The Opal Coast

The Côte d'Opale, or the Opal Coast, is a coastal strip in the north of France. For many an ideal holiday destination and perfect for a road trip because it has so much beauty to offer. In this news item we tell you more about what exactly it has to offer and how the name Opal Coast actually came about.

Picturesque fishing villages and rugged coastlines

The coast stretches from Calais to Berck-sur-Mer and is 120 kilometers long, full of numerous picturesque fishing villages and sandy beaches. The coastline also consists of large areas of chalk cliffs. These are high, steep limestone rocks formed by the sea and wind. You will also find extensive green fields with dune grass and colorful flowers.

The name Opal Coast was first mentioned by the writer and painter Édouard Lévêque in 1911. He made the comparison between the opal and the coast. The gemstone can change in all kinds of colors, which would correspond to the landscape consisting of the blue water, light-colored beach and the white chalk cliffs.

A piece of history and Battery Todt

Along the coast you will also find some historic buildings and monuments from the first and second world wars. Because the mainland near Calais is so close to England, it played a major role during the wars. Therefore, during the Second World War, some bunkers along the coast were built by the Germans. For example, that of Battery Todt, near the village of Audinghen. Because the location was so favorable, the shells could even reach England. The battery is now a museum and can therefore be visited up close.

Street-Art murals Boulogne-sur-Mer

In addition to recreation, the Opal Coast is also ideal for photographing. Because the landscape is so diverse, you can come home with a lot of creative pictures. Not only the nature is interesting to capture, but also the artistic side of the Opal Coast should not be forgotten. Boulogne-sur-Mer is the street art capital of Northern France. You will find several colorful murals scattered throughout the village. With the street art walk you walk past all the works of art, as if it were an open-air museum. Because it is so popular, there is now an annual festival where street artists can enjoy themselves again and expand the collection.

Photography tour Opal Coast

Would you like to visit the Opal Coast yourself and learn to take beautiful pictures? Then the 5-day photography trip to the Côte d’Opale may be something for you!

During this photography trip we will start shooting with a long shutter speed, we will use the beautiful sunrises and sunsets, you will learn to capture the street art paintings beautifully and we will visit the hidden gems along the coast. Also not to be missed are the two impressive capes Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Griz-Nez. We also travel in small groups, so you can expect a lot of personal guidance.

Let’s click!