Pointe aux Oies, Wimereux, France

Pointe aux Oies is the wild way out of Wimereux's coast: a big untamed beach between the protected Slack dunes and rocky ledges, with the Ambleteuse fort emerging at mid-tide. It's the area's go-to riding spot according to the local school — space to rig, south-westerly side-onshore, but rocks to avoid and zero infrastructure.

Pointe aux Oies is the wild face of Wimereux's coast, the opposite of the central beach and its dyke: a rocky headland and a big beach backed by the protected Slack dunes, a sensitive natural area listed under Natura 2000. The local school ranks it, with Wissant, among the area's best spots for wind angle and safety — and the beach offers space to rig, under the prevailing south-to-south-west side-onshore. The landmark is the Ambleteuse fort, emerging from the sea at mid-tide to the north. But the sticking point is the rocks: the headland is a vast plateau of small rocks reaching out to sea, and rocky areas close off the ends — keep your distance. At low tide, big tides also reveal curious dark peat slabs, relics of a forest swallowed nearly four thousand years ago. The range is significant (about 8 metres, reference port Boulogne) and the beach space varies a lot: watch the tide, though no source sets a precise kite window here. The wind hazard is the north-east to south-east offshore, not to be ridden on this exposed coast. Behind the beach, the Slack dunes are fragile and regulated (a kingdom of nesting plovers): stick to the marked paths. A spot for self-reliant riders and schools, not bathers — and you sometimes spot seals offshore.