Top 5 outings to discover the Opal Coast

The Opal Coast, that little corner of paradise with a thousand and one facets, dazzles with its biodiversity and its postcard scenery. A gem of the Hauts-de-France coastline, here are 5 original ideas for outings to (re)discover this hugely popular region, sure to satisfy everyone's curiosity, tastes and craving for adventure.

The outing for food lovers

This year, the Hauts-de-France region has been awarded the "European Region of Gastronomy" label, and it's easy to see why: beers, fish, seafood, cheesemakers, chocolate makers and more. You're spoilt for choice when it comes to treating yourself.

• • Why not start with a visit to a brewery? In Dunkirk, the Brasserie des 4 Écluses lets you discover how its tasty craft beers are made. Sample (in moderation) the creations of Éric François, the master of the house, and enjoy the unusual setting that's well worth the detour, in a bucolic spot along the canal, in former lock-keepers' cottages.
  • Feeling peckish? From the bistro to the fine-dining restaurant, (local, seasonal) seafood takes centre stageon every menu: mussels, cockles, scallops, herring, whiting, cod and more. There's no shortage of places to eat! You'll be spoilt for choice, whether you fancy the traditional moules-frites or freshly caught fish and shellfish. Don't hesitate to push open the door of a small family-run spot like "Chez Mimi ", in Audresselles, which serves its seafood specialities in the charming setting of a typical coastal village.

• Fancy something sweet? The Beussent-Lachelle chocolate maker has been treating chocolate lovers since 1985. No fewer than 24 shops have opened across France. The one in Boulogne-sur-Mer will win you over with its handmade creations, made from carefully selected cocoa beans.

The outing for sailors

• Fancy admiring the coastline from a boat and slipping into a sailor's outfit for the duration of a cruise? Leaving from Boulogne-sur-Mer, La Florelle, a pleasure boat, takes you out to sea, heading for the coast's unmissable landmarks: the Pointe aux Oies, Cap Gris-Nez, Cap Blanc-Nez, Fort de l'Heurt… up to 4 hours of fun and original sailing on the waves.
• Dreaming of wide open spaces and freedom? Renting a sailing boat is the ideal way to explore the coastline's thousand and one facets at your own pace. You'll enjoy an exceptional experience in complete privacy.

The outing for history lovers

From Boulogne to the capes, discover the rich history of this coast, which has witnessed numerous conflicts from
Napoleon to the Second World War:

• The Pointe du Riden blockhouse in Audinghen.
• The Atlantic Wall Museum.
• Fort de la Crèche in Wimereux.
• The Dover Patrol obelisk at the top of Cap Blanc-Nez, erected in memory of the French and British soldiers of the First World War.
• The wreck of the Lord Grey, a minesweeper that ran aground in 1917, visible at low tide on Tardinghen beach.
• Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez, where you can see the many shell impacts left by Allied bombing raids aimed at destroying the Batterie Todt on the Opal Coast.
• Wimille: the impressive Colonne de la Grande Armée. If you fancy it, some 263 steps await you to reach the top and take in the statue of Napoleon, his back turned to the sea.
• In Boulogne-sur-Mer, follow in Napoleon's footsteps. Discover the strategic importance of this town in his conquest of England through the remnants of the Empire: the Légion d'Honneur stele, the Poudrière (no visits, but a breathtaking panorama), and the Mont de Couppes with its view over Fort de l'Heurt.

The outing for nature lovers

Vast stretches of sand, beaches as far as the eye can see. The Opal Coast is famous for its postcard scenery, but also for its exceptional biodiversity, which makes this region a refuge for many species.

The Authie bay and the Opal Coast are renowned for their seal colonies. For calm, respectful observation, why not call on a guide-animateur to learn everything about the richness and fragile balance of this wild nature?

The outing to go higher

From 15 minutes to 1 hour in the air aboard a two-seater plane to survoler Calais et le littoral as far as the iconic Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez. What an original way to discover the region! Whether it's your first flight or you're a seasoned flyer, this unforgettable moment is available from Calais.

From Saint-Omer aerodrome, 11 balades aériennes await you: the Channel coast, the capes, Le Touquet, the Somme bay and more. Spread your wings and gain some height to take in our beautiful region — thrills and wonder guaranteed!