Sail away to the Côte d'Opale: a watery adventure in northern France

Sail away to the Côte d’Opale: a watery adventure in northern France centers on a catamaran ferry concept that blends wind-powered travel with biking and kayaking along the Pas-de-Calais. SailLink, launched last year, runs a mostly wind-driven Dover–Boulogne service up to five times per week between April and mid-September, with a planned new Shoreham–Fécamp route set for trials later in 2026. The trip targets travelers who want to bring bikes onboard and avoid long terminal queues, since officials board to check documents. The article describes a day that starts from Dover by train and reaches Boulogne in under 45 minutes once aboard. From there, the route follows the Vélomaritime cycle path toward Cap Gris-Nez, passing landmarks and beaches while heading through Saint-Omer marshes. The experience is framed as a multi-day, sea-focused itinerary across coastal towns and attractions, including Nausicaá.