Quend - Saint-Martin-Boulogne

1. Stage key data

Start: Quend

Finish: Saint-Martin-Boulogne

Distance: approx. 76 km

Ascent: approx. 430 m

Character: coastal plain → seaside resorts → first cliffs

Difficulty: moderate

2. Route character & surface Quend – Baie d'Authie

Very flat

Paved cycle paths, dike sections

Wide, open landscape

Berck-sur-Mer area

More urban, touristic

Good surface quality, but more crossings

Requires attention

Towards Boulogne-sur-Mer

Terrain becomes noticeably hillier

First cliffs and incisions

Asphalt dominates, little gravel

3. What to watch out for Wind

Main factor on this stage.

Especially tiring on dikes and open sections.

Traffic

Seaside towns (Berck, Le Touquet) are heavily used seasonally.

Ride defensively, allow for patience.

Change of rhythm

From flat to undulating – don't be surprised.

Adjust your gearing in time.

4. Sights & worthwhile stops Berck-sur-Mer

Extensive beach

Good infrastructure for a break

Boulogne-sur-Mer

Historic old town (Haute Ville)

Significant port

Saint-Martin-Boulogne lies directly adjacent and is quieter than the city centre.

5. Stage summary

Strengths

Plenty of space and openness

Varied transition

Good infrastructure

Challenges

Wind

Tourist traffic

Increasing urbanisation at the end

6. Strategic positioning

This stage is a classic transition day:

Away from the marshland

Towards the more structured, hillier coast of northern France

Saint-Martin-Boulogne is a good place for:

a quiet overnight

preparing for the more demanding Côte d'Opale stages