Expand your horizons

La Cote d'Opale is a breathtaking 120km stretch of fine sandy beaches, sparkling waters and imposing cliffs that runs all the way from Dunkerque to Berck-sur-Mer. Water-sports of every kind are well catered for, from surfing and sailing to sand-yachting and speed sailing.

The region offers plenty of opportunities to hike, horse ride along the beach or take a bicycle along one of the many popular trails. Cap Blanc Nez and Cap Gris Nez are protected areas of outstanding natural beauty, where walkers can enjoy breathtaking views across the Channel. On a clear day, you can see all the way to England!

Golf en Côte d'Opale

La Côte d'Opale is also a golfer's paradise, with no less than eight top notch 18-hole golf courses to choose from. Each enjoys a different setting but all of the nine 18 hole courses are within the same area offering a wide variety of challenges and landscapes. Nampont - Saint-Martin, Le Touquet, Hardelot, Wimereux, Belle Dune, Abbeville, Dunkerque, Arras and St Omer are all members of the Golf en Côte d'Opale association but several other golf courses are situated further inland around Arras and Lille. For further details and information on the golf pass take a look at the comprehensive dedicated web site on www.golfencotedopale.com

Sand-Yachting

Historically it would appear that the first recorded use of a sand-yacht was in ancient Egypt, however, the very first sand-yacht in France was known as an 'aéroplage' and was the invention of Louis Blériot the famous WWI pilot and daredevil who was also the first man to fly the Channel from Calais (Blériot village) to Dover in 1919.

The world speed record of over 150km per hour is held by Bertrand Lambert who is from Berck-sur-Mer. Since the days when Blériot ruled the sands alone, sand-yacthing has become a widely practised local sport on the long sandy beaches for which the area is famous. At low tide the sea retreats so far that the vast stretches of beach that are left exposed offer an ideal playground for speed-sailing (standing) and sand-yachting (in an horizontal position).

Whatever your age or your level of expertise the Opal Coast offers a safe environment with numerous schools in many of the resorts.

Beginners courses and private lessons are available in 7 different clubs from Dunkerque to Berck-sur-Mer, waterproof clothing and helmets are provided by most clubs, it is advised to wear training shoes and have a change of clothes nevertheless. So why not give in to the exhilaration of speed and wind!

Fly-Surfing

Fly-surfing is the latest thrilling water-sport, halfway between kite-flying and windsurfing and combining the attractions of waterskiing and aerial acrobatics. Already, this new sport is attracting large numbers of devotees of funboarding, kiteflying and surfing. For newcomers to this white-knuckle sport, it is necessary to have lessons with an instructor organised from the local Tourist Office. This gives the opportunity of practising first of all on sand before taking to the skies. More experienced surfers can just hire the board and kite-flying equipment.

Sea fishing

You can try your hand at sea-fishing on board 'Le ville d'Etaples' in Etaples-sur-Mer. For the seasick, surfcasting is a good alternative way of fishing your own meal.

The sea has landed!

France's National Sea Discovery Centre, Nausicaa, in Boulogne-sur-Mer is an international landmark which enables visitors to dive into the different oceans of the world without getting wet! Come nose to nose with sharks, meet the African penguins, watch the sea lions' ballet, marvel at the colours of the coral reef! www.nausicaa.fr

If you would like to know how the professionals fish, why not pop in to Maréis in Etaples-sur- Mer where the mysteries of life on the ocean wave are revealed in a fun hands on display with aquariums and replicas of a dock-side, a trawler and much more. www.mareis.fr

More information

Comite Departemental De Tourisme Du Pas De Calais
Route de la Trésorerie
62126 WIMILLE
Tel: +33 (0)321 10 34 60
www.uk.pas-de-calais.com


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