Maréis, the sea fishing discovery centre

The unmissable Côte d'Opale day out for sailors young and old

At Maréis, you don't just look at the sea, you live it. You climb aboard, take the helm and stroke the rays with your fingertips. A bracing, unforgettable adventure for the whole family, just steps from the harbour at Étaples.

A journey from the sea to the fishmonger's stall

Guided by a former fisherman, you follow every stage of the catch: building the boat, setting out to sea, the fishing techniques, life aboard a trawler, and finally the sale of the fish back at the harbour. Take your place in a life-size wheelhouse, try the navigation simulator, learn to tie a proper sailor's knot and explore the seabed live thanks to an underwater camera. Surprises guaranteed!

12 aquariums and over 500 sea creatures

To round off your visit, the Maréis aquariums reveal the hidden treasures of the Channel and the North Sea. More than 500 sea creatures from Canche estuary and our coastline await you: conger eel, seahorses, sea bream, dogfish and more. Don't miss the nursery area, where young rays and dogfish hatch from their eggs, and the touch pool, where children can stroke the fish with their fingertips.

A perfect family day out

Maréis is designed to delight young and old alike:

● Guided tour by a former fisherman, included in your ticket

● A touch pool for stroking the fish

● "P'tits matelots" workshops for 4-12 year-olds during the school holidays

● Cookery classes and activities inspired by the fruits of the sea

● A fun, easy-going trail with interactive games

The perfect escape near Parc Bagatelle

Just twenty minutes or so from Parc Bagatelle, Maréis is the ideal way to round off your stay on the Côte d'Opale.

Morning: thrills and rides at Parc Bagatelle

Afternoon: head for Étaples and Maréis

This thrills-and-discovery combo makes for a full, refreshing day out for all the family.

A Côte d'Opale must

Whether you're coming from Lille, Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, Boulogne-sur-Mer or further afield, Maréis is a stop not to be missed on your travels through the region