Opal Coast: the best activities

If you are a walking enthusiast, the Opal Coast has 100 km of hiking trails through its coastal sites with amazing views. The Great Deux Caps Site is one of the area's must-sees.

Whether you're a lover of long winter walks along the coast or prefer the beach in summer, you'll appreciate the beauty of these sandy beach landscapes surrounded by dunes and richly vegetated cliffs, whatever the season. These coastal settings are reminscent of Ireland and Scotland. Among the best known, we can mention the beaches of Berck, Dunkerque, Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, Hardelot, Wimereux and Wissant. All you need to keep the family happy!

If you don't have much time, we recommend you choose this hiking path to make the most of the pretty views. It joins two capes: Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez. 

Take the time to watch the sea, if you're lucky you'll catch a glimpse of some seals, then head for the authentic Deux Caps artisan brewery, run by Christophe Noyon. If you want to learn more about the flora and fauna that you may come across on the coast here, stop off at the Maison du Site des Deux Caps. Lastly, for nature lovers, go to Authie Bay, where you'll be able to see a multitude of different plants.

Besides its beaches and seaside resorts, the Opal Coast, a major tourist destination in Pas-de-Calais, has a great deal to offer whether it's just for a day or for holidays lasting several weeks. Charming little villages and towns are among the sites of interest not to be missed during your visit to the region. Boulogne-sur-Mer is of course the district that you must absolutely see.

This town with a rich historical heritage has many assets. Its oldest part is in the heights. That's where you can explore its 13th century castle which underwent significant renovations during the Renaissance. Since then, it has been converted into a museum and offers a wonderful series of exhibitions. The fortified town includes a host of charming alleyways where you're sure to enjoy an agreeable stroll. If you have children, they should be delighted to explore this mediaeval quarter.

Of course, you must then visit Nausicaá, the biggest aquarium in Europe. On the Opal Coast, the Boulogne area is ideal for a weekend, but if you want to extend your stay for a week you can head to the villages of Ambleteuse, Bazinghen not to mention Wimille. In Dunkerque, visit the Operation Dynamo museum to learn more about the Second World War.

Hikes, beach, cultural and tourist visits, whatever your centres of interest, you'll never be bored during your stay on the Opal Coast. And that's not all! The Caps and Marais d’Opale Regional Nature Park has loads of surprises in store for you. Mont Pinel, in particular, is a great destination for a bike ride. The loop is about 16 km long.

If you want to make the most of the great outdoors, why not stay in Wimereux? Stop off in Ambleteuse to explore Fort Mahon built by Vauban in the 17th century. There are a number of educational farms in this area - an ideal activity for your kids! Don't forget to try out an activity that's very popular in northern France: sand yachting. There are several places where you can hire by the hour or day, with or without lessons. The Opal Coast also has no fewer than seven golf courses, with ten 18-hole and three 9-hole courses.

As you can see this list of activities is long, however it's not exhaustive! Enjoy your discovery of the region!

For a stay lasting one or more nights, discover our selection of accommodation possibilities: hotels, reasonably priced guest houses that will facilitate your visits and activities. Many possible locations available right in the town centre, near the beach, out in the countryside, with sea views, with your partner or your family… Booking, photos, offers and additional information on the Nausicaá website.