Ghent to Calais Road Trip: Ultimate Guide to Stops & Hidden Gems

The A10/E40 from Ghent heads west through Flanders, crossing into France near the De Panne border. The entire drive is roughly 120 km, taking about 1 hour 20 minutes without stops. But this route is far more than a simple transit corridor.

Historically, this road follows the path of the Roman Via Belgica, connecting northern Gaul to the coast. Near Veurne, you can still see remnants of medieval drainage ditches that shaped the polder landscape.

Wondering how long to drive Ghent to Calais? Plan for 1.5 hours driving time, but add 2–3 hours for stops to explore the hidden gems along the way.

The entire route is well-signposted with clear bilingual road signs in Belgium and standard French signs after the border. Toll roads are absent on this route, making it cost-effective. Fuel prices in Belgium are typically €0.10–0.15 per liter cheaper than in France, so fill up before crossing.

• Fuel stops: TotalEnergies at Aalter (exit 11); Shell at Veurne (exit 2); Avia at Dunkirk.
• Rest areas: Aire de la Lys near Estaires (A16) has picnic tables and toilets.

For more on spotting attractions along highways, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Currency and Payment

Belgium uses the Euro; most stations accept credit cards. In France, contactless is widely accepted. Keep some cash for small market stalls near Dunkirk.

• Belgium: Free Wi-Fi at most motorway services.
• France: Some rest areas have EV charging points (e.g., Aire de la Côte d'Opale).

The A10/E40 is a dual carriageway with a 120 km/h speed limit in Belgium, dropping to 110 km/h in France. Speed cameras are frequent, especially near towns like Loppem and Jabbeke. In France, radar warnings are posted; a GPS with live alerts is recommended.

• Sharp curve: Near Adinkerke (border area) the road narrows; reduce speed.
• Construction zones: Often near Dunkirk port expansion; check ANWB for live updates.

Family and Pet-Friendly Stops

Wild and Free Animals: At the De Panne dunes, dogs are allowed on leash on marked trails. In France, the beach at Sangatte is dog-friendly year-round.

• Playgrounds: Aire de la Lys (A16) has a small climbing frame.
• Changing tables: Available at Veurne's McDonald's (exit 2).

For fatigue management, plan a stop every 45 minutes. The best rest area is Aire de la Côte d'Opale (between Dunkirk and Calais) with long-parking bays, vending machines, and clean WC.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

• Bergues (detour 5 km north of Hwy A16): The setting for the film 'Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis'; climb the tower for €2.50.
• Watten Windmill: Abandoned windmill on a hill; panoramic view of the A16—quirky photo stop.
• Bray-Dunes: The northernmost point of France; quiet beach and a WWII bunker museum.

The landscape transitions from Ghent's urban core to the open Flemish polders—flat fields crisscrossed by canals, windmills, and grazing sheep. Near Veurne, the land feels like a Dutch painting: endless sky, neat rows of crops, and distant church spires.

• Dunes of De Panne: Belgium's largest dune reserve; short detour from the A10.
• Plopsaland De Panne: Theme park for families with young children.

Crossing into France, the coastal region of Nord-Pas-de-Calais offers dramatic chalk cliffs and wide sandy beaches. The Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez provide stunning viewpoints over the English Channel.

UNESCO Heritage and Cultural Sites

Belfries of Flanders: Ghent's Belfry is a UNESCO World Heritage site. In Dunkirk, the belfry (17th century) offers panoramic views and a carillon concert every hour.

• Les Beffrois de Dunkerque: Climb for €3; open April–October.
• Veurne's Market Square: Cobblestoned with Gothic town hall; less frequented but charming.

Fortifications of Gravelines: A star-shaped fortress built by Vauban; free parking and walking paths.