Opal Coast
The French Opal Coast is a popular destination for organised groups, offering a wide range of sightseeing opportunities and activities inspired by the region’s rich history and strong maritime heritage.
PLACES TO VISIT
Montreuil
A pretty medieval walled town with picturesque cobbled streets, 13th century citadel and superb views from the town’s ramparts. An ideal location to combine with your visit to the Chocolaterie in Beussent.
Boulogne sur Mer
The ancient historic town is France’s premier fishing port and the capital of the ’Cote d’Opale’. Situated about 25 minutes drive from Calais, Boulogne offers a blend of the old and the new.
Desvres Pottery
The lively market town of Desvres has been famous for centuries for the manufacture of decorated ceramics. For anyone interested in pottery and seeing skilled craftspeople at work, Desvres is well worth a visit!
Nausicaa
The Sea Life Centre in Boulogne is Europe’s largest complex devoted to the marine universThis is an educational visit with a difference where you will come face to face with more than 10,000 fish, terrifying sharks and sea lions.
Le Touquet
A popular seaside resort just over an hour’s drive from Calais. Fine sandy beach, a good shopping centre and the Aqualud waterland adventure park.
Agincourt
In 1415, on fields near the village of Azincourt, the English army, led by King Henry V, crushed the French army even though the English were outnumbered by at least three to one. Standing on this historic site of the battle, is the recently opened Medieval Centre.
Bagatelle Theme Park
Popular, fun environment set in attractive woods and hills with imaginative rides, including many ‘white knuckle’ rides and breathtaking experiences, a zoo and gentler rides for younger children.
Itinerary Example
3-Day Opal Coast
The Opal Coast (Côte d'Opale) is the ideal destination for primary and lower-secondary schools, and cultural travellers. Located just minutes from the port of Calais, it combines short travel times and low logistics with high-impact learning in French language, coastal geography, and regional culture.
Day 1: Crossing & French Culinary Immersion (MFL & Food Technology)
Day 1
Morning: Depart your organisation by executive coach for an early ferry or Eurotunnel crossing to Calais.
Afternoon: Visit a traditional French boulangerie (bakery). travellers take a hands-on workshop with a master baker, learning artisanal baking techniques and practicing conversational French during a tasting session.
Evening: Transfer to your seaside accommodation centre. Check-in, unpack, and enjoy a group dinner, followed by teacher-led beach activities.
Day 2: Coastal Geography & Marine Conservation (Geography, Science & MFL)
Day 2
Morning: Explore the dramatic chalk cliffs at Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez to study coastal erosion, landforms, and the geography of the English Channel.
Midday: Visit Boulogne-sur-Mer for a town trail and market challenge, giving travellers real-world practice ordering food and speaking French with local stallholders.
Afternoon: Tour Nausicaá Sea Centre—Europe’s largest aquarium—for interactive workshops on marine ecosystems, ocean conservation, and climate change.
Evening: Group dinner at the accommodation, followed by a French crêpe-making demonstration or team quiz night.
Day 3: Regional Heritage & Homeward Journey (Cultural Studies & MFL)
Day 3
Morning: Check out after breakfast. Visit a local chocolaterie or traditional confectionery factory to observe regional production methods and sample fresh French sweets.
Afternoon: Stroll the seaside promenade at Le Touquet-Paris-Plage before heading to Calais for your return channel crossing.
Evening: Arrive back at your organisation.
PLACE TO STAY
Hippotel
A pretty medieval walled town with picturesque cobbled streets, 13th century citadel and superb views from the town’s ramparts. An ideal location to combine with your visit to the Chocolaterie in Beussent.