Stretching from Boulogne to its southern boundary at St. Valery, where it crosses the Somme, the coastline of La Cote d’Opale closely resembles that of its Normandy cousin. More than 100 km of wide sandy beaches that advance even further with the ebbing tide proudly display blue flags. The clean, soft white sands are typically backed and bordered with high dunes covered in sea oats & grass and offer solitude amidst their hollows even at the height of the season. At low tide the receding sea leaves behind a wide expanse of sand that provides a plentiful hunting ground for the shells and sea life washed ashore while rivulets form small pools that make ideal play areas for young children.

Those who enjoy the hustle & bustle of a typical French beach scene need search no further than the crossroads of any resort where the main street meets the sea to find all the action. Along the beach you will come across stations for lessons and the hire of windsurfers and sand yachts - a native sport practised under ideal conditions on freshly washed sands. If you prefer your sport aquatic you can try your hand at most things from water aerobics in posh surroundings of a grand hotel to flume sliding at the giant water complex , Aqualud, located centre stage on Le Touquet’s famous Paris-Plage. From either its 500sqm wave pool, under a glassed pyramid kept at a constant temperature of 29c all year round, or from the terrace of one of its 2 outdoor pools, furnished with sun beds you can keep one eye on the kids and the other out to sea.

A variety of cycles can be hired at most resorts and miles of dedicated cycle lanes make for easy and safe going on the flat landscape. There is also plenty of provision for those who prefer their wheels ‘inline’ – a perfectly acceptable mode of transport as far as the French are concerned. Inland from the Estuary at Etaples, where the sea meets the river Canche, is the carefully protected nature reserve of the Baie le la Canche. In more than 500 hectares of open natural space are dedicated cycle and footpaths set in a landscape of varying hues that are a magnet for migrating birds. You can set out alone or go with a group and a registered guide. Also located in the Reserve is the Centre Nautique de la Canche where you can hire canoes.

Freshly caught seafood is the key ingredient of the coastal cuisine – the numerous fish shops - often attached to small restaurants – will testify to that. Head for the nearest and order the biggest plateau de fruits des mer for a pure taste of the sea.

There are weekly markets in most towns and one of the biggest and best can be found on Saturday mornings at Le Touquet’s grand covered market.

Farmers wives arrive early to set up their colourful and beautifully arranged stalls and compete for custom with the piles of gleaming shellfish, dried sausages and vast cheese counters - a scene so intoxicating you are not sure whether to snap it or eat it.

The resorts range in character from the chic and fashionable such as Le Touquet and Hardelot, to the small and more family orientated, like Ste. Cecile or Merlimont. The former a world of expensive villas set in landscaped gardens – mostly the second homes of wealthy Parisiennes - meets the needs of their sophisticated tastes with its race track, riding stables, beauty spas, smart designer boutiques, superb restaurants, casinos and of course the golf courses for which they are famous. The latter, low key and low-rise, are full of reasonably priced restaurants, cafes and shops that reflect their family status. Previously overlooked in favour of their more glitzy neighbours, these smaller holiday resorts have begun to see a surge in popularity and not just with the northern French for whom they have long been a popular choice. The newly constructed A16 autoroute that runs between Boulogne and Paris has opened up the whole coast. A quick glance around the parked cars will reveal enough out of town plates to confirm the secret is out!

Like the neighbouring Le Haut Pays the La Cote d’Opale is very much a region of pleasing contrasts - something for everyone whatever their taste or budget.

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