Enjoy a visit to the Opal coast with Hoverspeed

The Cote d’Opale boasts 120km of fine sandy beaches and cliffs, from Dunkirk to Berck–sur–Mer, with plenty of opportunities to hike, go horse riding along the beach or take a bicycle along one of the many popular trails. It’s also a golfer’s paradise, with no less than eight top notch 18 hole golf courses to choose from.

Visit the chic town of Le Touquet, just a short drive from Calais, and treat the kids to a splashing day out at Aqualud, the biggest water park attraction in the north of France. Or why not take a ride on the new Rando–Rail, and pedal on the old Saint–Omer to Boulogne railway in the middle of a glorious natural park.

Five kilometres from the sea, between Berck and Le Touquet, is the Bagatelle theme park, with more than 40 rides and attractions – and if it’s culture you seek, head for the Notre Dame Cathedral in Saint–Omer, or this quaint market town’s Sandelin Museum, packed with fine art.

Sports fans should head for Calais this month (MAY) and join thousands of sailing enthusiasts as they converge for the Calais Round Britain Yacht Race. Competitors 60ft yachts rendezvous in the port on May 22 for the start of a thrilling 1850 mile race around the British Isles.

On May 28 and 29 the whole family can take a step back in time with the traditional Fete de la Beuriere festival, in the old fishing quarter of Boulogne, revealing life as it was at the start of the 20th Century. Marvel at the skill of rope–makers, headdress–makers and figurehead carvers, mingle with the fish smokers, prawn sellers and traditional washer women, and sample fish specialities such as kippers and sardines as you enjoy a host of exhibitions and traditional entertainment.

In June, 500 antique dealers and thousands of bargain hunters will be invading the streets of Maroilles village for a giant antiques fair; and in October, you can dine medieval style in the court of Francois I and Henry VIII with the villagers of Guines for The Field of the Cloth of Gold feasts, featuring jesters, minstrels and dancers.

Hoverspeed managing director Geoffrey Ede said: ‘Northern France has always been a popular destination for Brits seeking fantastic bargains but there are so many more great reasons to visit. Hoverspeed offers the fastest and most stress–free service across the Channel – and with our great value fares, it’s easier and more affordable than ever for the whole family to enjoy a superb day out.’

Hoverspeed provides up to nine return sailings daily between Dover and Calais with a crossing time of just one hour berth to berth. Day trip fares start at just £29 for a car and up to five passengers. Call 08705 240 241or visit hoverspeed.com. If you fancy a short break, Hoverspeed Holidays offers a selection of quality hotels at great prices. Visit www.hoverspeedholidays.com or call 0870 460 7272 for more details.

For more information on special events in the Pas de Calais Cote d’Opale region, visit www.informationfrance.com – click on View Latest Gazettes for the Boulogne and Cote d’Opale Gazette, and dedicated Hoverspeed Gazettes. You can also visit www.pas-de-calais.com

For more details about Hoverspeed’s unbeatable range of low–cost fares, go to hoverspeed.com or call 0870 240 8070.