The local what's-on guide for the Opal Coast
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Hello! Tell me what you feel like — “a concert this weekend”, “a family outing near Calais” — and I'll suggest events on the Opal Coast.
Montreuil-sur-Mer, Opal Coast
Upcoming events in Montreuil-sur-Mer.
Arques
It is the pride of the city and the world leader in tableware: the Verrerie Cristallerie d'Arques welcomes you to its stunning facility in the Audomarois region. Founded in 1825, the Arques Glass and Crystal Factory pioneered the automated production of crystal using tank furnaces. This technological revolution was inspired by the United States, and glass-blowing machines were gradually introduced. Around 1950, innovations continued as decorating machines were introduced, leading to the creation of the company’s first brand: Luminarc. Thanks to the First Industrial Revolution, machinery was refined, and the very first stemmed glasses began to appear. The products were marketed under the Cristal d’Arques Paris brand around 1968. It was not until 2000 that Verrerie Cristallerie d’Arques became Arc International, after establishing sales and production subsidiaries, notably in the United States, Italy, and Spain. Today, Arc International is a world-renowned group—a designer, manufacturer, and distributor—that is increasingly innovative and committed to sustainable development. Discover the design process behind these elegant products during a guided tour of this welcoming facility. You’ll first be introduced to the company and its history; then, a film will reveal all the secrets of glassmaking; finally, you’ll get a hands-on experience with a tour of an authentic production facility. Don’t forget to stop by the store in Arc, which offers its own products, fresh out of the kiln.
Bourbourg
A space for discovery and exchange, this venue offers numerous events and activities centered around a rich cultural program that blends various artistic disciplines and media. Throughout the year, it hosts temporary exhibitions and a variety of gatherings, readings, and lectures, as well as hands-on art workshops. All of these events allow the public to become familiar with the work “Chorus of Light” by artist Anthony Caro, installed in the church in Bourbourg.
Gravelines
The Espace Tourville in Gravelines focuses on the full-scale construction of the Jean Bart, a 17th-century first-rate ship (57 m long, 12 to 17 m high, 6 m draft). Set within its artisan village on the edge of Gravelines’ historic harbor, the ship was built by the Association using the same methods and materials as in the past.
Hondschoote
Built in the 16th century (1558, the date visible in the center of the cornice) of sandstone and white stone, City Hall features elements from the Gothic and Renaissance periods. The imposing façade catches the eye with its gables adorned with “pas de moineaux” and the coats of arms of the families who have shaped the town’s history. Inside is the former courtroom, decorated with panels depicting the town’s history. In the city council chamber, one can see, among other things, the painting of the Battle of Hondschoote (1793)—a gift to the city in 1852 from Alphonse de Lamartine, then a member of the National Assembly—as well as a portrait of Baron Coppens, husband of Marie Bart, niece of the famous Dunkirk privateer Jean Bart. Their grandson was married to Lamartine’s sister.On the first floor, a small museum houses several paintings from the church as well as a series of “Neufs Preuses.” Unlike the façade, the rear of City Hall is constructed of brick. The illusion of seeing bottles in certain places is due to the presence of the Bruges arch. This rear section is also distinguished by a tower and a bulbous bell turret covered with slate. For information and tours (by reservation only), contact Terre de Flandre Tourisme.
Calais
Formerly the Boulart factory, the Cité internationale de la Dentelle et de la Mode welcomes you to the heart of its history and cultural offerings in the St-Pierre district, the historic center of Calais lace-making. As you stroll through its galleries, you’ll discover the various methods of lace-making, from the invention of the steam engine in the 18th century through the advancements in looms to the present day—and even beyond, as there’s a gallery showcasing future technological innovations in lace. Featuring architecture designed by architects Alain Moatti and Henri Rivière, the site has undergone numerous expansions that blend authenticity with contemporary design; the long facade of screen-printed glass attached to the original building is a true nod to the Jacquard cartoons of the Leavers looms. This former factory, which remained in operation until 2000, now houses a restaurant overlooking the Cité’s inner courtyard, a boutique on the canal side, an auditorium for hosting cultural events, and a documentation center featuring a specialized library and a lace archive. The Cité also offers workshops to visitors eager to learn the techniques of this art form, allowing them to create their own lace pieces. Finally, temporary exhibitions, lectures, and fashion shows are regularly organized there, allowing everyone to experience the world of the greats—Dior, Chanel, Givenchy, and many others.
Boulogne-sur-Mer
Built on the side of the cliff, Boulogne’s fishing district, La Beurière, has always been a very unique community. Moreover, it is a magnificent place where stair-step streets wind down toward the shore and the harbor. During World War II, the bombings that struck this densely populated neighborhood scattered the community. Only one street has been preserved almost in its entirety: Rue du Mâchicoulis. It is on this street that the Maison de la Beurière is located, an eco-museum that traces the life of a 20th-century Boulogne seafaring family. As you step inside this authentic fisherman’s house built in 1870, you’ll be moved as you discover: * on the ground floor, the living quarters of a family of sailors around 1900, where the furniture and objects bear witness to a hard and simple life, * on the first floor, the atmosphere and faded colors of this neighborhood: photos, artifacts, and traditional costumes transport you back to the heart of Boulogne’s fishing history, the development of its techniques, and its port, * on the top floor, the library and media center.