Decorative objects galore
Far from being original, and sometimes criticized for their very touristy side, gift stores are nevertheless legion on the Opal Coast. They are particularly popular because of their accessibility: you know that you will find a small souvenir that fits your budget (especially when it is small), whether it is a pretty tray with a marine decoration, a seagull or a seal plush, a postcard... You can also find in these stores the inevitable polo shirt or clothing lines inspired by the marine world (be careful to choose Made in France).
In recent years, the magnet is also very popular. Small and cheap, some people collect them and they have the advantage of being able to be displayed on the fridge without taking up space. In some stores, you can also find funny and unexpected objects. Thus, in the old town of Boulogne-sur-Mer, the great success of the store Cocktail Souvenirs... is an Eiffel tower. Ridiculous for some, funny for others, it is one of their best sellers.
Opt for local crafts
In contrast to the souvenir-shopping tourists, there are those who are looking for THE pearl. Of course, this is the choice we recommend in order to support local merchants and artisans.
If you're a lover of beautiful images, there are plenty of stores selling sublime photographs in a variety of formats. Art galleries, such as Galerie des Dunes in Le Touquet, or Galerie Dupuis in Hardelot, also exhibit master glassmakers and sculptors. Illustrated posters are also particularly popular. The region's specialist is surely the creator of Wim'Affiches, which has been designing colorful posters in Wimereux since 2017. Ambleteuse, Audresselles, the Bay of the Somme, Berck-sur-Mer, Boulogne-sur-Mer and Calais are all represented. Such is the success of these posters that a store has been opened in 2021 right in the center of Lille, the "capital of Flanders".
As we said, many craftsmen find their inspiration in the natural, verdant setting of the Côte d'Opale. Ceramists, painters, sculptors... you'll often discover them on a stroll through town. One example is the talented ceramist Camille Fourmaintreaux in Wimereux, with her enamelled stoneware lamps and sculptures, including her emblematic "gonzesse", a sculpture of a woman that she customizes in a unique way. There's also a special mention for her particularly creative and poetic Petit Prince lamp, priced at €140, and for her pebble painting in Audresselles. Some of these local artisans have also joined forces on the Facebook page "Shopping et artisanat de la Côte d'Opale", to help each other and communicate.
Many concept stores are also opening their doors on the Côte d'Opale, which attracts locals and Parisians alike for a weekend of fresh air. Mes Déco souvenirs and Le Voilier Bleu in Wimereux, La Folle adresse in Boulogne-sur-Mer, Paulette Concept Store in Le Touquet, Les Vedettes in Saint-Valery-sur-Somme and Maison Cayeux in Cayeux-sur-Mer are just some of them. There are as many concepts as there are great ideas, but it's important to sort them out.
Local products are of course honoured
What would a stay on the Côte d'Opale be without sampling its varied gastronomy? Largely inspired by the coastline, seafood products are plentiful, but you can also treat yourself to a good cheese, beer or sweet delicacies.
Canneries are, of course, plentiful in the seaside resorts of the Côte d'Opale, and are always a good idea for spotting and enjoying the diversity of local produce to take home. Pâtés, terrines and fish soups are plentiful, but you can also find some of our very own specialties, such as salicorne, a seaweed, or salt-meadow lamb.
As for cheeses, there aren't as many as in the Hauts-de-France region, but there's enough to go around! The Côte d'Opale is home to a number of renowned farms, including the Sainte-Godeline cheese dairy in Wierre-Effroy, not far from the two Capes. It offers a range of cheeses with evocative names: sablé de Wissant, écume de Wimereux, pavé de Calais, camembert du Boulonnais or fort d'Ambleteuse... If you don't know how to make your choice, opt for a discovery box! As an added bonus, the farm has a website(www.lesfreresbernard.fr) for deliveries, and you'll find its products in many hypermarkets along the coast.
On the sweet side, head for the artisanal cookie and bakery shops. Among the best-known are Farrugia's artisanal cookie factory in Wimereux, with its Audresselles orange blossom petals and Ptits boulonnais , and Manufacture du Touquet, with its gourmet shortbread in a variety of flavors (ginger, lime, coconut, pecan, etc.). Chocolate is not to be outdone, either, and can sometimes be quite original, as at the Beussent-Lachelle chocolate factory in Wimereux, with its golf ball-shaped chocolates in homage to the many golfers who come to enjoy Wimereux's seaside golf course.
On the beer front, the Deux Caps brewery in Tardinghen brews the 2 Caps beer, the Blanche de Wissant, the Noire de Slack, the Rando du Gris Nez, the Houle du Blanc Nez and the Guénel. White, blonde, amber... the range is wide enough to find what you're looking for.
Don't miss out on local markets
Finally, think about visiting the many markets on the Opal Coast! Not only is the atmosphere friendly, but you can also get a good overview of the richness of the region and the local producers and craftsmen. These markets often take place once or several times a week on different days. There are also daily markets dedicated to fish products, such as the one on the Quai de la Colonne in Calais or the one in Boulogne-sur-Mer on the Quai Gambetta.
