Drawn by its vast sandy beaches and increasingly mild climate, you are planning to spend a weekend on the Opal Coast with your family. But what to do on the Opal Coast for two days with family? If you are still wondering about the places to visit and the activities to do, this article is for you!
We have prepared the ideal program for a successful family weekend on the Opal Coast (museums, recreational, cultural or sporting activities, coastal discovery, and hotels).
The Opal Coast offers miles of coastline brimming with curiosities, fishing villages, hiking trails, and cliffs. The Opal Coast is the trending destination for upcoming summers that remains affordable at present.
Saturday: Discover the Must-See Locations of the Opal Coast
Admire Its Landscapes
The coastline stretches from Montreuil to Dunkirk and offers varied and sometimes rugged terrain. The Two Capes site perfectly illustrates this diversity. From the top of Cap Gris Nez, you may be able to see the English coast if the weather is clear. On the vast beach of Cap Blanc Nez, a limestone wall 134 meters high rises before you. These two sites, located less than 10 km apart, constitute one of the emblematic sites of the Caps et Marais d’Opale Regional Natural Park, and one of the most attractive in northern France.
Book Your Introductory Flight in Calais
Are you more of a thrill-seeker and wish to gain altitude to visit the Opal Coast? Board a two-seater aircraft with a passionate instructor for an introductory flight over the Pas-de-Calais and its coastline. From the sky, you will be able to admire the cliffs, beaches, and all these wonderful places that form the Opal Coast.
Stroll Through the Gardens of Nausicaá
This tree-lined enclave offers a setting for walks, rest, and leisure, thanks to the bandstand, a rustic stage dedicated to open-air concerts. The former casino has now given way to the Nausicaá National Sea Centre, which has become the largest aquarium in Europe. Nausicaá, the National Sea Centre, is a marine environment discovery center that opened in 1991. It is the second most visited tourist site north of Paris. Nausicaá is more than an aquarium, with a mission to raise public awareness about preserving its treasures.
Enjoy a Gourmet Lunch at a Starred Restaurant
The Opal Coast is also a land of gastronomy; the recently released Red Guide lists these coastal gems. La Liégeoise in Wimereux, Le Pavillon in Le Touquet, Haut Bonheur de la Table in Cassel, and L’Auberge du Vert Mont in Boeschepe retain their stars, while La Grenouillère in La Madelaine-sous-Montreuil maintains its two stars.
Numerous restaurants along the promenades and coasts will offer you a range of local specialties for smaller budgets. You will find traditional seafood platters, moules-frites, sugar tarts, and craft beers on the terraces of these restaurants.
Book Your Dinner Show at the Cabaret de Licques
Prepare to experience a cabaret evening themed around glamour and glitter. Book your dinner show by choosing the package of your choice. Let yourself be transported into the magical world of the Cabaret de Licques. Children may of course attend the show, which is suitable for all audiences. Enjoy a dinner prepared with the finest local products—Licques poultry and other local delicacies will delight your palate. Our aim is to provide you with the very best while watching the “Fantastic” revue: a show worthy of the greatest Parisian cabarets. To offer your loved ones a magical evening, also consider the Cabaret gift card from Licques.
Sunday: Visit Your Children's Favorite Places
Spend the Day on the Most Renowned Beach of the Opal Coast
This fine sandy beach is one of the most beautiful on the Opal Coast and even in France! Wissant displays its jewel, an endless beach adjoining the bay. Lay down your towels and remember to protect yourself from the sun’s rays. At low tide, the beach is enormous and allows children to bathe in very shallow pools of water. Conversely, at high tide, there is less space to walk on the sand.
Explore the Trails of the Caps et Marais d'Opale Natural Park
The Opal Coast has numerous hiking trails. The natural park extends over 154 municipalities between Calais, Saint-Omer, and Boulogne-sur-Mer. It is filled with small paths accessible to all. Hiking, trail running, mountain biking—the whole family will find something to enjoy. Take advantage of your stay to go on a coastal hike on the GR120 to discover Sangatte, Calais, Escalles, Wissant, Wimereux, Boulogne-sur-Mer, Hardelot, Le Touquet, Berck-sur-Mer, etc.
Taste the Confections of Succès Berckois
Hard candy, anise, candy apples, or caramel… Upon entering this century-old confectionery, children will display delighted smiles. This is where a small candy that gave its name to the shop has been made for several generations: the Succès Berckois. Your wallet may not withstand all your sugar cravings. For even more outing ideas, we have prepared a selection of the 10 most unusual places on the Opal Coast.
Where to Stay on the Opal Coast?
The coastal region offers numerous places to spend the night—gîtes, hotels, bed and breakfasts, Airbnb. The range is wide and your choice will not be easy; however, it is essential to plan your trip:
- Know the points of interest on the Opal Coast to choose where to stay and adapt your accommodation accordingly.
- Take into account the size of the region, and knowing the duration of your stay in an area allows you to optimize your choice.
Do not hesitate to consult our selection of the finest accommodations near the Cabaret de Licques to ensure the success of your weekend on the Opal Coast. Did you love the Opal Coast? Take your whole family for a more recreational outing by visiting the crypt of the Notre-Dame Basilica in Boulogne-sur-Mer. Rediscover the weaving trades by visiting the International City of Lace and Fashion in Calais. Relax by spending the day at Bagatelle Park in Merlimont. This week will surely delight the children!
