Opal Coast

The rolling fields of the Opal Coast are swathed with red poppies and the coastline itself is a mixture of traditional fishing villages and seaside resorts. Both of these factors are pertinent to school parties and provide a varied list of excursions and activities for students. The Opal Coast is very close to the UK and perfect for studying history, geography and practising language skills.

The Opal Coast by coach*

Day 1: Leave your school in the morning and head to the most convenient UK port. Arrive at your accommodation; unpack and explore before evening meal.
Day 2: Your first day incorporates the significant sites of the Somme including: Vimy Ridge, Thiepval Memorial and
Historial de la Grande Guerre.
Day 3: Travel along the coastline and explore the seaside towns and beaches of Le
Crotoy, Le Touquet and Berck-Plage.
Day 4: Visit Nausicaa Sea Life Centre in the morning and the fish markets and old town of Boulogne in the afternoon.
Day 5: Depart your accommodation after breakfast with a packed lunch ready for the return crossing.

Educational Value: History • Geography• Modern Foreign Languages • Cross-curricular activities

Recommended Excursions

Le Touquet
This stylish seaside resort is well known for its wide sandy beaches and traditional market area. Another major attraction is Aqualud which is a superb leisure centre complete with swimming pool, water slides and jacuzzis. Nausicaa Sea Life Centre This wonderful walk-through exhibit presents the underwater world of the North Sea and displays the creatures and threats to the environment. There is also a multi-million pound tropical lagoon complete with natural inhabitants.

Thiepval Memorial
This is the largest British memorial in the world and has the names of 73,367 British and Commonwealth soldiers who were reported
missing in action in the Somme during July 1916 and March 1918.

Historial de la Grande Guerre
One of the bloodiest battles ever to take place occurred during WWI at the Somme. This museum covers the events that led up to the
war and the devastating aftermath.

Azincourt Medieval Centre
This fascinating exhibition consists of various weaponry displays, multi-media tours and interactive experiences to help students learn
about the battlefields and the origins of the One Hundred Year War.

Vimy Ridge
During WWI many Canadian soldiers lost their lives trying to recapture Vimy Ridge, this proved to be a turning point for the Allies. The
trenches and tunnels have been restored to tell the soldiers’ tale.

Hippotel
Set within the forest near the Canche Estuary and Le Touquet, this hotel has a full range of activities and facilities making it ideal for
school groups.

Facilities:
• Cabin & apartment accommodation
• All with private facilities
• Teachers’terrace bar
• Free internet access
• Meeting rooms • Restaurant • Buffet
breakfast • Games room • Tennis courts
• Horse riding • Golf course

*The highlighted itinerary is entirely flexible to suit your group’s educational and recreational needs.
For more details regarding excursions, prices and alternative activities contact us on: 01273 320993.