A school trip rich in culture, history and discovery on your doorstep
Just across the Channel, the picturesque Opal Coast offers an accessible introduction to French culture, language, history and geography.
From bustling markets and seaside towns to wartime heritage sites and hands-on educational visits, our cross-curricular school trips to the Opal Coast provide a rewarding experience for your students.
Trip Highlights
Practicing French at a local market
Understanding conflict at the V2 Rocket base of La Coupole
Taking part in a traditional French Pastry Workshop
Meeting the sea lions at Nausicaa Sea Centre
Itinerary suggestion
1 Depart school in your coach
2 Channel crossing to Calais-journey time from Calais about 1 hour
3 Chocolate manufacturer then spend time in Le Touquet
4 Evening meal
1 Breakfast and packed lunch
2 Local market visit
3 Boulogne and Nausicaa sea centre
4 Evening meal
1 Breakfast and packed lunch
2 Bread making at the Boulangerie
3 La Coupole History Centre
4 Evening meal
1 Breakfast and packed lunch
2 Azincourt battle site and history centre
3 Channel crossing
4 Arrive at school
Recommended excursions
Boulogne
The largest fishing port in France this lively town has weekly markets on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. The historic old town retains its ramparts, a castle museum and the impressive Notre Dame Basilica. The Nausicaa Centre on the sea-front is popular with groups and indoor swimming and bowling are also available.
Nausicaa National Sea Centre
Nausicaa in Boulogne presents an underwater world and displays a variety of sea creatures and explores the threats to the marine environment. Students can find out more about deep sea fishing, basking sharks and stingrays and there are lots of educational and hands-on exhibits.
La Coupole History Centre and Planetarium
The immense bunker was built during WWII as a V2 rocket base with the intention of sending rockets to destroy London. A History centre inside the bunker has exhibitions on the V2, the French Resistance and a Memorial to those deported by the Nazis from the region. V2 technology was later used in space technology and a separate 3 D planetarium with state of the art technology is now open at the La Coupole site.
The Eperleques Bunker
Located to the north of St Omer in the Eperleques Forest this is the largest bunker in northern France. The facility was built by the Germans in WWII as an assembly plant and launch pad for their secret V1 and V2 weapons. The technology developed for these weapons was later used in the space programme.
Le Touquet
An attractive Belle Epoque stylish sea-side resort Le Touquet has a wide sandy beach, shopping and a busy twice weekly market on Thursday and Saturday mornings. The Aqualud Water Park on the seafront is an indoor and outdoor water leisure complex with slides and waves.
French Market Visit
Students can use their French-speaking skills to buy goods and souvenirs at a local market. They will experience the different types of produce on sale in a French Market whilst practising and building their vocabulary.
French Pastry Workshop
Led by expert bakers in a professional kitchen, this hands-on pastry workshop lets students discover the techniques, ingredients and traditions behind classic French pastries. Depending on the workshop chosen, participants can create delicious treats such as madeleines, explore unique aromas and flavours, and witness the baking process firsthand. The experience ends with a tasting session, offering the perfect opportunity to sample their creations and enjoy an authentic taste of French culinary culture.
Les Chocolats de Beussent
Students gain an insight into the production of cocoa and how it is made into chocolate at this popular artisan Chocolate manufacturer. There is a chance to taste some samples and buy presents. Guided tours are in English or French and hold educational value for language and business studies groups.
Bagatelle
Bagatelle is a well established theme park with many rides and attractions including: log flumes, rafting, roller-coasters, shows and a small zoo. This is a great place for students to relax and unwind, especially if the weather is good. Seasonal Opening.
Azincourt
This is the site of the famous battle of 1415, when Henry V and the English longbows defeated an army of heavily armoured French Knights who outnumbered them significantly. A medieval historical centre recounts the history and brings the battle to life with models, weapons and armour.
The Louvre Lens
This impressive modern glass and steel building constructed on an old coal pit is an off-shoot of the Louvre in Paris. The Gallery of Time contains a collection of masterpieces through the ages from the Louvre Collection displayed in a single space. There are also temporary exhibitions.
Goat’s Cheese Farm Montcavrel
A great opportunity to visit a goat’s cheese farm. The visit takes place in French with a chance to meet and learn about the goats and an opportunity for students to ask questions. The group then moves inside to learn about the cheese-making process and to taste the produce.
La Halte d’Autrefois
La Halte d’Autrefois offers a brilliant experience: visit a goat farm, learn how goat’s cheese is made and bake your own small loaf of bread using goat’s milk. You may even get the opportunity to pet some baby goats. Finish with a traditional “goûter” of fresh bread and cheese.
Learning outcomes
Subject focus
Students can:
- Experience learning outside the classroom in another country – the language, culture, history and geography
- Practise speaking a foreign language
- Build confidence and learn to value the skills and techniques needed for personal and team success
- Broaden the mind through the study of another culture
- Discover, explore and have fun with fellow students and teachers
Student outcomes
Students will have had an opportunity to:
- Visit a foreign country and experience another language and culture
- Gain independence and self-confidence
- Strengthen existing friendships and make new friends
- Understand more about history (World War I and II and the Battle of Azincourt)
- Learn about the countryside and local produce
- Try new activities and have fun
Typical accommodation
Stella Maris Village de Vacances
Why groups like it:
- Purpose built holiday centre
- Great facilities
- On the outskirts of Stella Plage
Facilities:
- 85 rooms in three separate blocks
- 2-4 bedded rooms all with private facilities
- Tennis court, football pitch, volleyball, table tennis
Misterbed Rang du Fliers – Berck sur Mer
Why groups like it:
- 2 star hotel
- Located in the beach resort of Berck sur Mer, 2 km from the beach
- Easy access to Le Touquet by coach
Facilities:
- 2-3 bedded rooms all with private facilities
- Evening meal in restaurant next door to the hotel
- Close to local supermarket and shops
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Really pleased with the level of professionalism I have received from Travelbound and the speed of response if I have had an issue.
Testbourne Community School
Ready to arrange your next adventure?
If you have any questions or would like to book your adventure, please contact our educational specialists on 01273 244572 or request a quote below, tailored to your group and learning objectives.
