Opalenews — Événements de la Côte d'Opale

Opal Coast — live what's-on

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Concerts, markets, festivals and family outings. The whole local agenda, day after day.

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Salon de l'habitat Calais

Near you, town by town825

Local picks on the Opal Coast

Discovery April 1, 2026 → September 30, 2026

Cruises in Canche Bay

Etaples

Embark on a 50-minute cruise aboard a tour boat on Canche Bay, organized by the Tourist Office. → Route: Étaples-sur-Mer > Canche Estuary > Étaples-sur-Mer (Some trips include a 10-minute stop in Le Touquet.) → A tour guide provides commentary on the spectacular natural scenery, including dunes, tree-lined shores, jetties, and sandbars. Boarding takes place at the port of Étaples-sur-mer.

Workshop April 25, 2026 → October 4, 2026

Le Grand Bain: Summer 2026

Montreuil

Traveling Stage with Performances April 25–October 4, 2026 Montreuil Area ----------------------- The season also includes artist residencies, concerts, performances, banquets, and workshops. A printed program is available at the Montreuil Tourist Office To volunteer for the performances or their organization: https://forms.gle/YnFiaTUcigq6Tpw98 Le Grand Bain takes place in several towns: Campigneulles-les-Petites, Attin, Longvilliers, La Calotterie, Maintenay, Estréelles, and La Madeleine-sous-Montreuil. Credit: Le Grand Bain

Culture May 23, 2026 → September 20, 2026

"Horizon" Exhibition at the Opale Sud Museum

Berck

The “Horizon” exhibition, organized by the Musée Opale Sud, brings together painters from the Berck-sur-Mer School in an immersive display. The aligned horizons invite visitors on an imaginary stroll along the shore, from the beach to the dunes, from dawn to dusk.

Culture May 23, 2026 → September 20, 2026

"Détours loin du Bercail" Exhibition at the Opale Sud Museum

Berck

The exhibition *Détours* reveals another facet of the Berck School, highlighting artists such as Francis Tattegrain and Jan Lavezzari, who explored themes beyond the usual maritime scenes. The Opale Sud Museum is hosting these works “far from home,” showcasing an open and dynamic school in which Berck-sur-Mer serves as a starting point rather than a boundary.

Culture June 27, 2026 → November 15, 2026

Exhibition: "Views from Here"

Etaples

The exhibition “Vues d’ici” features nearly 120 paintings and drawings of the Pas-de-Calais, drawn from departmental collections and regional museums. The works, by Maroniez, Le Sidaner, Chigot, Stiévenart, Tattegrain, and Ricard-Cordingley, depict the coastal architecture and 19th-century way of life in Étaples, Wissant, and Équihen.

Culture June 30, 2026 → September 20, 2026

Exhibition - Return to Boulogne-sur-Mer - From Boulogne to Biskra

Boulogne-sur-Mer

Discover the exhibition “Return to Boulogne-sur-Mer—From Boulogne to Biskra” at the Bibliothèque des Annonciades, 16 Pl. de la Résistance, 62200 Boulogne-sur-Mer. This exhibition showcases the work of Frechon, a local photographer, through previously unseen photographs and historical documents. You’ll be able to explore his artistic journey, from his early days in journalism to his first exhibitions in Boulogne (1886–1887), as well as his numerous trips to Algeria, Brittany, the Netherlands, and Palestine.

Culture July 3, 2026 → September 29, 2026

Exhibition: "Summer 2026 in Stella"

Stella

"Summer 2026 in Stella" Exhibition, July 3–September 29, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Artistellien Gallery and Art Studio is pleased to present: Grégory Buny, Olivier Coisne, Laura Normand, Jonathan Vandromme Monday through Sunday: 11 a.m.–1 p.m. / 3 p.m.–7 p.m. Closed: Wednesday

Family July 4, 2026 → November 1, 2026

Interactive Workshop: Happy Birthday, Little Prince!

Le Touquet-Paris-Plage

From Saturday, July 4, to Sunday, November 1, 2026 This summer, the media library is celebrating the 80th anniversary of *The Little Prince* with a large collaborative mural open to everyone. Let your imagination run wild: a star, a fox, a planet, a word... Everyone can add their own touch and create a poetic and colorful work inspired by the world of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Open to all ages, free admission. During the media library’s public opening hours. For more information, call 03 21 05 21 20 or email.

Culture July 10, 2026 → November 1, 2026

"Momentum" Exhibition by David Beyonder

Le Touquet-Paris-Plage

The concept of time is often invoked in the creation of a work of art. A photograph, however, seems to last only a fraction of a second. Born of slow processes, it has gradually come to convey the illusion of immediacy. Yet this moment crystallizes an invisible accumulation: human journeys, places traversed, chance encounters captured, carefully considered decisions, patient expectations—and movements. The Musée du Touquet-Paris-Plage-Édouard Champion presents MOMENTUM, David Beyonder’s first solo exhibition. Bringing together fifteen years of photographic work, this exhibition traces the evolution of his vision and practice through a journey that is as sensitive as it is dynamic. As visitors move through the galleries, they discover the diversity of the territories explored by the artist. Whether photographing athletes at one of the most important moments of their lives, works in public spaces, figures of our time, or artists in the midst of creation, David Beyonder focuses on what lies just beneath the surface of the immediate image. Beyond the works, gestures, or performances, his gaze focuses on human journeys: those of men and women who have left their mark on their discipline, pushed the boundaries of their art, and sometimes elevated their artistic language to a level rarely attained. His gaze does not seek to freeze a subject in time, but rather to reveal what is unfolding around and within it: a tension, a state of being, a human presence, a fragment of time. MOMENTUM was conceived as a symphony in several movements. Each room is titled “MOUVEMENT,” echoing both the musical structure and the gestures and moments captured in the photographs. Visitors are invited to move through the exhibition as one might listen to a piece of music: allowing the images to engage in dialogue with one another, through their connections, silences, and resonances. Accessible through its sensitive and intuitive approach, MOMENTUM is intended for all audiences. The exhibition offers each visitor the freedom to engage with the works based on their own experience, while providing multiple levels of interpretation. The exhibition thus becomes a space for sharing and reflection on the contemporary photographic image, whether one is familiar with the medium or not.

Culture August 1, 2026 → September 30, 2026

A Tropical Getaway

Boulogne-sur-Mer Opalenews event

The “Tropical Escape” exhibition transports visitors to the heart of coral reefs and mangroves, true treasures of biodiversity. With its dazzling lagoons, fluorescent corals, and fascinating species, this immersive exhibition invites visitors to escape… and to become more aware. For these natural treasures are fragile in the face of human threats and climate change.

Culture August 1, 2026 → September 30, 2026

The Etaples Artists' Colony in Canche Bay

Étaples Opalenews event

The Etaples Artists’ Colony in Canche Bay In the late 19th century, many French and foreign artists discovered Canche Bay. In Étaples-sur-Mer, the painters found studios, models, and an atmosphere conducive to creativity. In Camiers and Trépied, they drew inspiration from the landscapes. In Le Touquet, they enjoyed the seaside setting. The exhibition “The Etaples Artists’ Colony in Canche Bay” features outdoor displays across the three towns of reproductions of their works, inspired by local life and the bay’s landscapes. This exhibition will take place on August 1, 2026. We invite you to discover the works of these artists and immerse yourself in the creative atmosphere that enlivened Canche Bay over a century ago.

Culture August 1, 2026 → September 30, 2026

Horizon

Berck Opalenews event

The “Horizon” exhibition at the Berck-sur-Mer Museum explores a familiar concept: the horizon line. This perceptual construct—a figure of the imagination and a framework for our relationship with the world—marks the boundary of what we see, while symbolizing what we strive toward. The exhibition brings together painters from the Berck School in a display where aligned horizons invite visitors on an imaginary stroll along the shore, from the beach to the dunes, from dusk to dawn. The “Horizon” exhibition will take place at the Berck-sur-Mer Museum on August 1, 2026.

Culture August 1, 2026 → September 30, 2026

Traditional Shipbuilding on the Opal Coast

Dunkerque Opalenews event

Traditional shipbuilding from the Opal Coast awaits you in Dunkirk on August 1, 2026. This exhibition immerses you in the world of traditional boatbuilding along our coastline, particularly the flobart and the dundee. You’ll discover the different stages of building a boat, from design to launch. The exhibition offers you the opportunity to explore the skills and techniques used by boatbuilders on the Opal Coast. This will give you a deeper understanding of our region’s history and culture. This cultural event is a unique experience not to be missed by enthusiasts of maritime history and local heritage.

Culture August 1, 2026 → September 30, 2026

Traditional Boats of the Opal Coast

Étaples Opalenews event

The exhibition “Traditional Boats of the Opal Coast” will take place in Étaples-sur-Mer on August 1, 2026. This exhibition showcases the various types of fishing sailboats used between Dunkirk and the Bay of Somme from the second half of the 19th century through 1950. Visitors will learn about the unique features of these fishing boats that shaped the region’s history. The exhibition will be held in Étaples-sur-Mer, a town located on the Opal Coast.

Culture August 26, 2026 → September 19, 2026

Photography Exhibition "Glass in All Its Forms" by the Broucke Zoom Association

Bourbourg

On August 26, 2026, the Georges Dupas Media Library in Bourbourg will host the photography exhibition “Glass in All Its Forms” by the Broucke Zoom association. Discover photographs that explore the material and its reflections through a unique visual journey.

Culture August 26, 2026 → November 24, 2026

"The Choir of Light" by Anthony Caro

Bourbourg

Discover Anthony CARO’s monumental work, *The Choir of Light*, in the Church of Saint John the Baptist in Bourbourg. *The Choir of Light* by artist Sir Anthony CARO (1924–2013) is a monumental work on display in the Church of Saint John the Baptist in Bourbourg.A blend of contemporary art, sacred art, and architectural heritage, immerse yourself in a collection of 15 gigantic sculptures spread across 450 square meters of the Gothic choir and the public space.A leading sculptor of our time, Sir Anthony Caro explores the theme of “the creation of the world and water.” Your visit will continue at the CIAC (Center for Art and Culture Interpretation), where you can discover the artist’s creative process through an educational exhibition and his models.

Culture August 26, 2026 → November 24, 2026

"Guynemer, Jean Bart Neighborhood" by Loredana Marini

Dunkerque

This exhibition is the result of a photographic project spanning more than two years, led by Belgian photographer Loredana Marini. The project began as part of an artistic workshop held at Château Coquelle with students from Septantecinq, the École Supérieure des Arts de l’image in Brussels, and later as part of an artist-in-residence program at Château Coquelle, Loredana Marini presents a photographic series focusing on the residents of the Guynemer and Jean Bart neighborhoods in Saint-Pol-sur-Mer, an area undergoing urban renewal. “My involvement with the neighborhood began in October 2023. Even before going there, I had been searching for a long time. I wanted to photograph a public housing neighborhood. It was obvious. This choice also stemmed from my own experiences. I’ve always lived in working-class neighborhoods. For me, there was something deeply sociological about this project, but also something personal, almost intimate. I’ve often felt that those who talk about these places without ever having lived there know nothing about them. They know neither the smells, nor the sounds, nor the exhaustion.(…) The first time I arrived there, it was a day in October. I was dropped off in the neighborhood. I remember it very well: the warmth of the autumn sun on the brick walls, that low light. A familiar feeling, as if I’d been here before, as if I already knew this place. (…) In this neighborhood in transition, it seemed important to me to take a closer look. So I wouldn’t forget. When I return two years later, I still feel just as alone. A bit like I did at the beginning. But today it’s real: the buildings are coming down, one after another. I often think back to that first day in October. To that light on the bricks. To that walk through the neighborhood. To that moment when I realized that this neighborhood, in some way, was also telling my story.”—Loredana Marini, November 2025.

Culture August 26, 2026 → September 27, 2026

Vauban Promenade Pier

Gravelines

Explore the moat at Gravelines. The Embarcadère Vauban Promenade tourist site welcomes you inside a guardhouse and offers a variety of water-based recreational activities. You can explore this unspoiled setting at your own pace in a rowboat, pedal boat, or electric boat. Opening dates: APRIL 11 THROUGH JUNE 28 AND SEPTEMBER 1 THROUGH 27, 2026 Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM (last departures: 4:55 PM) JULY 1–AUGUST 30, 2026 Tuesday through Sunday from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM (last departures: 5:55 PM) | Closed on Mondays RATES (ONE-HOUR TIME SLOTS ONLY): > Electric boats (5 passengers): €22/hour> Rowboats (5 passengers): €12> Pedal boats: (2–3 passengers): €12/hour – (4–5 passengers): €18/hour

Discovery August 26, 2026 → November 24, 2026

Dynamo Private Tour

Dunkerque

Follow in the footsteps of the heroes of 1940. Take a tour—in your own car or one of ours—of the must-see sites of Operation Dynamo. From May 26 to June 4, 1940, Dunkirk was the scene of the largest military evacuation in history: 338,000 Allied soldiers managed to escape from the “Dunkirk encampment” aboard a fleet of more than 800 ships.Our guide will show you the sites in the Dunkirk area that commemorate the Battle of Dunkirk and Operation Dynamo. The battle, which left a deep mark on our region, was long considered a debacle best forgotten. In recent years, international experts have agreed on the significance of the event, now recognized as one of the turning points of World War II. It is no coincidence that Christopher Nolan, the director of “Dunkirk”—in theaters July 19—chose the following subtitle: “The event that shaped our world.”The tour itinerary includes: the port (the East Jetty and the jetty’s end), downtown Dunkirk, the beach, a stop by the “Princess Elizabeth,” the British Memorial, and the British cemetery... We’ll also be able to show you a few locations where the film “Dunkirk” was shot. Price: Package starting at 150 €