Boulogne/Côte d’Opale

The Côte d’Opale, including Boulogne, is an ideal destination for school day trips and tours, and offers an excellent introduction to the French language, culture and way of life.

We have worked with our partners in this area for many years and have a wide variety of school excursions and school visits, some of which are exclusive to us. Whether it is bonbons, baguettes, chocolats or fromages which takes your fancy, we have a quintessentially French excursion for you to visit! You will see how the produce is made, and in most cases will receive a little free taster and a chance to buy some tasty treats. Otherwise, why not make your own crêpes at one of our partner restaurants or have a casse-croûte for a truly French experience?

Begin your school day trip or tour with a typical French breakfast in Calais, before heading to one of the region’s many attractions, including Boulogne-sur-Mer. This interesting town has a rich maritime heritage, and is full of opportunities for your pupils to explore and practice their French language skills. From the old-world charm of the ancient walled town to the bustling modern fishing port, Boulogne is a city of contrasts and an enthralling microcosm of life in twenty-first century France. Further down the coast lies the beautiful Le Touquet Paris-Plage, a grand sea-side town bathed in its own timeless elegance. Next to Le Touquet you will find the pretty fishing village of Etaples, while further inland there is the Montreuil-sur-Mer, a historical walled town which in spite of its name now sits nearly twenty kilometers from the sea.

The Côte d’Opale offers excellent value-for-money, and as the nearest region to the United Kingdom is easily accessible by coach. This makes it the obvious choice for younger secondary school and primary school groups, and we will tailor-make your day trip or tour to meet your exact requirements and learning objectives. Contact us today and let your journey to the Côte d’Opale begin!

Boulangerie

A boulangerie is at the heart of every French village, and this ever-popular visit shows pupils how French breads and pastries are made in a traditional family bakery. Groups are given demonstrations by the friendly and knowledgeable staff, and will each receive a freshly baked product to enjoy.

Chocolaterie

Immerse your group in the mouthwatering world of chocolate at a local chocolaterie, and discover the many sizes, shapes and varieties of chocolate which are made in the traditional French manner. Your visit will end with an opportunity for your group to buy as much chocolate as it can carry, and is a must-have excursion for children and life-long chocaholics alike!

Parc Bagatelle

This uniquely French theme park, just south of Le Touquet, offers something for everyone. From carousels to water rides, and petit trains to roller coasters, this park is sure to thrill your pupils, whatever their age and interest. Please click here to visit their website.

Nausicaa

The national aquarium of France, Nausicaa has a commanding position overlooking Boulogne’s beautiful beach, and provides visitors with a fascinating insight into marine life. The centre is home to sea lions, penguins and even sharks, and pupils are given many opportunities to see the marvels of life under the sea! Classrooms and workshops are also available, and pupils will leave with a richer understanding of the underwater eco-system and its fragile balance. Please click here to visit their website.

Of course, the above and following excursions are only a sample. We will tailor make your tour to engage with your exact learning requirements, and our information packs contain details of our extensive excursion package. Why not contact us now to request more information?

We can cater to any requirements which you may have, and work with a number of centres and hotels throughout the Côte d’Opale, inlcuding:

Hippotel

Situated in peaceful woodlands close to the attractive and extremely popular town of Le Touquet, Hippotel is ideally adapted to your needs for a school trip to the Opal Coast and always receives excellent feedback from our groups! The hotel has 62 rooms sleeping 2-4 people, as well as 9 apartments to sleep up to 6. Staff are roomed in twin or single rooms, all with private facilities. As well as a restaurant serving traditional meals, there is a games room, meeting room, bar and plenty of green space nearby. Please click here to visit their website.

Village de Vacances Stella Maris

Located in spacious grounds, on the outskirts of the lovely resort of Stella Plage with its beautiful golden sands, this centre is a firm favourite with youth groups visiting the Côte d’Opale. Purpose-built for groups, this centre comprises 85 en-suite rooms with 1-4 beds, including 3 suitable for guests with reduced mobility. As well as the on-site restaurant guests can enjoy a video room, games room with pool, table football and ping pong, library, tennis courts and plenty of space for outdoor games. Please click here to visit their website.

Aurberge de Jeunesse, Boulogne

Conveniently located between the port and Old Town, with the Nausicaa Sealife Centre nearby, this ideally adapted centre, formerly a 2* hotel, will offer school groups a warm welcome. The centre has 43 rooms all with private facilities, mostly with 3-4 beds, with teaching staff in twins and singles. There is a TV/video room, meeting room, bar area and pool table for evening entertainment as well as a large dining room. Please click here to visit their website.