Spotlight on Opal Coast: A taste of France’s culinary, linguistic, and historical heritage
With its dramatic cliffs, charming towns, and rich history, the Opal Coast is an exceptional destination for a school trip just across the English Channel. Whether your students are exploring the intricate details of French gastronomy, immersing themselves in the local language, or delving into the significant events of the First World War, the Opal Coast offers a broad range of educational experiences. With visits to chocolate makers, historical battlefields, and the stunning natural landscapes, this region provides the perfect backdrop for a truly immersive learning journey.
At Equity, we’re here to help you create a seamless and rewarding itinerary tailored to your group’s educational goals. In this blog, we’ll explore the learning objectives your students can achieve on the Opal Coast, suggest free activities to enrich your schedule, and provide an overview of the typical costs you can expect. With so much on offer, the Opal Coast promises an unforgettable and enriching experience for your students.
Learning objectives covered by an Opal Coast school trip
Food technology
Teach students how the quality of raw ingredients contributes to the final product on a food technology trip to the Opal Coast, where your group can enjoy several culinary tours in French manufacturing plants and factories. They’ll love our excursions to an expert chocolate maker, a local bakery and a snail farm, where they’ll learn the professional chef secrets of cooking French delicacies before being invited for an optional tasting session. With so many types of food demonstrations on offer, your students are guaranteed to return with an improved knowledge of French gastronomy.
French language
A short sojourn across the channel offers a great learning opportunity for language students, who can deepen their linguistic skills through various excursions on the Opal Coast. Exploring the local cheese farm, ordering from restaurant menus and visiting battlefields all offer your group the opportunity to develop their vocabulary and understanding of French culture.
History
Give your history students an extensive view of the events of the First World War with our school trip to the Opal Coast. Subject to intense fighting during The Great War, the region as a result is home to several memorials, cemeteries and museums, which contextualise classroom learnings and help your group develop their understanding of these tragic events.
Free things to do in Opal Coast for schools
With its stunning coastal landscapes and charming towns, the Opal Coast offers numerous free attractions and activities that are suitable for school groups. Here are some suggestions for your trip:
Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez
The iconic cliffs of Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez offer breathtaking views of the English Channel, offering a great opportunity for students to appreciate the natural beauty of the region and learn about coastal geography.
Wissant beach
Enjoy the wide sandy beaches of Wissant, where you and your students can enjoy a walk amid the stunning coastal environment.
Fort Mahon beach
Another picturesque beach along the Opal Coast, close to Berck-sur-Mer, Fort Mahon provides a serene setting for students to relax and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.
Old Town of Boulogne-sur-Mer
Wander through the historic Old Town of Boulogne-sur-Mer before paying a visit to the fortifications and castle – some of the best preserved examples of medieval architecture in France – that surround it.
Beach activities in Le Touquet-Paris-Plage
Le Touquet-Paris-Plage offers a wide range of activities across its wide beach, including watersports, swimming, and sunbathing – perfect for relaxing after a day of learning.
Audresselles beach
Visit the quaint village of Audresselles and its beach, offering a peaceful setting for students to unwind and enjoy the coastal ambiance.
Coastal walks and hikes
Take advantage of the coastal trails and walking paths along the Opal Coast. Here, students can enjoy scenic hikes, observe local flora and fauna, and reflect upon the learning outcomes of their trip.
Remember to check the local regulations, opening hours, and any specific guidelines for these attractions, as policies may change.
How much do every day items cost in Opal Coast (2025)?
Prices based on Dunquerque (Dunkirk):
- Single bus ticket: free between Gravelines and the Belgian border
- Coffee: €4
- Burger and fries in a fast food restaurant: €12
- French baguette at a local bakery: €2
- Croissant from a local bakery: €2
Ready to book your school trip to Opal Coast?
A school trip to the Opal Coast presents an array of educational opportunities, from tasting the delights of French cuisine to deepening language skills and exploring the poignant history of the First World War. The region’s natural beauty and numerous free attractions also make it an accessible and budget-friendly choice for schools, allowing your students to experience the best of what northern France has to offer. Whether focusing on food technology, language acquisition, or history, the Opal Coast promises to leave a lasting impression on your students and enrich their understanding of the world around them.
To find out more about our school trips to Opal Coast, or enquire about booking a school trip, please call us on 01273 648248. You can also fill out our webform, and our school trip experts will get back to you as soon as we can.
