OUR NEWS
Industrial tourism on the Opal Coast: a rare experience to discover
What if the Boulonnais Quarries became your fondest holiday memory?
The 2026 industrial tourism season is about to begin... and we are delighted to announce that tours of the Ferques quarry, France's largest open-pit quarry, will resume in April!
Starting in April, the CB Group and its Aggregates division invite the general public to enjoy a unique immersion experience at the heart of an exceptional industrial site. This is an opportunity to discover, in real-life conditions, the professions, expertise, and environmental commitments that have earned this iconic site in Pas-de-Calais, the Marquise quarry basin, and the Transmanche Geopark its reputation.
On the agenda: a rare and captivating experience
During the guided bus tour through the heart of the quarry, participants will be able to:
- explore an extraordinary mining site,
- understand the different stages of aggregate production,
- interact with our passionate teams,
- enjoy impressive panoramic views across the entire quarry,
- Discover our initiatives in the areas of the environment and biodiversity.
A privileged dive into the heart of a spectacular industrial world that is nonetheless essential to our daily lives.
An invitation to (re)discover the extraordinary: come along with us!
Whether you are curious, passionate about heritage, a lover of great landscapes, or simply looking for an original family outing, this new industrial tourism season is for you. Places are limited: book your visit now by scanning the QR Code or clicking on the link below.
Click below or scan the QR code to reserve your seats online
(limited number of places) (
PRICE: €5 / PERSON*
DURATION: APPROXIMATELY 2 HOURS
RESERVATION REQUIRED
*Funds partially donated to the Hauts-de-France National Botanical Conservatory
Promising pilot visits carried out in 2024 which confirmed the public's interest and curiosity
In June 2024, nearly 150 employees, stakeholders, clients, and prescribers had the first taste of this experience during pilot visits spread over two days. The feedback was unanimous: the discovery of the site, the quality of the explanations, and the vastness of the industrial landscape made a lasting impression. Since then, several private tours have been organized, notably on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Marquise Carrier Basin landscape plan, generating keen public interest, with waiting lists for certain dates.
A historic site open for almost 130 years . A place of production , innovation and transmission .
This opening is part of a desire to promote local industrial heritage, but also to share the expertise of a little-known profession. Extraction, processing, logistics, maintenance: all activities that contribute to the transformation of raw materials into essential materials for the construction of our living environment.
The educational trail also covers the geological issues of the site, the uses of limestone materials in our daily lives, and the means implemented to reconcile industrial activity and respect for the environment.
A strong commitment to biodiversity
The Ferques quarry is home to remarkable biodiversity. It is a nesting site for the eagle owl, a protected species, as well as many other species such as sand martins and certain rare orchids. The registration fee (€5 per visitor) was partially donated to the Aubépine association in 2025 and will be donated to the Hauts-de-France National Botanical Conservatory in 2026, partners committed to protecting this sensitive fauna and flora.
A hidden world awaits you
The dull din of machinery, the rocky walls, the interplay of scale between man and machine... The Ferques quarry cannot be told, it must be experienced. Behind the gates of this still little-known industrial site lies a fascinating world, sculpted by time and human labor.
Starting in April, this usually closed site will finally open its doors to you. Hop on the bus and explore France's largest open-air quarry!
Practical information
Departures are from Le Cardo, in Marquise, at the bus stop in front of the CAPOOLCO municipal swimming pool. The tour takes place exclusively by bus, with no stops at the site.
Registration is online via the Weezevent platform (link accessible from our website, the La Terre des 2 Caps website, and a dedicated page).
A €5 contribution is requested from each visitor, part of which is donated to the Hauts-de-France National Botanical Conservatory.