The Opal Coast in the rain | activities for a rainy day

The fine days are starting to shorten, temperatures are dropping, and the first raindrops are falling on the majestic cliffs and seaside villages of the Opal Coast. There's no doubt about it, summer is over, and yet the Hauts-de-France coastline remains a destination that draws people in, even with fickle weather. Even if the downpour (as we call it round here!) might put you off setting foot outside, we've put together a selection of ideal activities for rainy days. For the whole family, solo, or with friends, make the most of our beautiful region, whatever the grey skies bring!

Visit the museums of the Opal Coast

When the rain is really coming down, why not take shelter in one of the Opal Coast's many museums?
The Musée des Beaux-Arts in Calais, for example, offers fascinating exhibitions, and entry is free. Educational workshops for children aged 5 to 12 are organised during the winter holidays. Information and bookings on the page Facebook du musée.

👉 The Opal Coast is packed with art museums, but also ones devoted to maritime history, local customs, history, and more. Don't hesitate to step inside these places full of discoveries, witnesses to our culture and our traditions. Read our article on the 5 must-see museums of the Opal Coast.

Sample the local produce

Food is without question one of the pillars of the Hauts-de-France. The Opal Coast is renowned for its delicious, generous cooking. Take the time to discover local recipes in cosy restaurants. No good weather outside? In the region's estaminets and bistros, you can enjoy fresh, good-quality produce and traditional dishes that make you forget the weather isn't playing along outside: seafood, moules-frites, welsh, carbonade, and more.
The picturesque little cafés invite you to unwind over a cup of coffee, a hot chocolate, a chicory coffee, a freshly baked pastry, or a filled waffle!

Go bowling

Fun and good company guaranteed, even when it's raining! No fewer than five bowling alleys on the Opal Coast for a lively game on the lanes:

• Dunkirk bowling alley;
• Calais bowling alley;
• the Opale bowling alley in Boulogne-sur-Mer;
• the bowling alley/restaurant in Cucq;
• Berck bowling alley.

Head to the casino

Casinos have always gone hand in hand with seaside resorts: as early as the start of the 20th century, certain coastal towns saw a real surge in popularity. Much like the spa towns, seaside resorts developed more and more in order to entertain and please their guests. People came to see and be seen, to play, to relax, and to hope for the jackpot!
Even today, the casinos offer plenty of games to enjoy and to spend an entertaining time together, solo, with friends, or with the family:

• Casino Barrière Le Touquet;
• Casino Partouche du Touquet;
• Casino Tranchant de Dunkirk;
• Casino de Calais;
• Casino de Berck.

Go on a shopping stroll

A spot of shopping is a great way to pass the time on rainy days. Explore the coast's local shops, packed with regional produce, souvenirs, jewellery, original creations, and much more.
Fancy thinking bigger? The Opal Coast has shopping centres where you can satisfy every shopping craving:

• la Cité Europe (bowling, cinema, restaurants, shops…);
• le Channel Outlet Store;
• the Aushopping Boulogne Côte d'Opale shopping centre.

Visit Nausicaá

Located in Boulogne-sur-Mer, Nausicaá is one of the largest aquariums in Europe. Explore the interactive exhibits and discover the diversity of marine life through spectacular tanks. It's an extraordinary educational experience, perfect for the whole family.

The Opal Coast never runs short of ways to keep you entertained, even when the weather doesn't cooperate. Whether you're into culture, history, relaxation, or food, you'll always find activities to suit every taste. So next time the rain comes calling on the Opal Coast, grab an umbrella and make the most of our beautiful region, whatever the weather!

👀Need more ideas? Check out our article on the activities not to miss when it rains!