Visiting the Opal Coast: what to do in a weekend?

The Opal Coast is an excellent holiday destination to get away from it all and immerse yourself in a change of scenery. This part of the Hauts-de-France region brings together plenty of assets for a weekend built around rest and tranquillity. If you love wild, well-preserved, natural settings, you'll fall for the charm of the north-west coast.

In this little guide, discover all the unmissable things to do, even if you only have 2 days to explore the coast. Of course, you're free to pick and choose the activities and build your own itinerary to make the most of your stay, solo, as a couple, or with the family!

Exploring the dunes of Bray-Dunes

For a restful, soothing weekend, a walk through the sand dunes is a sure way to recharge your batteries. Bray-Dunes is a unique spot you shouldn't miss, and I'd recommend discovering it along with the many nature reserves nearby, such as the Dune Marchand and du Perroquet reserves… An exceptional sight awaits you!

Dunkirk's harbour museum

Passing through Dunkirk, you'll get the chance to discover this citadel steeped in history and culture. To learn more, the town's harbour museum displays nearly 500 pieces tracing the history of shipping. It's a perfect family activity, best rounded off with a visit to the Risban lighthouse for a view over the town's harbour.

Discover the port town of Calais

Thanks to its quick links to England, Calais is a town much loved by tourists and known for its many architectural gems. The most iconic landmarks are its Hôtel de Ville, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Parc de Richelieu and the Musée des Beaux-Arts… And of course, don't forget the seafront!

The Audomarois marsh

During your weekend on the Opal Coast, I'd suggest discovering the Audomarois marsh, an incredible site covering more than 3,700 hectares. It offers a vast watery maze to explore by renting a boat, the best way to see it. If you're prone to seasickness, you can opt for a walk along one of the many trails set aside for that purpose!

The Platier d'Oye nature reserve

To spot numerous bird species, the Platier d'Oye is the perfect viewpoint for getting closer to wildlife. But that's not all: this 391-hectare reserve offers a trail of just under 4 kilometres to explore the site on foot. Accessible to everyone, this bird reserve is also perfect for a relaxing walk by the sea…

A great spot we discovered on the blog voyage avec nous, if you're after getaway ideas in France.

Wissant bay

As well as sitting between Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez, Wissant bay appeals to fans of beach sports. Among the best activities on offer, kitesurfing benefits from the size of the beach and its strong exposure to wind. And with its 12 kilometres of coastline, Wissant is naturally a hit with local swimmers and walkers too!

The charming village of Audresselles

Audresselles is a charming fishing village well worth discovering. It's best known for the many colours on the houses' shutters. Despite its small size, it's one of the most visited spots on the Opal Coast!

To really get to know the village, I'd recommend following the Sentier des Pêcheurs, where information panels tell the story of this authentic, one-of-a-kind spot… If you like original towns, don't forget to visit Wimereux and its houses built in Anglo-Norman style!

The National Sea Centre: Nausicaa

If you want to visit the Opal Coast with the family, the National Sea Centre is the largest aquarium in Europe. This immersive experience plunges you into the heart of marine life, with close to 1,500 species ranging from tropical fish to sharks. The museum offers two fun, interactive trails: Des Rivages et des Hommes and Voyage en Haute Mer.

Le Touquet-Paris-Plage (or Le Touquet)

Also known as the Nice of the North, Le Touquet is a hugely popular seaside resort in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais. It offers 12 kilometres of beach and close to 31 sites showcasing the strength of its cultural and architectural heritage. To make the most of your visit, head to the Parc Naturel de la Baie de Canche to stretch your legs across 45 hectares!

Also worth reading: Visiting the Opal Coast in 3 days