The history of the Village
Nestled in the heart of the Deux Caps Regional Park, Wissant is a peaceful village built on the winds and waves. Nicknamed "the pearl of Opal" by the inhabitants of the region, the white sandy town was founded in the 19th century, at the back of a commercial port that was very attractive because of its proximity to England. The port activity gave rise to a small fishing village which, over time, became a calm and serene seaside resort. Although the port has now disappeared, the village still watches over the English coast and keeps many secrets of history, from the passages of the conqueror of Gaul to the residence of a certain General de Gaulle...
The commune of Wissant is an integral part of the Parc Naturel Régional des Caps et Marais d'Opale. The Park is an exceptional natural heritage classified among the 47 Great Sites of France. Covering more than 6,431 hectares, from Cap Blanc Nez to the Pointe de la Crêche behind Cap Gris Nez, this territory is remarkable for its rich biodiversity.
The Deux Caps Regional Park is a land of very rich biodiversity. The hinterland is populated by vast farms where Sheep and Cattle reign supreme. They are established on fertile land where cultivation is easy, which allows for abundant harvests. The picturesque bursts of these cultures pigment the expanses of the Park; drawing a colorful landscape with the seasons!
The Bay of the Two Caps has been a fishing ground since ancient times. As the region has no built-up harbours, the inhabitants had to develop fishing in boats capable of running aground directly on the sand: the flobarts! These curious boats, which have been around for generations, are today precious witnesses to the know-how and traditions of yesteryear!
The Parc Régional des Deux-Caps is a life-size archive of multiple scenes of French history, from the Paleolithic to the present day! The site is particularly marked by the Second World War, during which it was considered a major strategic location! The war will leave behind it many scars embodied in the rock, as many visible vestiges on both sides of the bay.