Cap Gris-Nez

Audinghen

The headland most exposed to the winds and currents of the Channel, one of the busiest maritime crossroads in the world.

The point on the French coast closest to England (just over 30 km from Shakespeare Cliff at Dover), Cap Gris-Nez takes its name from the old Flemish "Grisenesse". Henry VIII had an English fortress built here in the early 16th century, and Napoleon installed an optical semaphore line here in 1805. The site is now home to a cylindrical lighthouse dating from 1957.

Getting there : Grand Site de France since 2011; Natura 2000 site (2008); within the Caps et Marais d'Opale regional nature park; working lighthouse not open to the public, walking trails freely accessible

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound