Where are you going? The Opal Coast in France. So where is that? Yes, everyone had to look that up next. The Opal Coast (French: Côte d'Opale) is located in the north of France, along the coast of the English Channel between Calais and Berck-sur-Mer and covers about 120km. The Opal Coast is best known for its impressive cliffs (Le Cap Blanc-Nez and Le Cap Gris-Nez) wild dunes, wide beaches and beautiful natural area. The Opal Coast is especially loved for its beautiful views over the sea, where on clear days you can see the coast of my beloved England. Here you will also find the famous seaside resorts of Le Touquet Paris Plage, Wimereux, Wissant, Hardelot and Boulonge Sur Mer. Slurping fresh oysters and eating mussels on the Opal Coast is great.
Opal Coast France
Bed and Breakfast Opal Coast
Moulin Moulin Maison d'hôtes - What a dreamy boutique stay. Really perfect. We spent a lovely weekend at Jérémy and Nicolas' beautifully stylishly decorated bed and breakfast.
Read all about the boutique B&B Moulin Moulin
Another (more expensive) alternative is Pieux Chambres d’hotes in Montreuil sur Mer.
Opal Coast France Villages
The most beautiful villages of the Opal Coast are Le Touquet Paris Plage, Wimereux and Wissant. If you have a bit more time, you might visit Boulogne Sur Mer, Montreuil sur mer, or the smaller fishing villages of Audresselles, Ambleteuse and Audighen.
Le Touquet Paris Plage, Opal Coast
Le Touqet Paris Plage is a haven for Parisians and is also known as Little Paris. You can also clearly see the influences of the English who have favoured this sea side resort. We were here in autumn, but in spring and summer you can certainly have fun in Le Touquet Paris-Plage with lots of sporting activities. Beach sailing, canoeing, supping, surfing, as well as golfing, horse riding and beautiful walks in nature.
Le Touquet Paris Plage main street is Rue St Jean. Rue de Metz, Rue Saint-Jean and Rue Saint-Louis are also populair streets with nice shops, restaurants and cafés. Another great activity to do is to visit the indoor market hall Marche Couvert on Rue Jean Monnet. On Saturday mornings there is a large (clothing) and food market.
A nice option for lunch is cafe Opaline.
A visit to the oldest and most famous fish restaurant Pérard in Le Touquet, should not be missed. This restaurant exudes that famous Parisian bistro chic and has a beautiful old-fashioned interior with lovely art deco lamps. We had fruits de mer. Be sure to make reservations as this restaurant is always fully booked. Next door to the restaurant you will find a trendy oyster bar where you can go without a reservation. Another option is Restaurant La Base Nord. Here you can also enjoy delicious seafood with views of the Baie de Canche.
The coffee bar and shop Q de bouteilles is a little bit out of the centre of Le Touquet and is located near the small airport. New crockery, glasses and vases are made from wine glasses.
Wimereux, Opal Coast
Wimereux is a lovely seaside resort with beautiful Belle Epoque villas and shopping streets with cute fashion boutiques. Nice shopping addresses are Au Voilier Blue for him, her and children.
At both La Maison Boheme and DATCHA boutique salon de thé, you'll find knick-knacks for your home and at the same time can also enjoy a coffee or tea in the café.
I bagni trattoria is a nice little Italian restaurant for pasta, pizza and salads. Dan's Truck was tipped several times. This street food truck in Wimeureux has delicious seafood dishes.
For restaurants, head to La dérive et L'entree de Digue, a restaurant with home-made dishes and fresh produce, on the Wimereux dyke with panoramic views of the sea, beach and dyke here too.
For an evening of fine dining you go to Restaurant Hôtel Atlantic. On the first floor you'll find the Michelin-starred restaurant La Liègeoise. On the ground floor, the hipster brasserie Aloze. You guessed it tight: fish, fish and more fish. We slurped delicious oysters and ate mussels at Brasserie Les Oyats overlooking the beach and the sea. Get delicious fresh ice cream scoops at Nicole Artisan Glacier.
Wissant, Opal Coast
Wissant is an old fishing village. Go for a drink at Beach Bar La Plage. Tasty pizzas are served at Pizzeria Chez Max. With a nice terrace, the restaurant has a rural countryside feel. Restaurant Gogaille in Wissant is located on the edge of the forest. Here you eat delicious seasonal dishes and receive a warm and friendly welcome.
Hardelot (-Plage), Opal Coast
Visit Château d'Hardelot. The car park next to the castle is also a starting point for several walks in the d'Écault forest and dunes, and offer various distances between 1.6km and 10.5km. At restaurant L'Océan Bistr'o de la Mer you can choose for three different ambiances with La Terrasse, Le Bistr'o or La Pergola.
Le P'tit Talmerier is an old-fashioned picture-perfect French bakery. Boucherie de la fontaine a fine butcher/traiteur. Shop at (fashion) boutique Moka.
Boulonge Sur Mer, Opal Coast
Boulogne Sur Mer is not the prettiest city on the Opal Coast. But if you are in the area, the old town with the big church and a walk on the city wall is a nice idea for the morning / afternoon. Have a beer or wine at La Cave de Monsieur Guy. Europe's largest aquarium, Nausicaa can also be found in Boulogne Sur Mer.
Nice Thing To Do Opal Coast
Visit the chalk cliffs of Les Deux Caps: Cap Gris-Nez & Cap Blanc-Nez. These two capes can't be missed and are universally cited as the highlight of the Opal Coast. They give you stunning views of the chalk cliffs and the French coast itself. On a clear day, you can also see the famous Dover chalk cliffs. For a walk at Cap Blanc Nez, park at the car park in the village of Escalles. If you have more time, you can start your walk to the top from Wissant across the beach. A 10-minute drive away, you will find the restaurant La Tablée in Peuplingues. This restaurant is a little moment of happiness with a warm and relaxed atmosphere. Here you eat 100% homemade and local food. Another must is restaurant La Sirène, a classic fish restaurant with, how could it be otherwise, panoramic views of the coast.
At the Bay of Authie, you can also enjoy hiking and seal spotting. The bay is one of the few places in northern France where seal colonies can be seen.
Visit the authentic fishing village of Audresselles and its Antikwall museum, the village of Ambleteuse or the village of Audighen where you can enjoy a delicious meal at restaurant Les Margats de Raoul.
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