Sports and leisure activities Côte d'Opale

At the Clos Fleuri water sports base, it is possible to practice a wide variety of water sports in complete safety and in a friendly atmosphere, in the natural setting of the northernmost seaside resort in France! Kitesurfing, sand yachting, windsurfing, funboat, stand-up paddle, kayak... Available for simple rental, these equipments are also to be discovered during training courses. Do not hesitate to contact the team who will guide you according to your desires.

Enjoy the double sides of this hike between dunes and macadam. With wild air along the Parrot dune, where it makes good breathing and admiring the fauna and flora that thrives there. After reaching the calvaire of the missing sailors, let us take a few moments to enjoy a wonderful view to the Naturelle nature reserve, before going down to the city. Typically associated with the seaside, these are half-timbered houses with blue and white shades that one admire on the streets of Bray-Dunes.

Tariff: free.

Distance: 4 km.

Difficulty: .

Markup: yellow.

Departure: Place place.

For those who do not know the Longe-Côte, it is a promenade in the sea with a paddle. A rather sporting discipline, very well-known to the general public but which allows to combine physical exercise and discovery. The club of Bray-Dunes offers this kind of walks throughout the year, enough to explore the landscapes of the coast. A different way to visit this part of the region, leaving you beautiful souvenirs and perhaps some aches also!

The Bois des Forts is the green lung of the agglomeration of Dunkirk. You can discover it through its many trails, a nice opportunity to stretch your legs, but also to observe the different species of birds used to the site.

Tariff: 2 € with snacks, waffles and coffee included in the price.

Distance: 5 km or 10 km.

Departure: Visit the Polyvalente multipurpose Hall.

Difficulty: .

The Nautical Base hosts the sailing school and the Dunkerque nautical associations, in particular the kitesurfing and longe-côte club. It is located between Malo and Leffrinckoucke, on the edge of the Parc du Vent. At the Base de la Licorne, you can try your hand at sand yachting or kitesurfing, windsurfing, catamaran, giant paddle... Do not hesitate to contact the team who will advise you according to your level and your desires.

Young freshwater sailor or sea wolf, there is something for all ages (from 14 years old) thanks to the formulas proposed by the cruising school of the Centre régional de Voile Pascal-Leys. The choice of activities and formulas are numerous and you will always be accompanied by a professional skipper who will guide you in this discovery of sailing. This centre also allows you to participate in training for competitions, regattas and safety courses at sea.

We know the carnival and its capitalized streets, but what about all these people disguised? You are offered a walk through the history of the city and the Dunkerquois heroes. On 2.5 or 6 km, browse the pavements where many buildings are erected. The departure goes back to the port museum, from where you will already see the three Duchess Anne. Then the heritage goes: the Leughenaerest Tower, the Saint-Éloi church with the tomb of Jean Bart, famous privateer under Louis XIV triumphant the battle of Texel… We cannot quote everything, then on the way!

Tariff: free.

Distance: 5 or 6 km.

Difficulty: easy.

Departure: in front of the Port Museum.

With the establishment of the Loisirs Éole program, Dunkirk is a city resolutely focused on families and leisure tourism. Unique in the department, this program offers numerous activities in the form of "discovery" sessions or training courses led and supervised by qualified professionals. Three age categories: Kids (3 to 7 years old), Children (8 to 14 years old) and Activities 15 years old and more. Sports and water sports initiation, "nature" discoveries, cultural activities, fitness and wellness sessions... what a great way to spend your vacations!

This is a particularity of the beaches of Dunkerque and of the art of living in Dunkerque. The coastline has 180 beach huts for rent, which are in great demand in summer. They can be booked the rest of the season, at the tourist office of Dunkerque Plage, place du Centenaire, by the week. There are 11 types of them, with different shapes, colors and illustrations. It's not just a shed where you store your parasol, balloons or windbreakers. We meet there to have a drink, admire the sunset... Not to be missed!

The association Mer et Rencontres is a sand yacht school affiliated to the French Sailing Federation. It offers all year long sessions of sand yachting in the form of a 2-hour initiation (from 12 years old) or weekly courses (from 8 years old and during school vacations). The sessions are supervised by state-qualified instructors. They welcome all types of people (individuals, schools, associations, groups...). A good idea to do sports in the open air and enjoy the great beaches of the North!

Four Season Bikes offers electric bikes and fat bikes for rent (but also for sale!). These fat bikes can be ridden in the forest, on hard sand or on the road in all seasons! With a range of 100 km, they can reach 25 km/h. Without fear of a headwind, you can imagine a Dunkirk-La Panne trip without any worries. The shop also offers a follow bike for children under 12 years old. For advice, Virginie and Stéphane will be there to explain everything to you if you need it.

This 9 km long circuit, which takes a good two hours to complete, offers you a nice breath of fresh air. From Gravelines, walk along the river Aa via the Chenal dike to the beach of Petit-Fort-Philippe and its lighthouse, which you can visit in the afternoon. Then take the road again to find yourself in the Polder Park. A short tour through the green belt around the walled city and you are back at the starting point.

Gravelines is the third largest marina on the Opal Coast. A former fishing and trading port, it has 450 berths divided into three distinct sites. Firstly, the Bassin Vauban, the largest site, with 220 berths, of which around 40 are reserved for visitors. Then the Quai des Islandais, with 152 moorings lined up on floating pontoons. The third, Anse des Espagnols, close to the Petit-Fort-Philippe lighthouse, has 78 moorings.

Discover the fortifications of Gravelines. The city was first fortified by the Dukes of Burgundy and the Kings of Spain. Its enclosure has corner bastions covered by a system of half-moons, deep ditches and counterguards. Vauban will slightly rework the structure of the fortress in the ^17th century. During your visit, don't forget to stop in the gardens and to take some time at the belvedere to admire the view.

Located between the cities of Leffrinckoucke and Zuydcoote, the Dewulf Dune covers about 300 hectares and is part of the dunes protected by the Conservatoire du Littoral since 1987. A mixture of wooded dunes, wetlands and dry dunes, it is home to nearly 70 species of nesting birds, several species of amphibians and 350 species of trees and plants. You will probably come across sheep and goats, which maintain the dune in an ecological way.

Created in 1965 by enthusiasts to make sand yachting accessible to as many people as possible, the club has developed to the point where it has won several world, European and French championship titles. Whether you are an amateur or an experienced sailor, the instructors are there to help you in your practice of sand yachting. You will discover an exhilarating feeling of freedom and a sensation of perfect harmony with the elements. On the beach, you can also take part in trips to the Bay of Canche or the Bay of Authie.

Since 1969, the Canoe-Kayak Club of Berck has been delighting sportsmen and women who love the sea. Thanks to him, you will be able to make many discoveries according to your level and your desires: desalination, eskimo roll, maneuvering of the kayaks, excursion in sea and river, school of paddle in swimming pool, outings kayak in sea, river and water level, paddle, competition in sea... You will always be accompanied by a qualified instructor. The activities are planned according to the tides and the weather.

Located in Rang-du-Fliers in the Pas-de-Calais region, just 5 minutes from Berck and Le Touquet, this center offers outdoor laser games. The grounds are well laid out and offer different scenarios for varied and exciting games. The center is easily accessible by car, just 2 hours from Paris and 1h30 from Lille.

Beginners and experienced drivers alike will have a blast on the 603-meter track of this open-air karting facility. Three types of karting are available, depending on your level. Competitions and challenges are organized on a regular basis. From 8 participants upwards, you can take part in speed or endurance races, by reservation only. Opale Karting also offers rental of handikarts and two-seater karts from age 4 upwards. Children can also celebrate their birthdays at the karting track! Don't hesitate!

Among the dream places of the Opal Coast to ride, the Authie Bay offers to the walkers its magnificent landscapes. The equestrian center of Berck-sur-Mer offers to the amateurs a professional supervision for strolls of one or two hours on the beach or in the wilder frame of the bay and also introductory courses in horsemanship or ponies for the youngest as well as snacks and workshops, acrobatics... which will animate formidably a day!

Kites, horseback riding, beach hut rentals ... The Epic (public establishment) Berck Evénement Loisirs Côte d'Opale was created in 2017 by the commune to manage these leisure activities. It is led by François Goudeau. Do not hesitate to contact him to make the most of the pleasures that the beach has to offer. Visit the website for a first overview of what awaits you in Berck. You will find in particular the prices for horse riding.

The 27 ^th International Kites Meeting will undoubtedly be one of the flagship events on the Opal Coast in 2013. This year's theme will be "20 000 links in the air". So free to cerfs of imagination and invention to offer the audience new dreamlike creatures. The sky will cover all of the same colourful sails as the rest of the world, for an air and sea tour in 9 days. Shells, marine animals, crustaceans, turtles and giant octopus reinventing the sky as a giant aquarium.

On this occasion, several booths and numerous animations will be offered. Among other things, the Wind Garden, the Manufacturing Workshop, the School of Pilotage, the Wind School or the Children's Village. Don't miss this fantastic and singular rendezvous.

Programme 2013

Saturday, 13 April to Sunday, 21 April

From 10 a. m.: free flight, reception of delegations
14 a. m. -18 p. m.: megateam, demonstration of delegations, garden of wind, production workshops and school of pilotage, animations, village of children, village of tourism, quiz

Sunday 14 April

: great musical parade of kite flying across the city

Thursday, 18 April

: concert by Patricia Kaas at the Palais des Sports (rue Emile Lavezzari)

Saturday 20 April

20 a. m. 30-22 p. m.: concert at Espace Rose des Vents
: night flight and fireworks

It is at the Liberation Stadium shop that all USCBO supporters find themselves at the beginning of the season to acquire the new tunic of their protégé.

In less than three kilometres walk, discover the historic, architectural and urban heritage of the municipality of Boulogne-sur-Mer. From the museum-museum you will first address the historic city, then head to the lower town, the seafront and the port. From the Basilica of Notre Dame to the buildings of the Gambetta Wharf, the Place de la Resistance or the Hote theatre, Boulogne-sur-Mer reveals its many facets. Like what, combining exercise exercise and culture, it is indeed possible!

Tariff: free.

Distance: 2,9 km.

Difficulty: .

The Longe-côte exists since 2005. Thomas Wallyn, a trainer at a rowing club in Dunkirk, is the inventor. Initially confidential, the discipline is more widely distributed by the association Opale Longe-côte. But what is it? It's a walking and water sport. The sportsman evolves upright in the water, immersed up to the waist. The efforts made are therefore substantial. The club also offers the practice of canoeing and kayaking in the river, as well as kayaking at sea. It is also possible, with an instructor, to learn to paddle.

Unusual and creative, this adventure course will challenge you to reach the summits... Do you dare to pedal in the void or surf on the branches? You can choose between eleven fun and sporty outdoor courses that will satisfy the whole family. Thrill seekers will be delighted with the courses including twenty-metre jumps and flying snowboards. Opalaventure also teaches respect for nature: everything is designed to avoid damaging the coast's ecosystem. Adrenaline rushes guaranteed in a wild environment.

From the Maison du Romelaëre, set out to discover the Audomarois region! This walk leads you through the marshes and the state forest of Rihoult, which covers nearly 1,200 hectares. Grey herons, wild boars, deer, and nocturnal birds of prey find refuge in this area of water, tall grass and trees. At the end of the forest, take the time to admire the church built in the ^19th century in the commune of Clairmarais and the old Cistercian abbey. Good to know: picnic areas are located along the walk.

Mount Pelé, culminating at an altitude of 200 meters, and its neighbor Mount Hulin, dominate the commune of Desvres and the entire Boulonnais bocage. Starting from the parking lot of the Maison de la Céramique, the walk takes the hikers in a humid and shaded environment made of trees and shrubs as well as numerous streams. Once exploited for its chalk by the Société des Ciments de France, it is now returned to nature. Count 1h30 of hiking (3 km). There is an extension of the trail towards the town of Menneville to go to the Hulin mount (4,5 km).

Take the plunge and realize the dream of many: flying! This is another way to discover the region, by admiring it from the air. The panorama is sumptuous: imagine the cliffs of Cape Griz-Nez seen from the sky or the bay of Wimereux irradiated in front of you by the sun's rays... You can even, for a few moments, take the controls. A pure joy! Take-offs are made from one of the three ultralight bases located at Calais airport, Nielles-lès-Calais or Equihen-Plage. Also, it is possible to fly in pendular and paramotor.

Just ten minutes from Calais, discover an adventure course in the Guînes forest. In complete safety, a 10-hectare adventure course with suspended workshops between 2 and 15 m high. Different itineraries of progressive difficulty for over 3 hours of thrills and spills. For the bravest, there's a 75 m zip line that takes you down at top speed! Children up to 5 years of age have their own adventure course, just like the grown-ups, and children up to 10 years of age have an easy and a more difficult trail at their disposal.

Set off from the forest house for a short hike. The Bois de Ballon trail owes its name to the first successful balloon crossing of the English Channel by aeronaut Jean-Piette Blanchard in 1785. He set off from Dover and landed on the edge of the Guînes state forest; the Blanchard column commemorates this event. Along the way, you'll find an adventure course with monkey bridges, giant swings and a 120-metre zip line!

Le Touquet beach, 4 km long, is the ideal place to try sand yachting. The discovery session is accessible from 12 years old. For courses, book 3 weeks in advance. The nautical centre also offers kitesurf, kite & wake and paddle lessons from April to October. In July and August, don't hesitate to try the longe-côte, great for the muscles and blood circulation. Le Touquet regularly hosts national and international competitions.

The Opal coast and its pearl are 35 km away. Sailing tank, lawn hockey, kitesurf for the les
sports, walking, shopping, thalasso… Thousand ideas on www.letouquet.com. Once the necropolis of the Dukes
from Bourbon.

The Centre Nautique de la Baie de Canche is a sailing club that also offers long-distance sailing and water-walking. The club's address is 32 allée des argousiers.

The ponds of Patis have something to delight all freshwater fishermen. A pond for trout, perennial and saumonée (11 € half day), another for white fish (perch, pike, preserves, eels… 7 € half day), with possibility of fishing night carp on reservation (€ 11). No one is forgotten: with its two family basins, children's playgrounds, bowling alleys and picnic barbecues, nothing is missing to spend a very pleasant day (55 € 5 kg of fish). A large parking lot is located at the entrance, and a bar with terrace will serve you refreshments and all the equipment necessary for fishing practice.

20 km of beach are spread out for your pleasure. Water sports enthusiasts will be in paradise at the Club Nautique de Merlimont, which has been awarded the French sailing and sand yacht school label. Boating, fishing, sand yachting, jet-skiing, kayaking, stand-up paddle... They also offer boat and jet-ski descents. Training courses in sand yachting and other water sports are organized throughout the year. With speed peaks of up to 60 km/h: guaranteed thrills!

The Montreuil club is a breeding ground for champions, but not only! Without expecting to win a medal, tourists are welcome if they wish to discover the joys of canoeing. For the initiated, the club's speciality is white water slalom, but it is also the ideal opportunity to discover the region with the oars of a boat which will sail on the waters of the Canche. There are several formulas, from an hour's initiation to a one-day trip.

Sail through the water thanks to this sport activity that is both peaceful and dynamic. This is an opportunity to discover this outstanding sport and to visit Montreuil as you have never seen them. Whether it's a discovery in calm water or slaloms in deep water, Montreuil's canoe club offers you to surf the Canche. Whether you are an expert or a beginner, it is always a real pleasure to practice this summer activity. For an initiation, a small walk, half-day or even a day, you can discover the canoeing at your pace.

A swimming pool that is universally accessible. You will find a 1,90 m pool, another 1,40 m with a bench seat and massaging jets, as well as a fun pool for the smaller ones. Whirlpool, sauna, steam bath, allow you to relax… The swimming Pool is also 25 sun loungers to enjoy the sun, two master swimmers constantly in charge for the monitoring of the basins and a collection of workshops and animation for babies, pregnant women, adult and senior gym, internship to overcome her aquaphobie and school of swimming.

Accessible to all, the sentier de la Colonne is a hike that plunges you into the Denacre valley, which is full of beautiful 19th century mansions and manor houses built of Baincthun stone. Farms, ponds and waterfalls also decorate this 8 km long trail. Don't miss the famous column of the Grande Armée, a 53-metre-high marble monument erected to the glory of Napoleon. It immortalizes the camp of Boulogne where 18,000 men were assembled by the emperor to prepare the invasion of England.

The Syndicat Hippique Boulonnais is an association created in 2008, whose main aim is to safeguard the Boulonnais horse. It organizes, co-organizes or participates in regional, national and even international equestrian sporting activities, such as official competitions and popular events. The association currently has 98 active members, and aims to highlight this animal heritage, as well as the social, human and cultural history of the region it represents. It is also committed to environmental protection and sustainable development, supporting activities where the horse is used, such as specialized household waste collection or forest skidding. The association's aim is to achieve significant results in national and international competitions in order to promote the region and the Boulonnais horse. To achieve its objectives, the association needs to be recognized as a useful entity in the promotion of the rural world, find sufficient funding and gather as many members as possible.

Created for the first time in 1901, the Wimereux golf course was rebuilt by two British architects, Campbell and Hutchinson, after the First World War. It hosted some brilliant international meetings between the two world wars, but it was heavily damaged during the Occupation. The golf course had to be rebuilt a third time during the 1950s. The course extends over 62 hectares between the sea and the Boulogne countryside so harmoniously undulating and the dunes of Ambleteuse, a classified and protected site. A wonderful place to get some sea air.

Nature and history combine to create a panorama rich in discovery. Along the way, you may come across brown gulls, green woodpeckers, kestrels and laughing gulls, as well as numerous rabbits? The trail ends up on the Slack dunes, running towards Ambleteuse and its Vauban fort. You'll end up joining the Slack as far as its mouth at the Fort d'Ambleteuse. One of the most beautiful hikes you can do for the diversity of its landscapes.

Discover the coastline on the Eden 1, the Shooting Star or the Eros with Charles Masson who knows every wave on the coast! A wide choice of services from a short walk following the tide to a 6-hour fishing trip ... Possibility also to go by sea to discover the fishing port of Dieppe or to follow fishing boats.

Starting from the cliffs of the Sea, it is possible to rally Le Bois-de-Fm by the Foreshore as soon as the tide begins to fall, and then return to the summits via the Victor-Hugo panorama. Make sure you match the time required to go and the tides. Take this walk, preferably accompanied. Avoid walking at the very foot of the cliffs: chalk falls can occur, or even very dangerous landslides. Information from the Tourist Office.

Enjoy two 18-hole courses of character in a wooded environment. Designed in 1934 by Tom Simpson, the Golf des Pins which winds through the Hardelot forest is one of the most interesting courses on the continent. As for the Dunes course, inaugurated in 1991, it offers a spectacular panorama between water, dunes and forest. It too has a solid reputation. The restaurant is open to all. You can enjoy classic French or regional cuisine, but also snacks and other small meals.

The equestrian centre, just a stone's throw from Hardelot castle, at the foot of the bridle paths, benefits from a privileged location between the sea, the forest and the edge of the Lac de la Claire Eau to offer various rides: it can be the golf tour (1h), or the beach ride (2h) but also the "ice ride" of 3h offered only in July and August. The club also offers all kinds of courses, from initiation to improvement, and has a stable of owners.