Wissant
- Shelter
- NE, E, S, SE
- Seabed
- sand
- Anchoring
- Allowed
Open sandy bay on the Opal Coast between Cap Gris-Nez and Cap Blanc-Nez, Hauts-de-France. Sand bottom, protected from E and SE, fully exposed from W through NW.
- Beach
Guide
Approach and anchoring
Approach from offshore in the Dover Strait, one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. Cross the TSS at right angles. Strong tidal streams run parallel to the coast, reaching 3 knots at springs. Anchor well clear of the surf line.
Practical
No services afloat, day anchorage in settled easterlies only. Ports of refuge at Calais 8.3 NM NE and Boulogne-sur-Mer 10.1 NM S.
Ashore
Village of Wissant directly behind the beach with bakery, shops and cafés. GR 120 coastal path runs along the cliffs to Cap Blanc-Nez 4 km east and Cap Gris-Nez 7 km west. Both capes are part of the Grand Site des Deux Caps.
History
Wissant was a medieval cross-Channel harbour used from the 11th to the 14th century for pilgrim and royal crossings to England, before silting of its haven transferred traffic to Calais.
Key facts
- Type
- Anchorage
- Coordinates
- 50.88997, 1.65331 (50°53.40'N 1°39.20'E)
- Country
- France
- Shelter
- Sheltered from north-east, east, south, south-east winds
- Seabed
- sand
- Anchoring
- Allowed
- Services
- Beach
- Boaters' rating
- 4.3/5
- Updated
- July 7, 2026
Getting there
Wissant lies at 50°53.40'N 1°39.20'E, that is 50.88997, 1.65331 in decimal degrees.
Boaters' reviews
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Write a reviewFrequently asked questions
Which winds is Wissant sheltered from?
Wissant is sheltered from north-east, east, south, south-east winds.
Can you anchor at Wissant?
Yes, anchoring is allowed at Wissant.
How do boaters rate Wissant?
Wissant is rated 4.3/5 by boaters on BoatMap.
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