Visiting the château d'Hardelot

Visiting the château d'Hardelot: the jewel of the Opal Coast

Coming to the Opal Coast for a weekend? Or perhaps for a family holiday? Either way, don't skip a visit to the château d'Hardelot! Set in the Boulonnais countryside, this history-rich spot never fails to amaze. On the agenda: exploring the interior of the Victorian residence, gardens with an English touch, exhibitions, workshops for adults and/or children… Want to visit the château d'Hardelot? Then this article is for you!

Visiting the château d'Hardelot, a journey through the history of the Pas-de-Calais coast

The château d'Hardelot is one of the Opal Coast's cult spots. This manor house carries genuine historical heritage! We owe the construction of this fortress and its 10 towers to Philippe Hurepel, Count of Boulogne. In 1615, the building was besieged at the request of the Catholic Marie de' Medici: all that remained of the château was ruins.

Today, visiting the château d'Hardelot offers a genuine immersion in history. Amid the medieval ruins, you'll discover not only fully reconstructed rooms but also a collection of rare objects symbolising Franco-British culture. These are on loan from various museums, such as the Louvre, the Musée de l'Armée, and the museum of Boulogne-sur-Mer.

Franco-British relations have always been made easier by the geographical proximity between the Opal Coast and England. From the seafront, it's not unusual to spot the English coast. What's more, in 1897, the château was bought by a Briton, John Robinson Whitley. The already close ties between the French and the English were strengthened as a result.

In recent years, the château d'Hardelot has undergone extensive redevelopment so that everyone can enjoy lovely walks in complete peace and quiet.

Strolling through the château d'Hardelot's English-inspired gardens

Do you love landscaped grounds and walks in the open air? Then the gardens of Hardelot should delight your senses!

Flanked by the fortress's impressive ramparts, exploring the château's gardens guarantees a botanical experience that's transporting, serene and steeped in soft floral scents. To the rhythm of the waves at Hardelot-Plage, their poetry draws you in. The clever blend of English- and French-style planting gives the Hardelot gardens a distinctive atmosphere. Wildflower meadows, an organic vegetable garden and an educational pond await!

A fan of flora and fauna? With every season, the gardens are reborn. Every spring, the gardening team refreshes the plantings, showing visitors rare species. What's more, the design of natural spaces contributes to a rich biodiversity: wildlife is all the more present. Along the way, you might cross paths with a hedgehog, or even a European tree frog!

The art of gardening, combined with respect for nature and the environment, forms the foundation of the château d'Hardelot's gardens. From April to the end of November, themed workshops (gardening, floral painting, etc.) and guided tours are regularly on offer.

Good news! As long as they're on a lead, you can bring your four-legged friend along.

See places to stay near the château d'Hardelot

Walking through the Condette marsh nature reserve

Fancy a bit of escapism and a change of scenery? There's nothing quite like communing with nature to recharge! France is blessed with splendid landscapes, and the Condette marsh is one of them. Located on the edge of the Hardelot forest, you can follow the walking trails and enjoy the fresh air!

Keep your eyes open during your walk and you might just have some captivating encounters. This protected area is home to:

A keen birdwatcher? Remember to bring a pair of binoculars!

Incidentally, we commonly refer to the château d'Hardelot, yet we should really rename it "château de Condette", as it was built on its land. Classified as a regional nature reserve, the Condette marsh hasn't always existed. In the past, the counts and their noble guests enjoyed hunting there. Over time, however, the dunes encroached and closed off the boundary between the Becque d'Hardelot, a river in the Pas-de-Calais, and the sea. That's how the marsh came into being.

The marsh has been fully restored to welcome walkers and hikers. As a result, the walking trail is completely safe for your children. Please note, however, that dogs are not permitted.

Discovering the exhibitions, workshops and events at the château d'Hardelot

Today, the château d'Hardelot is far more than a simple historical remnant. It's a fully-fledged cultural space. If you like, you can visit the temporary exhibitions held in the dedicated room adjoining the manor house.

In 2016, the town of Hardelot opened the château's Elizabethan theatre, designed with genuine care for the environment. Every year, numerous performances take place there, including:

Other eagerly awaited events also take place at the château d'Hardelot, such as the wine and cheese fair.

What's more, during your stay on the Opal Coast, you can take part in the workshops reserved for children, organised by the château's team:

Little Hands Playtime. The second workshop, held on the first Sunday of each month, is for children aged 18 months to 4 years.

• Children's corner. This workshop is for children aged 6 to 9. A fun activity is organised there every month. In November 2021, to mark Halloween, children had to find the pumpkin hidden among the château's collections. December is devoted to creating winter decorations. A parent's presence is required, however.

Practical information for visiting the château d'Hardelot

That's settled, then! You've made up your mind: all you want is to see the Victorian manor house and its splendid grounds with your own eyes. To help you do just that, you'll find all the information you need below.

Please note: the château closes annually from 1 January to 4 February. What's more, you can't visit on 1 May, 1 November or Christmas Day.

To freely visit the château d'Hardelot or attend the temporary exhibition, remember to bring proof of identity (ID card, passport or driving licence), as well as your health pass or a PCR test less than 72 hours old.

Free entry does apply, however, to minors, students under 26, recipients of the RSA benefit and jobseekers, subject to proof.

For a bite to eat or a cup of coffee, the château's tea room will be delighted to welcome you.

Ready to start your visit to the château d'Hardelot? Right in the heart of the Opal Coast, this unmissable spot simply cannot be skipped! Come and discover its Franco-British historical heritage, its neo-Gothic architectural style, its landscaped natural areas… Numerous activities are organised there: there's something for everyone! Want to discover even more of the Opal Coast? Check out our 3-day circuit!

• from 10am to 12.30pm and from 1.30pm to 6pm.
• 3.00 € for the self-guided visit of the château or the temporary exhibition;
• 5.00 € for the château and the temporary exhibition;
• 5.00 € for the guided tour of the château;
• 2.00 € for the children's workshops (free for the accompanying parent);
• 12.00 € for the annual pass, which gives access to the château and the temporary exhibitions.