Wissant France – Abandoned German Remains Sinking Into the Opal Coast
Wissant France. It’s a long way from Iran, in so many ways. And, I’m not just talking about the availability of bacon flavoured alcohol. Don’t be alarmed, this isn’t the end of the Iran posts – I just felt the need to break things up a little with a European interlude, since I’m now on the ground here in the Schengen zone.
Last week, I visited the scenic port town of Wissant France. Located on the North-West coast, Wissant has been a fishing village for around a thousand years. There’s some history here for sure. But, all I knew about Wissant was that former French president and champion goat milker Charles de Gaulle had a modest little holiday home there, on a clear day you can see the white cliffs of Dover England, and there is a huge array of abandoned World War II concrete bunkers left by the Germans – now poignantly sinking into the eroding sand dunes of the Opal Coast.
Wissant France – Rhymes With Croissant Trance
Less than 24 hours after my arrival in Europe – after flying direct from Iran to Amsterdam – still jet lagged and feeling questionable after a last-minute Tehran Kebab, I headed to the glorious Opal Coast and the French seaside holiday town of Wissant – just south of Calais.
Standing in Wissant, eating apple pastries and sipping Ricard, I could clearly make out England across the water. I pondered my thoughts on London, and whether or not I would return. Or, if I would be welcome to return. Did I want to return? I’m not sure the comments are done on this article, so the verdict on London is still up in the air. In any case, I spared a thought for the thousands of malnourished English refugees who arrive at Calais every day, to buy as much duty-free French red as they can carry, and head back to the grey skies of the UK.
The photos here show abandoned World War II bunkers, now gracefully sinking into the sands of Wissant, are a reminder that history could have been very different. The Germans, lead by (IMHO) the biggest nut bag the world has ever seen, got within spitting distance of England. As the sand is eroded the immense concrete structures continue their decay. One day, probably soon, they will cease to exist.
From Wissant France to Saint Petersburg Russia?
So. Europe. I am currently travelling by road from Wissant France, though to Saint Petersburg, Russia. Another road trip. I’m actually a week in already, and will do my best to update Yomadic frequently, because really, it’s been quite an adventure just in the first week. Four countries down already, life is really getting quite hectic…
…in a good way.
Over a hundred days since the journey began, and I feel like I’ve just started.
I hope you enjoyed the photos of Wissant France, as much as I enjoy French pastries.
Very cool, I had never heard of Wissant before. Awesome shots, love some of the reflections you got on the water. Are you having much culture shock going from Iran to Europe?
Thanks Noelle… culture shock, no, but it really is another world. I do however miss Iran – which is something I never expected to be saying!
I bet you didn’t think you’d be saying that, but seeing the experience you had, I understand why you say that.
Hey Nate those are (once again) some really cool shots. I’d really like to explore France when my budget allows for it one day. I just got back from Paris last week (more work than play sadly) and the closest thing to a WW2 bunker I saw was a 9m2 apartment for Eur115,000!
Thanks Eugene….Paris is amazing, haven’t been there for a while now. 15k sounds great, 9m2 not so great ;)
Hey Nate
Those pictures are fantastic. I am fascinated by the WWII era, and find it quite moving to see these bunkers fading away into the environment.
Cheers
Duncan
Hey Duncan, thanks! It really was quite moving. I’ve never been super-fascinated by the WWII era, but there really is so much to learn and see in Europe, and I hope to make the most of my time here checking out a few more WWII sights.
Some amazing history there and great photos to share with us all. It must have been pretty amazing to see it first hand and some real food for thought.
Thanks Jules, appreciate the compliment.
Terrific photos Nate.
Spent many a year agreeing to visit the French coast with my mom to see things such as these but never actually got around to hopping onto a ferry. Looks like I might have made the wrong decision.
Better not leave it too long before going.
Cheers Dale… funny, I was with my mum as well!
Awesome photos, didn’t know there were so many bunkers around, will have to go sometime, thanks for sharing-
Thanks Colin – it’s worth a visit for sure. Apart from the bunkers, it’s a very nice part of the world.
I have only recently returned from spending 6 weeks in France. Wissant is one of out all time favorite places in Northern France and well worth a visit. It is beautiful with an absolutely fabulous beach which is very popular with kite surfers . The village itself is lovely with several cafe bars to sit and watch the world go by. Thank you for the lovely photos :)
Wow – its insane what you pass by – Ive been so close to here on my travels. Great images, thanks for sharing, i need to visit for sure!
cheers Che!
This just got added onto my bucket list of places to see! I’m originally from France, but have never seen this before!