Visit the Opal Coast: our favorites
Calais, capital of the Opal Coast
Although this title is unofficial, Calais is often considered the capital of the Opal Coast. First city on the coast, seaside resort popular with tourists, Calais is a plus! Calais offers many possibilities for visits which will delight lovers of culture as well as holidaymakers in search of relaxation. Among the must-sees: the Town Hall and its belfry, the International City of Lace and Fashion, the Museum of Fine Arts, Saint-Pierre Park, the lighthouse, the statue of the Bourgeois de Calais made by Auguste Rodin . Also remember to book your ride aboard the famous Dragon, the children will love it!
Esquelbecq, bucolic and preserved
Located about thirty minutes from Dunkirk, Esquelbecq is a charming village which hides unsuspected cultural riches. Crossed by the Yser, Esquelbecq offers visitors a bucolic and unspoiled setting. Today, the city is the meeting place for lovers of literature in the region, thanks to its many booksellers and its book festival. If you are passing through, do not miss a visit to the exceptional Château d’Esquelbecq.
The large Deux Caps site
Located between Calais and Boulogne-sur-Mer, the large Deux caps site is a protected natural site formed by two capes: Cap Blanc-Nez, due to its chalk cliffs, and Cap Gris-Nez, at the rock of sandstone. Both sites are worth seeing and are a sports fan’s paradise. You can practice sand yachting as well as windsurfing or paddle boarding. Those who prefer to go for a walk are not left out as the large Deux Caps site offers superb trails.
The medieval town of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme
Located in the Baie de Somme-Picardie maritime regional natural park, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme is a charming medieval town. It has three remarkable points of view: the Porte Guillaume, the Chapel and the Calvary, which offer a splendid panorama over the Bay of Somme. In the vicinity of the port, you will be able to discover the Saint Pierre Chapel built in 1723 but also, in the old medieval, the Courtgain, authentic quarter of the sailors with its colored houses.
Slack dunes
The Slack is a small river 22 km long which flows into the English Channel at the Fort d’Ambleteuse (which is also worth a visit!). The Slack dunes, with an area of 213 hectares, are a superb idea for an outing for the whole family thanks to these two walking trails: the Baie St-Jean Sentier loop and the Pointe aux Oies.
The seaside resort of Wimereux
Head for Wimereux, a small town located a few kilometers from Boulogne sur mer. This seaside resort bears the name of the stream which crosses it and amazes visitors with its numerous Belle Époque villas. A real journey through time! The large dike is also ideal for taking in a good breath of sea air along the English Channel.
Berck-sur-Mer beach
Located 15 km from Le Touquet, Berck-sur-Mer is a paradise for families. Here, everything is thought for children! Its beautiful 12 km sandy beach is the scene of an exceptional event every year: the international kite-flying meetings. The opportunity to see the beach come alive and the sky adorned with hundreds of colors.
The citadel of Montreuil-sur-Mer
The beautiful city of Montreuil-sur-Mer is well worth taking the time to explore. Surrounded by majestic ramparts (which shelter a veritable colony of bats!) Built under the reign of Saint Louis in the 13th century, it notably houses an abbey, mansions and a superb Hôtel-Dieu founded in 1200. The citadel was built classified as historical monuments in 1926.
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