There’s no better time to visit, as the Opal Coast Girls Week starts this weekend.

France’s Opal Coast is as lovely as it sounds – an 80 mile stretch of coastline taking in golden sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, ancient castles, chic resorts and authentic little fishing villages.

Taking its name from the unique quality of light that pervades the area, artists and writers throughout the centuries, such as JMW Turner and Charles Dickens, have been inspired by the area – and best of all, you’ll find it just across the English Channel.

Visitors are invited to enjoy this lovely unspoiled and uncrowded coastline during Opal Coast Girls’ Week, which starts on Saturday, October 26 and coincides with half term on this side of the Channel.

Hotels, restaurants, shops, spas and sporting venues are involved with the campaign, offering discounts, privileges and special rates to tempt ladies and their partners, friends and kids to visit the area.

The three main towns of the Opal Coast are Calais, Boulogne and Dunkirk – historic places which cherish their tradition and their ancient walls.

Wander along narrow streets admiring the windows of freshly made cakes and baguettes or stroll along the breezy beaches and let the wind blow away the stresses of normal life – you can’t help but chill out and relax in this authentic French region.

Beach activities are plentiful, from sand-yachting at glamorous Le Touquet where the sport began, to boat rides, fishing expeditions, or horse and pony riding along the sand or through the dunes or seaside forests.

There are lots of museums and memorials to the First and Second World Wars, chateaux, forts and historic buildings galore for kids to explore and discover history first hand.

There are also goat farms, ostrich farms and petting farms to visit, nature reserves and beautiful bays where you can see seals dozing and watch the sea birds swooping around noisily.

Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a weekend with friends, or a fun family holiday, the Opal Coast has it all.

Shopping

If you’re thinking of starting your Christmas shopping, a treasure trove of festive inspiration is on offer along the Opal Coast.

Minutes from Calais port and next door to Eurotunnel is Cité Europe – a huge shopping mall selling the latest fashions, wines, beers, household goods and gifts. L’Usine Channel Outlet Store next door has top quality brands with prices reduced even further until Saturday, November 2 as it’s the French sales.

If you fancy something a bit different then try some of the independent and smaller outlets in every town on the Opal Coast.

Montreuil-sur-Mer is one of the best, with lots of artisan shops full of unique arts and crafts, boutiques, artisan-designed jewellery and lovely chocolate shops.

Label lovers will want to head to Le Touquet, where the likes of Yves Saint Laurent, Donna Karan, and Chanel have shops.

And bargain hunters can rummage in the many second hand shops and the famous brocantes outdoor flea markets.

Culture

This area offers a wealth of art and culture to keep even the most serious of art lovers happy.

A must-see is the Calais Lace Museum. This fabulous centre has a huge collection of garments covering the history of lacemaking, techniques and fashion design with works by designers such as Givenchy and Chanel.

Boulogne Castle Museum is home to an eclectic set of art and objects from around the world, housed in a medieval castle built on the remains of Roman walls. Enjoy the views from the ramparts.

Montreuil-sur-Mer is the town which inspired Victor Hugo to write Les Misérables. Pick up an audio-guide from the tourist office and wander in Hugo’s footsteps along the steep cobbled streets through the picturesque ramparts and old citadel.

A large part of the Musée des Beaux-Arts Calais is dedicated to Auguste Rodin who created the iconic Six Burghers of Calais statue in front of the town’s Art Deco town hall. The great artist’s sketches, moulds and models are to be found in a unique collection.

Dunkirk, named this year’s regional capital of culture, has many must-see attractions, including the Musée des Beaux-Arts featuring a rich collection of 18th century old masters and the FRAC Contemporary Art Collection.

Eating out

You will be spoiled for choice for good food in this delicious little area of France.

Le Touquet has the Michelin-starred Le Pavillon at The Westminster Hotel, or try the restaurant at the Yacht Marina offering stunning views over the estuary.

Etaples is home to Aux Pêcheurs d’Etaples, a fabulous fish restaurant.

Boulogne-sur-Mer’s superb seafood restaurants include the Michelin-starred La Matelote. Or visit Philippe Olivier’s famous cheese shop and try a chunk of Vieux Boulogne – officially the smelliest cheese in the world!

Montreuil-sur-Mer offers something for all budgets, from two Michelin-starred restaurants to a soup bar in a converted peasant cottage.

Great deals

There are some great savings to be had at Cité Europe until the end of October. Carrefour hypermarket is always stocked-up with French goodies and if you’re after a bargain on wine, then check-out their “Bag in a Box” deals, with three litres of the Gallo Family range on offer at only £9.52 per box. That’s just £3.17 a litre!

Blossom Hill, red or white, is on a “buy 2 get 1 free” offer, reducing a three litre box to just £8.27 when you buy three.

There are more offers on wine at Terre de Boissons, the new wine superstore which opened at the end of last year, including pinot grigio at £1.30 per bottle and the famous Sancerre at just £6.66 each when you buy a case of six. In store is a vast range of wine from around the world with over 1,000 varieties to choose from, many of which are available for tasting, plus Champagne and an amazing selection of beers.

Go to www.citeeurope.com or at www.terredeboissons.com

Opal Coast Girls’ Week runs from Saturday, October 26 to Sunday, November 3. For information visit www.opal coast-girls.com