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Having left the Opal Coast a few years ago now, I still find myself returning from time to time. But this visit was a little different. I decided to fully embrace being a tourist and share my experience of this beautiful corner of France that I still love just as much as ever.

Day One: Beach, lighthouse, and welsh rarebit

This time, I set off to explore the Opal Coast on my own. I left my little dog and my partner at home for two days of complete disconnection, ready to wander around a region I know well but wanted to rediscover with fresh eyes.

For this first day, I was incredibly lucky with the weather. Bright blue skies, sparkling water, and perfect conditions for enjoying the beach. My destination was Le Portel, a charming seaside town just next to Boulogne-sur-Mer. With its sandy beach and peaceful atmosphere, Le Portel has been a popular destination since the 19th century, and it's easy to see why. The town has managed to keep its simple and authentic character.

From the beach, you can spot the ruins of Fort de l'Heurt sitting on a rocky outcrop offshore. The fort was built under Napoleon to defend the coast against the English, and today it remains a beloved local landmark. At low tide, you'll sometimes see brave locals heading out there to fish or collect mussels.

I checked into l'hôtel Le Flobart, juste au bord de la plage. Ma chambre donne directement sur la mer et le fort… une vue de carte postale. Avec le soleil qui tape, on sent vraiment que l'été approche.

located right on the seafront. My room overlooked both the sea and the fort, a true postcard-worthy view. With the sunshine pouring in, it genuinely felt like summer was just around the corner.

After settling in, I laced up my walking shoes and headed towards Cap d'Alprech. This coastal walk along the cliffs offers breathtaking views at every turn. The sea, the lighthouse, the dramatic coastline... even if hiking isn't usually your thing, this walk is easy and absolutely worth it. A quirky little bonus: along the way, you'll come across a house entirely decorated with seashells.

I returned to the hotel later that evening, but there was no way I was ending the day without treating myself. I had dinner at the hotel's restaurant and ordered a salmon welsh accompanied by a nice pint of beer. It was hearty, delicious, and the perfect way to finish my first day.

Day Two: Fish, ramparts, and a sunset by the sea

I started the morning slowly with breakfast at the hotel. Fresh pastries, freshly squeezed orange juice, and a hot coffee. Simple, but absolutely delightful.

A useful tip: even if you're not staying at the hotel, you can still come for breakfast, and honestly, it's worth it.

That morning, I was surprised to meet a group of Greek tourists visiting Le Portel. I found it both touching and fascinating that people had traveled so far to discover our region. It really shows that the Opal Coast is starting to gain international attention.

Next stop: Nausicaá, in Boulogne-sur-Mer. It's not just the largest aquarium in Europe, it's also a place deeply committed to ocean conservation and environmental awareness. Every section encourages visitors to better understand and protect marine life.

Between the rays, jellyfish, sharks, penguins, and enormous tanks, it's easy to spend several hours completely captivated.

After the visit, I stopped for lunch at Nausicaá's restaurant and went for a classic northern French meal: moules-frites. It's not fine dining, but it's perfectly decent and convenient when you want to eat without leaving the site.

💸 Entry price: between €25 and €30. Personally, I found it a little expensive.

In the afternoon, I continued exploring Boulogne-sur-Mer's old town.

It's one of my favorite places in the area. The medieval ramparts surround a historic center full of charm, with cobbled streets, independent shops, and iconic landmarks such as the cathedral and the castle museum.

You can truly feel the history everywhere you go. To end the day, I returned to the hotel and settled onto the beach to watch a stunning sunset over the sea.

It was one of those moments of complete peace and gratitude.

Afterward, I quietly planned the next stage of my little getaway.

Day Three: A sunday of markets, wandering, and ice cream

It's Sunday, and I begin the day at the market along Quai Gambetta in Boulogne-sur-Mer.

I love markets. They're one of the best ways to experience local life and discover regional products. And if you happen to know any great markets in Northern France or Belgium, I'd love your recommendations!

Next, I headed to Wimereux, one of the most beautiful towns on the Opal Coast. I adore this place for its colorful houses and authentic charm.

The seafront promenade stretches for about 1.5 kilometers and offers magnificent views across the English Channel. Lined with its famous blue-and-white beach huts, it's the perfect place for a leisurely walk by the sea. I spent some time wandering through the streets, where every house feels like a little architectural gem. Wimereux is a true seaside resort that attracts many visitors every year, particularly from Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

And of course, there was no way I was leaving without enjoying an ice cream on the promenade. It's practically a local tradition.

Before heading home, I took a final stroll down Rue Carnot, with its charming shops and independent boutiques.

I know the Opal Coast is about much more than just these three towns, but for a relatively short weekend and to keep driving to a minimum, this felt like the perfect itinerary.

I genuinely wish the Opal Coast, and Northern France in general, received more recognition for its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and incredible food.

It's always a pleasure to rediscover my home region because sometimes you don't need to travel far to feel like you're on holiday and create wonderful memories without going to the other side of the world.

Ana from New Escapade

Pssst... all the photos in this article are my own. 📸