Boulogne-sur-Mer and its environs are synonymous with School Trips to France. It is easy to understand why - the ease of access provided by the channel ports and the wealth of attractions available so close to our shores make it a simple choice for educational trips outside of the UK. The A16 motorway provides the key for touring the Côte d’Opale with its rolling hills and fishing villages, the coast offering plentiful opportunities to sample French life with visits to markets, traditional bakeries, chocolate factories and so on.

In Boulogne itself, the modern lower town - the largest fishing port in France - bustles under the shadow of the picturesque walled citadel on the hill above. The medieval ramparts offer the chance for young explorers to connect with the history of a town once-besieged by Henry VIII and later used by Napolean as a base for his planned invasion of England. The old town hosts a regular market where pupils are quick to try their French language skills when buying their berets from the local stalls! School groups can also enjoy the town’s expansive beach before checking out the impressive marine attraction Nausicäa.

Just a short drive along the coast lies the renowned seaside resort of Le Touquet. A smart and elegant town, its long, sandy beach stretches for 2 kilometres. Located on the seafront is Aqualud (open February to November), an exciting water park with both indoor and outdoor pools, flumes and waterslides.

The historic city of Saint Omer is one of the main attractions of Pas de Calais. In the ‘Grand Place‘, you will find the impressive Notre Dame Cathedral which dates back to the Thirteenth Century. Saint Omer has several museums to enjoy and why not take a boat trip on the River Liane which runs through the lower part of the city.

Nearby, the Blockhaus d’Éperlecques and La Coupole and are both fascinating legacies of WWII – massive bunkers built as launch-pads for V2 Rockets aimed at the UK. The latter is now a History and Remembrance Centre with a strong educational theme.

Further afield, a trip to a former European City of Culture – Lille - is always worthwhile. As one of France’s foremost cities, Lille has a very cosmopolitan feel and plenty of attractions – amongst them is the Palais des Beaux Arts (the second largest museum in France behind the Louvre) and the birthplace of the legendary statesman Charles de Gaulle.

We are pleased to offer three residential centres in this region. Please choose from the menu on the left to find out more.

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