Explore the Opal Coast
The Opal Coast (Côte d’Opale) of Northern France runs from the border with Belgium just north of Dunkirk to beyond Boulogne and Le Touquet. About 75 miles of coast, sometimes craggy, but more often with wide sandy beaches making it ideal for children to run and play as they wish.
With the white cliffs of Dover very visible on a clear day along much of the coastline (it’s just 21 miles across the channel) this is an easy region to visit. Its a short drive on the other side compared with many other destinations in France.
Many of the broad sandy beaches have either woods or wetlands immediately inland, so there are plenty of opportunities for nature enthusiasts, cyclists, walkers and horse riders.
To make you feel good during your break on the Opal Coast, breathe in the gorgeous, relaxing light and the brisk sea air. Walk the miles of beaches, but also take advantage of the opportunity to just sit back. Listen to the sound of the waves and seagulls, feast your eyes on the sands and the cliffs and breathe. And, of course, paddle and build sandcastles, if you’re holidaying with young kids!
Access to the Opal Coast from all arrival points from the UK is very easy as the A16 Motorway runs just inland from the Belgian border southwards to Abbeville.
History on the Opal Coast
There’s plenty of history along the Opal Coast when the need to get exploring takes over.
Much of the Opal coast line has remnants of the Second World War starting with Cap Gris Nez (literally ‘cape grey nose’). This is the closest spot to the UK. Gaze across the water, the sky cloudy on an overcast day, and imagine what it must have been like during wartime, guns here pointed across the sea. There are many abandoned bunkers along this stretch of coast where you and your family can imagine what your fathers, grandfathers and great grandfathers faced.
At Dunkirk The Operation Dynamo museum tells the heroic story of evacuation of hundreds of thousands of Allied troops off the beaches by small boats in the summer of 1940.
The Atlantic Wall Museum near Ambleteuse tells the story of the large concrete structures built along the Normandy and Opal Coasts by the Germans
But the history goes back much further than the Second World War. The Roman Invasion of Britain gathered here in 55-43BC, and ever since the Opal Coast has been the well defended northern bastion of France
Beaches of the Opal Coast
Bray-Dunes
Bray-Dunes is a must. The beautiful National Nature Reserves of the Dune Marchand and the Perroquet will take your breath away. Moreover, its unique geographical position, being the northern point of France, makes it well worth a visit
Le Platier d’Oye
In winter, we suggest you to visit the Platier d’Oye which is both a polder and a bird sanctuary. Each year, about 230 species of birds stop over there, during their winter migration. You will also find a protected reserve of 391 hectares of exceptional fauna and flora.
All year round accommodation at Plage d’Oye
Cap Blanc-Nez
Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez together are one of the 13 national tourist highlights labeled “Grands Sites de France”. Its striking chalk sea cliffs make Cap Blanc-Nez one of the jewels of the Opal Coast which attracts many tourists every year. Hiking along the top of the cliffs is popular: there is an established 6.5km route called the Cap Blanc-Nez loop which should be on your list if you like walking.
Cap Gris-Nez
As for the Cap Gris-Nez – the closest point between France and England – it is differentiated by its sandstone and clay cliffs. Its lighthouse is also registered as a Historic Monument. Waymarked paths will allow you to explore the area, ranging from an easy 3km loop of the Cap Gris-Nez to the more challenging GR120 hiking trail or the Customs Officers trail.
The Slack Dunes
These dunes represent a superb preserved natural spot. Located between Wimereux and Ambleteuse, they are among the walks not to be missed on the Opal Coast. For a family walk past ponds, dunes and beaches, we recommend the Saint Jean Bay loop, starting from Wimereux (4 hours) or the Slack loop, starting from the Pointe aux Oies carpark (2.5 hours). Bright-eyed, worn-out children with pockets full of shell treasures guaranteed by the end of the day!
Equihen / Hardelot / Saint Cécile Plage
A wide sandy strand south of Boulogne running about 12km continuously, so plenty of chance to get away from the crowds. With woodland nature reserves just inland with walks, cycles and rides it’s a great area to come and relax.
Towns and Villages of the Opal Coast
Besides the major towns that we know well. reserve time to discover the charming towns and villages of the Opal Coast. Walk or cycle around them to best enjoy the green spaces, unique architecture and charm of their narrow streets. Take a breath, sit back and relax.
Gravelines
An interesting visit is the 17th century star shaped and moated defensive ramparts of Gravelines, between Dunkirk and Calais. These were built by Vauban, a famed military engineer of the second half of the 17th Century. It is possible to take a boat ride around the moat
Ambleteuse
Discover the fort of the village of Ambleteuse, featured in the works of Vauban. Its wall dates from the 17th century.
Audresselles
Find out why this is one of the most visited fishing villages of the Opal Coast. Its streets lined with low houses with coloured shutters give it a unique character that you will love. Fishermen’s paths allow you to go back in time and discover the ancient fishing traditions of the village. At nightfall, from the beach, you can watch the return of the fishermen of today.
Wimereux
This charming seaside resort is located less than 10 kilometres from Boulogne-sur-Mer. It is a popular place for families and tourists from Northern Europe. You will find that it has a really charming waterfront with Anglo-Norman style houses.
Boulogne-sur-Mer
Take a walk in the old town here, to discover the beautiful mix of styles of its varied heritage. Alongside the medieval buildings, you will see a castle and belfry dating from the 13th century. The Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and the Imperial Palace are more contemporary. Walk in the English and Renaissance gardens here and gaze upon the lake of mirrors.
It is also home to Nausicaa, the largest aquarium in Europe – certainly worth a half day at least!
Stay in Boulogne overlooking the Marina
Le Touquet or Le Touquet-Paris-Plage
This seaside resort on the Opal Coast is the best known in the Hauts de France region. It is famous for its Art Deco facades and 12 kilometre long beach which extends to Berck-sur-Mer. You can discover 31 iconic sites of architectural heritage and history. 20 of them are listed in the Inventory of Historical Monuments. If there is one must-see, it is the Bay of Canche Nature Park. A natural reserve of 45 hectares that you can discover on foot or by bike. During low tide, you might see seals.
Off the beach Opal Coast attractions
The Audomarois Marshes
40 minutes from Calais, the Audomarois Marsh is one of the must-see places on the Opal Coast. This labyrinth of water and nature is a unique site that covers over 3,700 hectares. It is the last marsh of this size still cultivated today. We advise you to opt for a boat trip on the waterways to make the most of this marsh. However, you can also use the hiking trails to discover the magnificent vegetation.
The Canche
Take a canoe trip on the Canche River. This place known for its abundance of trout and salmon is a small piece of paradise for canoeing or kayaking fans. Head to the valley of the Canche, and at the canoe kayak club of Beaurainville (only 25 minutes from Berck-sur-Mer) rent a canoe to paddle the 9 km from Guisy to Beaurainville.
Montreuil-sur-Mer
Enjoy the charm of the fortified town and its scenic surrounds which inspired Victor Hugo for Les Misérables. Take advantage of two different hiking trails along the canals and the Canche River, with a breathtaking view of the ramparts: the Portus, a nice 5 km long path, and Les Pyroles, 10 km long. We suggest a boat ride on the Canche when you visit Petit Quentovic.
Take a hack through this rider’s paradise
Whatever the season, the Opal Coast is a real joy for horse lovers. There are lots of possible itineraries allowing you to discover local treasures on horseback: from the coastline to the forests and the Audomarois marsh. You will be amazed by the diversity of landscapes you travel through.
Theme Parks and other activities
Families will find plenty of theme parks and activities along the Opal Coast.
Just over the Belgian border is the Plopsaland de Panne Theme Park and Waterworld near Adinkerke
Opalaventure (formerly Accrobranche) is a tree themed park at Saint Cécile for all ages, with zip wires, tree trails, air bikes and more
Bagatelle is a family theme park near Le Touquet with rides and roller coasters, animal farm and more fun for all ages
Laby Parc is a small activity park just outside Le Touquet for all the family with water and land based fun, including a maze.
