Discover the Pas-de-Calais and the Opal Coast

If you are looking for a welcoming hotel in the Pas-de-Calais, which is near to Calais, Lille and Boulogne-sur-Mer, then Le Moulin is the place for you. Our 3-star hotel is set in peaceful French countryside with countless cycle paths and wonderful walks in the woods nearby – we have plenty of secure bicycle storage for our guests. Set in 7 hectares of grassland and bordered by a river, Le Moulin has space for children to romp around and make up their own adventures. We also have a few donkeys, ducks and cats for them to get to know.

Ideally located for a range of activities

Le Moulin may be hidden away in the countryside but there are so many amazing things you can do in the local area. The beautiful sandy beaches of the Opal Coast will call you. And you have to experience the green and gorgeous national parks in the Pas de Calais. It’s all waiting for you, whether you explore on foot, horseback or take a tour by cycle, motorbike or car.

Other activities include golf, watersports, sand yachting, paint-balling and tree-top climbing. And if that isn’t enough, there are museums, World War historic sites, galleries, aquariums, traditional French markets and food glorious food to tuck into!

Things to do

It is so easy to get to Northern France and enjoy the French way of life. Le Moulin is close to hundreds of things you can do but there is probably no better way to experience the sights and sounds of France than wandering through the bustling local markets as people sell their fresh produce and the locals shop for their evening meals. The fruit and vegetables really do look more vibrant, the fresh fish is in abundance and the selection of cheeses is superb! At Christmas time, the market scene becomes truly spectacular with the famous Christmas markets. The major squares in towns like Lille, Amiens and Boulogne are festooned with twinkling lights, stalls are crammed with festive goodies and Christmas cheer is in the air everywhere!

Places to visit

If it’s art and design you are after then you’ve come to the right place. The Ceramics Museum in Desvres is literally on Le Moulin’s doorstep and it’s the best place to discover the history of the local earthenware pottery. Maybe it’s World War history that you want to investigate. The Pas-de-Calais has cemeteries, historic landmarks and famous battlegrounds to visit.

We can highly recommend La Coupole at Saint-Omer. This secret bunker during World War II was where scientists planned to launch the deadly V2 bombs at Britain. Today, the ominous-looking dome has some excellent exhibitions as well as a 3D Planetarium where you can see the stars and discover the Universe! Another top place to visit is the fabulous aquarium Nausicaa in Boulogne. This family-friendly national sea centre has over 50 aquariums and an array of sea creatures, including some splendid rays, sleek sharks, cute seals and cheeky turtles.

Family fun

Our family-friendly hotel is the perfect base to explore some superb family-friendly places!

Amusements parks

There are plenty of outdoor natural spaces to explore during your stay in the Pas-de-Calais but sometimes all your children crave is a park packed with amusements. Le Moulin has a few theme parks nearby so you can easily tick that box. Dennlys Theme Park is about thirty minutes away and children under 1 m get in free! It’s great for little kids but older children will get their kicks from the mine-cart rollercoaster and wild river ride. Parc Bagatelle is roughly forty-five minutes drive from Desvres but with a wider selection of roller coasters for the thrill-seekers in the family. Parc Asterix is over two hours away, en route for Paris, so you may consider Le Moulin as a stopover before heading down to this welll-oved theme park.

Dennlys Parc
Rando Rail
Le Ferme Du Petit Quenneval
Nausicaa
Parc bagatelle
Parc Asterix

Easy action

If you fancy something a little quieter then there is Rando Rail in the countryside outside Saint-Omer. A family of four can fit in one of the carriages which you then pedal through the woods on 10 km of railway track. A day at Nausicaa, the National Sealife Centre at Boulogne, is another winner which features an awesome shark aquarium, sealion reserve, tropical lagoon and other amazing watery worlds. Closer to the hotel is the goat cheese farm, La Ferme du Petit Quenneval. Ask at reception about this charming farm where you can get up close to some very cute goats and see how cheese is made. Lastly, don’t forget to pack a kite. The wide, windswept beaches of the Opal Coast are perfect for flying a kite and some family fun that doesn’t cost anything. The famous International Kite Festival takes place in Berck-sur-Mer each year and is another way to spend a colourful and delightful day with all the family.

“Great accommodation, brilliant staff and amazing food”

“Four friends and I used the Moulin Aux Draps as a base whilst we played golf in the area. The hotel is a three star but the quality of accommodation, the attentive but unfussy service along with the superb restaurant really make it a stand out option for dedicated breaks in the area or to break up a longer journey.”

Ben W

Get in touch to see how we can help you

The Opal Coast is bursting with historic, cultural and sporting activities and events. We want you to enjoy all that Northern France has to offer. Call us today to find out what exciting deals we can offer so you can experience the magic…