Pays d'Opale
A drive
down the Opal Coast from Calais towards Boulogne provides spectacular
views of the Channel from the clifftops. On a good day the White Cliffs
of Dover will be clearly visible - a reminder of just how close you are
to England. Take the opportunity to stop off at the fishing village of
Wissant or at Cap Gris Nez for more clifftop sights. Following the
coastline south brings you to the traditional fishing ports of Boulogne
and Etaples. Then it is onto the fashionably chic resort of Le Touquet,
before reaching the long stretches of sandy beach that run between
Stella-Plage, Merlimont and Berck.
Boulogne-sur-Mer
Nausicaa, Boulogne
Boulogne is known as France's premier fishing port and recognised for its cultural heritage. The Old Town, with the Basilica Notre Dame cathedral, chateau (now a museum), and 17th century watchtower, is flanked by ramparts (built on an ancient Roman fort), which provide the perfect viewing platform to take in the surrounding countryside.
Other places of interest and attractions include: the National Sea Discovery Centre, Nausicaa (pictured above); La Maison de la Beuriere (museum in an authentic fisherman's cottage)
Annual events: Fete de le Beuriere (May); Grand Notre Dame de Boulogne Procession (August); The Herring Festival (November)
Other places of interest and attractions include: the National Sea Discovery Centre, Nausicaa (pictured above); La Maison de la Beuriere (museum in an authentic fisherman's cottage)
Annual events: Fete de le Beuriere (May); Grand Notre Dame de Boulogne Procession (August); The Herring Festival (November)
Etaples-sur-Mer
Marina, Etaples
A pretty fishing town set at the mouth of the Canche, visitors can emerse themselves in the life of a French fishing community.
Attractions include: Mareis (sea fishing discovery centre); Quentovic Museum (prehistoric and Gall-Roman collections that show the history and archeaology of Etaples)
Annual event: The Herring Festival (November)
Attractions include: Mareis (sea fishing discovery centre); Quentovic Museum (prehistoric and Gall-Roman collections that show the history and archeaology of Etaples)
Annual event: The Herring Festival (November)
Berck-sur-Mer & Merlimont
Beach cafe, Merlimont
With their long sandy beaches, both Berck and Merlimont are ideal resorts for the family and, as such, attract a younger crowd.
Berck attractions and events: sand-yachting and kite school; L'Agora leisure centre; Musée Berck-sur-Mer with its locally-found Merovingian treasures; International Kite Festival (April)
Merlimont attractions and events: Bagatelle Amusement Park; Salon du Chocolat (March); Les Journées Mer Opale - a chance to have a go at all types of sea, sand and air sports (May)
Berck attractions and events: sand-yachting and kite school; L'Agora leisure centre; Musée Berck-sur-Mer with its locally-found Merovingian treasures; International Kite Festival (April)
Merlimont attractions and events: Bagatelle Amusement Park; Salon du Chocolat (March); Les Journées Mer Opale - a chance to have a go at all types of sea, sand and air sports (May)
Le Touquet
LyddAir, Le Touquet
Known as 'Paris Plage' this fashionable resort was the destination in the 1920s for rich Parisians and British aristocracy and still maintains a direct air route from Lydd in Kent.
Le Touquet also retains its 'chic' label, offering interesting shops, a casino and wide variety of sporting activities (including golf, horse riding and cycling). Additionally, the town boasts one of France's most modern thalassotherapy centres (based in the Novotel Hotel).
Other attractions include: Aqualand (waterland adventure park); Musée du Touquet, with integrated art gallery.
Annual event: L'Enduro - a motor bike endurance race that takes place on the beach (February)
Le Touquet also retains its 'chic' label, offering interesting shops, a casino and wide variety of sporting activities (including golf, horse riding and cycling). Additionally, the town boasts one of France's most modern thalassotherapy centres (based in the Novotel Hotel).
Other attractions include: Aqualand (waterland adventure park); Musée du Touquet, with integrated art gallery.
Annual event: L'Enduro - a motor bike endurance race that takes place on the beach (February)
