Unfurl your sails, dear readers of adventure and discovery! Today, we’re taking you on an original guided tour of Le Portel, a little corner of paradise nestled in the Hauts-de-France region of France. Follow the guide and get ready to discover a town of undeniable charm, rich in history, activities and breathtaking scenery.
Portel, a jewel between land and sea
Welcome to Le Portel, a picturesque, authentic town nestled in the heart of the Hauts-de-France region. Just a stone’s throw from Boulogne-sur-Mer, Le Portel is a haven of peace, far from the hustle and bustle of big cities like Paris.
Here, the beach is king. Portel Plage stretches for around 1.5 km of sandy shoreline, according to the town’s official tourism site, offering spectacular views over the English Channel and an ideal setting for family activities. From swimming to sandcastles, fishing to simply lazing around, it’s a veritable playground. And when twilight envelops the beach in its golden hues, the place is transformed into a setting straight out of a postcard.
A guided tour of Portel’s treasures
During your visit, be sure to explore Le Portel’s historical and cultural heritage. Start your tour at the local museum, which traces the town’s history from its origins to the present day. The guided tour will take you back in time to the days of privateers and fishermen.
After this historical immersion, head for Cap Alprech, one of our visitors’ favorite sites. Perched on the cliff top, the Alprech lighthouse (not to be confused with the lighthouses of nearby Boulogne-sur-Mer or Calais) has stood watch here since 1951, built in 1949 on the site of an old military semaphore dating back to the 18th century, according to official Phares de France and DIRM Manche Est-Mer du Nord records. It’s the only one of the six lighthouses in the Pas-de-Calais with an outside spiral staircase. You can’t go inside, but the walk around it is worth it on its own: thanks to its clifftop position, the light sits 62.35 metres above sea level even though the metal tower itself is only 17 metres tall, and its beam carries roughly 48 km (26 nautical miles) out to sea, flashing three white beams every 15 seconds. The surrounding site, a nature reserve managed by the Conservatoire du littoral since 1993, covers around 34 hectares (12 of them on Le Portel’s side), rises to 50 metres, and includes the 19th-century Fort d’Alprech. You can reach it on foot along the Sentier des Douaniers (GR120), the coastal path that runs the length of the Boulonnais shoreline. Continue on to the church of Saint Étienne, a jewel of local architecture.
Something for everyone
But Le Portel isn’t just about cultural visits. The town also abounds inactivities for all ages and tastes. Nature lovers can enjoy unforgettable hikes on Mont Saint Étienne or at Équihen Plage, while the more sporty can try their hand at sand yachting or kite-surfing on the beach.
For those who prefer peace and quiet, why not take a family stroll through the park of Hardelot Castle, a place steeped in history and full of secrets? And to round off the day in style, let yourself be tempted by a tasting of local produce. Nord Pas-de-Calais is renowned for its gastronomy!
What’s new in Le Portel for 2026
Le Portel keeps its small-town feel. According to the latest INSEE census data (2023 figures, updated in 2026), the population sits somewhere between roughly 8,550 and 8,820 residents, down about 0.6% on the previous year: it’s still a working fishing town rather than a resort that has outgrown itself.
If you want local advice before setting off along the coastal path, the Boulonnais Côte d’Opale tourist office’s Le Portel-Plage info point, on Rue Raymond Poincaré, is your best bet. For the 2025-2026 season it opens Monday to Thursday, roughly 9:30am-12:30pm and 2pm-5pm, though hours can shift with the season, so it’s worth checking ahead before you set off. From there, the Sentier des Douaniers (GR120) footpath takes you straight along the clifftop to the Alprech lighthouse, no car needed.
Le Portel: a destination not to be missed
As you can see, Le Portel is a destination well worth a visit. Whether you’re looking for history, sports, relaxation or gastronomy, this town in the Hauts-de-France region is sure to seduce you.
So, are you ready to head to Le Portel for your next getaway? Don’t hesitate to visit thetourist office for more information on guided tours and activities. Enjoy your trip!
Le Portel is much more than just a coastal town in northern France. It’s a veritable nugget of tourism, where history, nature and gastronomy come together to delight visitors. Don’t delay in visiting this Hauts-de-France treasure, and let yourself be charmed by the beauty and richness of this favorite destination. Le Portel, an unmissable stopover in the heart of Hauts-de-France!