Science school trips to the Opal Coast

Students will love the interactive elements of this brilliant aquarium, where they can feel the rough texture of a ray’s back and watch penguins gulping down their dinner – all within the space of an hour! With 1,600 different species, Europe’s largest aquarium is a fantastic resource for developing an understanding of marine ecology and conservation issues.

Combine the discovery of Nausicaá with an unforgettable educational cruise aboard the Vent d’Opale. On this excursion, pupils don’t just learn about the sea – they explore it for real. Guided by Nausicaá’s scientific mediators, students experience coastal geography, marine biodiversity and environmental challenges directly at sea, in a safe and fully supervised setting.

The Platier d’Oye Nature Reserve protects coastal dunes, wetlands, and migratory bird habitats along northern France’s Opal Coast. Here, students can study coastal ecosystems, bird migration routes, and conservation strategies while observing wildlife in one of the region’s key protected environments.

These dramatic chalk headlands overlook the Strait of Dover and offer excellent opportunities to study coastal geography. Students can examine cliff erosion, geological formations, and the strategic importance of this coastline during historic conflicts and maritime navigation.

A major Roman port for trade and communication, Boulogne-sur-Mer is a popular coastal city in Northern France you’ll be at no loss for things to discover. The city has changed hands several times across its millennia of history, and even today reflects its rule under England and Germany. Don’t miss the city’s 12th-century belfry, which is UNESCO-listed, and the marine conservation centre Nausicaa – an excursion we know students will love.

A seaside haven for school groups, Berck sur Mer has a wide variety of activities to provide the perfect beach visit. From its charming old-fashioned carousel and a mini electric car track to Mambo Mini Golf and a go-kart track, Berck has something for students of any age; we know they’ll love some down-time here.

With its foray of watersports, artistic heritage and picturesque setting, Le Touquet is a long-time favourite of Equity staff, and we can’t wait to share its charm with you and your students. With far-reaching views of the sea and countryside, the lighthouse of Phare Le Touquet is a particular highlight, as well as the Musée du Touquet and art deco Covered Market.

Enter the tiny world of the snail with a visit to a snail farm, where school groups can watch the gastropods’ antennae see, taste and explore. Students will investigate the molluscs’ adaptations and life cycle, from egg-hatching in the spring to winter hibernation, and learn about the importance of snail production in traditional French cuisine.

Step back in time and let your students discover the legendary battles of the Hundred Years War at the Agincourt Medieval History Centre. One of the last remaining battlefields of the war, Agincourt tells the tale of the eponymous battle of 1415, in which the English army (led by King Henry V) defeated the French forces.

School groups will love discovering the chemistry of chocolate at this amazing chocolatier on the Opal Coast. Here, students can watch as the delicacy is heated, stirred, moulded and decorated into a fabulous display of novelty shapes. We recommend sampling the dark, rich chocolate of at least 70% cocoa – a contrast from the familiar milk chocolate we find on UK shelves.

Master biscuit makers demonstrate their craft on this excursion, sharing the stages of how biscuits are made  – from selecting high‑quality ingredients, through mixing, shaping and baking. Finish your visit with a tasting and a visit to the on-site biscuit shop.