What to do on the Opal Coast in 15 essential steps

Where is the Opal Coast located?

Opal Coast is a coastal region of north-west coast of mainland France. It lies to the north of the Picardy coast, opposite the cliffs of south-east England, bordering the English Channel and the North Sea.

What to do on the Opal Coast?

The Opal Coast is a a real tourist destination. It brings together numerous cities and tourist sites that offer a range of activitiesas :

Bray-Dunes

You'll be dazzled by this magnificent setting right in the middle of the dunes and a beach of fine sand. An ideal place for nature and nature lovers. hikingYou can walk through hundreds of hectares of nature reserve. You will discover the famous Parrot DuneThis is a remarkable site with many species of flora and fauna. You can also swim in the sea and hunt for wrecks.

The Dunkirk Port Museum

With family or friends, embark on a journey to discover the incredible history of the port of Dunkirka maritime museum but also a former tobacco warehouse from the 19th century. This emblematic place contains 1600m² of exhibitions, 4 centuries of history, 500 works composed of models, videos, paintings, work tools, etc. It also has 5 places to visit including the museum, the three-masted Duchesse Anne, the fireboat Sandettié, the barge Guilde, and the Risban lighthouse. You will also find a documentation centre which offers documentary and literary resources specialising in port and maritime themes.

The Calais

Calais is the largest city in the Opal Coast. You will find various water sports, horse riding and flying activities. Enjoy an unforgettable experience on board the Calais DragonA titanic machine that entered the city during a big show by the Compagnie La Machine. You can also discover the statutes of the BourgeoisYou can also visit the various coastal forts such as the Citadel, Fort Risban or Fort Rabbit, and the Atlantic Wall. You can also take a walk on the great site of the two capes where you can contemplate the cliffs of the Blanc-Nez, observe the marine fauna and walk along the dunes. Finally, take a beach trip and discover the Calais Balneaire and the Calais lighthouse, with its 271 steps.

The Audomarois Marsh

This immense marshland is composed of fields and market gardensThe park is surrounded by canals, small islands with beautiful houses and large ponds with a variety of flora and fauna. A corner of paradise that takes you away from the stresses and strains of everyday life. What would your weekend on the Opal Coast if you have not boarded the bacôves and escutes, and enjoy this nature walk all along the marsh.

The Platier d'Oye nature reserve

The site is home to more than 230 bird species, 20 mammal species, and 361 plant species. A nature space very popular with hikers and where you can set off to cross the Pointe aux oies path (0.7km), the West Polder path (3.6km) and the coastal path (2.8km).

The two capes site

Protected and labelled Grand site de France, the Cap Blanc-Nez and the Cap Gris-Nez are still the must-see sights of the Opal Coast. You can walk on the signposted footpaths through the dunes, over lookouts and up cliffs. You can also enjoy other activities such as sand yachting, kite flying, horse riding, surfing, stand-up paddling and coastal lanyards.

Audresselles

Well known for the crab and lobster fishingThe area is home to many traditional fishermen's houses built of local stone, whitewashed and tiled. This charming village is also famous for its numerous hiking trails and its two beaches separated by the famous iron coast. While you're here, don't forget to try the famous Flower of Audresselleswhich is an artisanal cheese made with sea salt from the Opal Coast, where the iodine air of the seaside can be found.

Wimereux

This city is known for its flowered areas and its exceptional bathing waters, which continue to attract visitors. A very privileged seaside and family resort in the Opal Coastwhich stands out thanks to its architectural richness and its weekly market where you can discover various local and regional products. Discover a wide variety of flora and fauna, the gardens of the Baie Saint-Jean, the dig'espace, the 1,500 m waterfront walking circuit and the supervised beach.

Boulogne-sur-mer

This port city is home to many art galleries and various historical monuments. You can enjoy a panoramic view from the ramparts, stroll along the beach, or visit the fishing port which was the first French fishing port. And what would your visit be like in Opal Coast if you have not visited NausicaaEurope's largest aquarium, where you can enjoy unforgettable shows and exhibitions.

Hardelot Castle

Famous throughout the world, this place is home to a Victorian house with rich collections of artefacts, and English-inspired gardens in a flowery, exotic and contemporary setting. It also has an exhibition hall, a gatehouse and a tea room where you can relax and enjoy the view. Finally, there is the marshes of Condette and the Elizabethan theatre with its bamboo cage and large glass roof.

Le Touquet

A real holiday destination where you can enjoy a wide range of activities. sports activities such as golf, sand yachting, surfing, tennis or horse riding. You can also cycling in the forest, have fun on the seafront, or explore the dunes. Discover the local market and the Canche lighthouseof the most important addresses in the Opal Coast.

Montreuil sur mer

You will see the citadela royal fortress that houses the museum Roger RodièreThis is a unique fortified complex in the heart of a remarkable natural site. You can also climb the ramparts, and enjoy the many country paths and the exceptional view of the town and valleys. To spice up your visit and to delight your taste buds, the place has several restaurant chains that offer a wide range of dishes. montreal culinary experience evoking the art of living in this thousand-year-old city. 

The Authie Bay

Come and recharge your batteries through the mollières, foreshores and dunes, while enjoying a biodiversity of fauna and flora, and contemplate the colony of seals and marine calves that live on the bay. Enjoy the 360° panorama offered by this sandy immensity. A nature getaway where you can not only discover, but also taste a variety of wild edible plants such as samphire, obione, evening primrose, etc.

Ambleteuse

This fishing village became famous for the majestic Fort MahonIt is surrounded by the sea with its horseshoe-shaped rampart. You will discover many cultural heritages such as the villas Maria Stella, Bon Gîte, Gay Cottage, le figuier, etc. The Robinson and Louis Bonnier villas are also listed in the historical monuments. You will also find marked hiking trailsYou will be able to admire many local animal and plant species.

Find a hotel on the Opal Coast that really makes family holidays easy

After a day of running in the dunes, watching the seals or trying to convince the children to climb down the 271 steps of a lighthouse «just for fun», you'll no doubt be longing for a place where everything becomes more relaxing. Many parents turn to hotels on the Opal Coast for families, This is precisely because it allows you to get back into a gentler rhythm. The towels full of sand are put down, a snack is prepared in two minutes, and then the whole tribe is off to admire the sun declining over the sea. True luxury on the Opal Coast, is to be able to make one discovery after another without turning logistics into a headache.

Choose a drop-off point where everyone can easily find their place: a room big enough not to step on toys, a kitchenette to calm a surprise snack, or an outdoor space where the children can let off steam while you plan the next outing. When everything's running smoothly, your days are much smoother, and you can make the most of the coastline without getting exhausted.

What criteria should you look for when choosing a hotel on the Côte d'Opale suitable for tribes?

Start with the location of your hotel. With children, it's best to avoid long journeys and opt for a central location, where you can get to a giant aquarium, a fishing village or a quiet beach without having to take too many detours. The closer the activities, the more stress-free the day.

Think also of services that make life easier, such as :

• the possibility of reheating a meal,
• separate rooms for the little ones to sleep in while the grown-ups take a breather,
• facilities such as games, bikes and direct access to the beach.

These are the details that transform a simple night in hotel into a real family holiday, with something for everyone.

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