For a trip to Coulogne, you can plan around different priorities, such as waterside routes, cycling and local history. The green route and the Véloroute des Marais run between Coulogne and Guînes. The Canal de Calais also offers walking and cycling options, as well as a river ferry to Calais Nord. Other options include supervised rowing, heritage in the town centre and a seasonal guided tour. If you are looking for hotels in Coulogne, it helps to decide first whether your trip will focus mainly on exercise, waterways or culture.

Cycling and walking routes between Coulogne and Guînes

The green route between Coulogne and Guînes is six kilometres long from end to end and is a secure route for pedestrians and cyclists. Via Préville-Trou Gai, it passes through the Marais de Guînes alongside the canal and ends in the town centre of Guînes. Check local conditions before setting out on your ride or walk.

Another connection between the two towns is the Véloroute des Marais. It is about seven kilometres long and forms part of EuroVelo 5. Both the length and the route description are useful when comparing the two: the green route specifies waypoints through the Marais, while the Véloroute is identified by its inclusion in EuroVelo 5.

The Canal de Calais corridor offers a peaceful walk or cycle ride between Coulogne and Les Attaques, as well as between Coulogne and Guînes. If you choose based on your tour’s destination, Les Attaques is another named point along this corridor. The green route, by contrast, passes through Préville-Trou Gai and ends in the centre of Guînes. The routes therefore differ not only in length, but also in the places mentioned and their respective paths.

Ferry and rowing on the water

The free Majest’in river ferry connects Calais Nord and Coulogne along the Canal de Calais. The journey takes 30 minutes. As a separate way to get around, it differs from the walking and cycling routes: two locations and a journey time are specified for the ferry. Check service information before travelling, as transport details may change.

The Cercle de l’aviron du Calaisis rowing facility offers supervised rowing on land and water all year round. Both recreational and competitive rowing are available, with instruction provided by professionals and qualified supervisors. Rowing is therefore another activity you can include in your travel plans, independently of whether you choose cycling or walking routes.

Local history and cultural activities

The Église Saint-Jacques in the centre of Coulogne is part of the local heritage. A guided tour, “À la découverte de la ville de Coulogne”, explores the history of the old church, the canals formed from the Marais and the remains associated with the conflicts of the 20th century. The tour is offered seasonally, so take this into account when planning and check the current dates.

The Médiathèque l’Octogone in Coulogne offers events scheduled throughout the year, with free admission. Event programmes may change, so it is worth checking the latest information before your visit. There is a clear difference to bear in mind when planning your time: the guided tour is scheduled seasonally, while events at the Médiathèque are planned throughout the year. This lets you choose cultural activities according to their focus and scheduling.

Travel planning and finding accommodation

When looking for hotels in Coulogne, you can start by listing the activities you want your stay to focus on. For a cycling trip, the distance, route and destination can help you choose between the connections to Guînes. For an outing on the water, the Canal de Calais corridor and the ferry connection are two different options to consider. If you are interested in local history, you can also take into account the themes of the seasonal guided tour and the events at the Médiathèque.

Discover more destinations: Alembon, Colline-Beaumont, Monts-En-Ternois, Gavrelle, Halinghen, Beuvrequen, Coquelles, Saint-Laurent-Blangy

For the broader travel overview: Pas-De-Calais.