirk will give you the perfect route to start with.
While mountainous regions in the south and south-west provide a challenge for experienced cyclists, northern France is relatively flat – great for those new to cross-country cycling, or gently easing yourself into a longer excursion. This makes the 30-mile route to the historic city of Dunkirk ideal for any cyclist. A picturesque ride from Calais across the marshy plains, rugged coastline and serene beaches of the Côte d’Opale, this route has it all.
It’s a joy to traverse the region by bicycle in late spring or summer – before the heat reaches its peak, but warm enough to welcome a fresh coastal breeze. Follow our recommended route once you land at Calais with your bicycle to reach the city in under three hours.
How to Travel to Calais with your Bicycle
Our 90-minute crossings from Dover run up to 23 times a day so you can choose the time that suits you best. You can board our ferries with just your bicycle, stored in the same area as the cars, or attach it to your vehicle. There’s no extra cost for bikes – simply book a place on the ship in advance. The only other item you need is your passport, though we’d also recommend carrying plenty of water, a raincoat, reflective strips and a puncture repair kit when cycling.
Of course, before you set out on your ride, there’s time to explore. Our Calais city guide will tell you which streets to wander down and where you can find calming green spaces. You might also like to check out some of these great places to eat in Calais. An important port since the Middle Ages, Calais was once part of England and became famous for its textiles, particularly lace and wool. Visit the International Centre of Lace and Fashion to learn all about this heritage.
How to Cycle from Calais to Dunkirk
Our suggested route covers 50km of quiet, semi-rural streets bordered by the sea on one side and fields on the other. It should take most cyclists two-and-a-half to three hours, with several towns en route providing great rest stops along the way.
Calais to Dunkirk Cycling Route:
- Take the Route de Gravelines and follow the D119 out of Calais. This takes you onto countryside roads surrounded by wheat fields.
- After about 11km, turn left onto the Rue de la Mer to cycle into the Réserve Naturelle Nationale du Platier d’Oye. Look out for over 250 species of local and migratory birds in the nature reserve as you go along the grassy dunes – the Route des Dunes, which goes to the edge of Gravelines’ beach.
- Turn right onto the Avenue de la Mer to head inland – the coastal area becomes quite industrial here. Follow signs to the centre of Gravelines and leave the town on the eastern Avenue Léon Jouhaux.
- At the next roundabout turn left, then right at the next, to go along the Rue de la Ferme Raevel and Route des Amériques.
- Go right at the small roundabout to reach a larger one and take the third exit onto the Route de la Maison Blanche. Follow this road – a built-up area swiftly gives way to a landscape of marshy dunes.
- Come back inland on the Route de Mardyck. Then turn right onto the D601 but carry on straight at the next roundabout to cycle through the Grande-Synthe suburb of Dunkirk. Continue straight along the Avenue de Petite-Synthe to reach the city.
The town of Gravelines is a perfectly placed pit stop en route. It’s about halfway between Calais and Dunkirk, with a sandy beach to settle on for lunch or an ice cream.
Things to do in Dunkirk
A sudden spotlight fell on Dunkirk in 1940 at the height of World War II, when Allied forces conducted Operation Dynamo. British, Belgian, and French soldiers were stranded along the coastline with German troops closing in; a Herculean effort from the British, Canadian, and French navies, alongside civilian boats, meant over 338,000 were evacuated.
Immersing yourself in these historical events is one of the best things to do in Dunkirk, and you can walk along the very beaches, and “The Mole” jetty, where the evacuation took place. To learn more, visit the Dunkirk war museum dedicated to the event – it’s at the edge of the stunning Jardin de Sculptures.
Other sites to explore include the gothic revival church of Saint-Éloi, the LAAC modern art museum, and the Port Museum to discover Dunkirk’s maritime history. There’s ample choice for dining or staying the night before returning to Calais or travelling onwards – continue east to Belgium, or head south through the Opal Capes and Marshes Nature Park for expansive rural landscapes.
Ready to cycle from Calais to Dunkirk? Book your ferry crossing from Dover today with P&O.
