There’s plenty to do for the whole family in Pas de Calais, Hauts de France. There are cycling, routes, theme parks, adventure parks, fabulous beaches, walking trails and heaps more. We take a look at three things to do on a rainy day…
1. NAUSICAA
The National Sea Centre of France is one of the most amazing aquariums in Europe. 36,000 animals including sea lions and penguins, which live in an area designed by Jean-Michel Cousteau (son of Jacques). There are giant tortoises, sharks and an incredible array of fish. Take in a show, gaze in awe at the colour and size of the many forms of sea life and watch as sea lions swim under your feet in a glass tunnel. You can even experience what it’s like to be on board a boat in a gale in one of the exhibitions here. The perfect day out for the whole family.
>There is an important breeding programme at NAUSICAA and they’ve had much success with the African penguin colony with several babies born. if you’re lucky enough to be there when they’re young – they’re absolutely adorable!
www.nausicaa.co.uk
2. Calais Dentelle – Calais Lace Museum
You may not think a lace museum sounds exciting but you’d be wrong. There is a great collection of working looms, lace, textiles and clothes including lingerie. Located in an old warehouse, the museum puts on terrific temporary exhibitions every year. It’s absolutely perfect for a rainy day but I’d go any time!
www.cite-dentelle.fr
3. Centre Azincourt 1415
In the heart of the Seven Valleys beautiful countryside, the centre for medieval history at Azincourt 1415 takes visitors on a journey of discovery of the historic Agincourt battle in 1415. This is a great visit for the whole family and also presents a view of every day life in the middle ages. Interactive displays, a collection of weapons, armour and clothes, plus innovative film techniques bring this epic battle to life. See the website for details and a great year-round programme of events from candlelight visits to medieval banquets, re-enactments and more. azincourt1415.com
Bonus: La Coupole
It’s an enormous eerie bunker left over from World War II, located 5 km from Saint-Omer. La Coupole is among the most impressive remnants of the Second World War in Europe. It is now a History and Memory Centre. It was from La Coupole that the V2 rocket was to take off, the ancestor of all modern rockets. Today, on the launch site, there is a spectacular 3D Planetarium which offers an unforgettable journey into space and is amongst the most modern and incredible 3D experiences in Europe. If you can watch a rocket land on the moon without flinching – you’re in a minority because you’ll feel like you’re there yourself!
www.lacoupole-france.com
Bagatelle theme park – perfect for waterproof children and patient parents
Dennlys Parc – an adventure park with dozens of rides, perfect for all ages, even really little ones
Opal Aventure – tree climbing adventure park like GoApe but better said our reviewers!
