School trips to Opal Coast

Why visit Opal Coast?

The perfect introduction to France

For those wishing to stay slightly closer to home, the Opal Coast region is always a popular choice and is ideal for school trips to France.

The Opal Coast stretches from the border with Picardie to the border with Belgium. Given its name by local artist Édouard Lévêque due to its distinctive light quality, this is a region of small fishing villages, hidden coves and bustling market towns.

Most who arrive in Calais shoot off immediately to other parts of France, but they’re missing out on an incredible hidden gem. The rolling dunes and traditional towns are real delights that remain free of the tourist hordes.

On a clear day, you’ll be able to see England across the Channel, helping your students to understand how close we really are to our Gallic neighbours. After all, it was from here that Julius Caesar sailed in 55 BC to conquer Britain. And it was from these cliffs that the Germans pointed their guns across the Channel during WW2. 

The short journey times from the UK really are a huge advantage for school groups, especially if you’re short on time or budget, or have a younger group. And the (relative) lack of tourists makes the Opal Coast the perfect choice for any school trip, whether you’re here to practise your French on a French school trip or learn more about the delicious food on a food technology school trip.

Great variety of activities

Whether you visit Calais, Boulogne or Le Touquet, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to activities. And you can spend time on one of the lovely beaches or experience the atmosphere at one of the local markets.

For French primary and secondary school groups, there are plenty of opportunities to speak French with the locals. And here (unlike some of the more 'touristy' destinations), your students will discover what life's really like in France. They’ll find that the friendly locals, who are in less of a hurry than their counterparts in the cities, will have time to stop and chat with your students. 

For food technology groups (and any groups that love food) there are some great visits. You could try escargot at a snail farm, or visit a traditional French bakery to learn about the importance of bread in French cuisine (and culture). You could even visit a sweet factory or learn about the art of chocolate-making from a master chocolatier.

There are theme parks for adrenaline junkies, miles of sandy beaches, a world-class aquarium (Nausicaa in Boulogne) and historical sites too, such as La Coupole, where students can learn about life in the area under Nazi occupation.  

Enjoy an unforgettable taste of France!

While you’re on the Opal Coast, make sure you don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy some of the delicious treats that the region is famous for.

In Boulogne-sur-Mer, you can visit a traditional sweet factory, where you’ll learn how the sweets are made and, of course, you will have the chance to try some!

And in Beussent, you can visit a chocolaterie where your students will learn about the history of cocoa and chocolate and, again, will enjoy some free samples.