Scale the Opal Coast's precipitous cliffs, sand-yacht on Boulogne's never-ending beaches and scream on Le Touquet's kamikaze slides.

The wild Opal Coast is the region's diamond in the rough. Escapists venture to Cap Griz Nez and Cap Blanc Nez to hear the sea thrash the shore and watch gulls wheeling in a blue sky – on a clear day you can spot the white cliffs across the Channel. Skim the water's edge to hunt for fossils and leave solitary footsteps on sweeps of golden sand.

Bring your board to ride Wissant's giant waves or get your thrills sea-kayaking and kite-surfing. Sand-yachting is all the rage on the Opal Coast's string of broad beaches – speed freaks go with the wind to Wimereux, Boulogne and Etaples. Extreme sport enthusiasts race their kite buggies at Berck-sur-Mer.

Twisting flumes at Aqualud in Le Touquet keep kids amused. Wind through pine forest to Hardelot's dune-flanked beach, where families can cycle, horse ride or bring along a bucket and spade to get stuck into the sand. Take children to the Blue Flag beach of Gravelines to climb the humbug-striped lighthouse or gently-shelving Wimereux to splash in shallow rock pools.

Calais is a curious blend of Brit brass and French class – you'll look out of place around the hypermarché without a bottle (or three) in your hand, and seafood restaurants lining the beachfront call for smart casual clothes. Bring a windbreak for blustery beach days on the Opal Coast and dress up by night to mix with Lille's cool cats.