Thursday 10th to Saturday 12th October, 2024
Join us for an extraordinary celebration of geology, culture, and community at the first-ever Cross-Channel Geopark Festival! Immerse yourself in the wonders of our shared natural heritage, discover the deep history beneath our feet, and explore the ties that bind the UK and France. This vibrant event, set against the impressive backdrop of the Château d’Hardelot, is brought to you by the Parc naturel régional des Caps et Marais d’opale and the Kent Downs National Landscape, in partnership with the Château d’Hardelot.
Festival Programme
The Cross-Channel Geopark Festival offers an action-packed three days filled with engaging activities, fascinating talks, and hands-on workshops. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a family looking for a fun day out, there’s something for everyone. Each day brings a new way to explore the region’s incredible geological and cultural history, with opportunities to learn, connect, and celebrate our shared heritage. Below is a detailed look at the festival programme, highlighting the events that will take place at the stunning Château d’Hardelot.
Thursday 10th October
Twin School Meeting
10:00 AM – 4:30 PM | For Schools Kicking off the festival, this day is dedicated to young minds from both sides of the Channel. English and French schoolchildren will engage in hands-on activities, exploring geology and landscapes together. This educational exchange, led by our dynamic Geopark Ambassadors, is set to inspire around 100 children, fostering cross-cultural understanding and a love for our planet.
Evening Conference: Stephen Clarke on 30 Years of the Channel Tunnel and 120 Years of the Entente Cordiale
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM | For Adults Celebrate a landmark year in Franco-British relations with renowned British journalist and author Stephen Clarke. In a witty and insightful talk, Clarke will delve into the 30th anniversary of the Channel Tunnel and the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale. Get ready for a captivating evening filled with humour and history, as we reflect on the past three decades of cross-Channel connection.
Friday 11th October
Geopark Ambassadors Meeting
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Workshop for Professionals A day dedicated to collaboration and professional development. French and English Geopark Ambassadors—including educators, tourism professionals, and more—will come together for a field exchange and training session. This is a fantastic opportunity to enhance the economic attractiveness of our region by leveraging its unique geological and cultural assets.
Official Inauguration
12:30 PM | Invitation Only An exclusive session for our partners, featuring an institutional exchange and networking opportunities. This marks the official opening of the festival and the start of our shared journey toward achieving UNESCO recognition.
Evening Conference: Nicholas Crane Celebrates Franco-British Geology
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM | For Adults Join us for an inspiring talk by Nicholas Crane, celebrated writer, TV presenter, and geographer. Crane will take us on a journey through the fascinating geological history of our region, with a special focus on the White Cliffs of Dover. Don’t miss this chance to explore the natural wonders that have shaped our landscapes and cultures.
Saturday 12th October
Cross-Channel Geopark Festival
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM | For Adults and Families Bring the whole family for an afternoon of fun, learning, and celebration! Our festival will take you on a journey through 400 million years of geological history, from ancient seas to the formation of our iconic landscapes, and the arrival of dinosaurs, mammoths, and humans. Activities include:
- Tales and music: Enjoy captivating stories and songs about landscapes, rocks, and the Franco-British connection, perfect for all ages.
- Guided walks: Explore the rich Franco-British history of the Château d’Hardelot, from the Middle Ages to modern times, with a scenic outdoor tour.
- Sensory nature workshops: A fun, hands-on activity for children aged 4 and up, engaging their senses in the château’s beautiful gardens.
- Artistic creations: Get creative with nature-inspired art workshops, perfect for the whole family.
- Concerts and tastings: Relax with live music, sample delicious French and British products, and enjoy exhibitions showcasing our shared geological heritage.
- Forage and sip: Craft and enjoy your own wild herbal tea from local plants and herbs foraged from the beautiful grounds of Château d’Hardelot.
Discover the Château d’Hardelot: A Venue Steeped in History
The Château d’Hardelot, a stunningly restored neo-Gothic castle nestled in the heart of Pas-de-Calais, serves as the perfect setting for the Cross-Channel Geopark Festival. This remarkable venue is more than just a backdrop—it’s a symbol of the rich cultural and historical ties between France and the UK.
A Castle with a Cross-Channel Connection
Originally built in the 12th century, the Château d’Hardelot has undergone several transformations, each adding layers to its fascinating history. The castle as it stands today is a beautiful example of 19th-century neo-Gothic architecture, with its romantic turrets, grand halls, and meticulously landscaped gardens.
The Château is not only a testament to the region’s architectural heritage but also plays a pivotal role in celebrating Franco-British relations. 2024 marks the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale, the historic agreement that strengthened Franco-British relations, fostering a bond of friendship and cooperation that continues to flourish. It is one of the reasons Château d’Hardelot was chosen as the venue for this festival. The château is home to the Centre Culturel de l’Entente Cordiale, a cultural centre dedicated to promoting mutual understanding between the two nations—a perfect match for an event celebrating shared geological and cultural heritage.
In addition to the festival’s events, the Château d’Hardelot is home to a permanent exhibition curated by Stephen Clarke, exploring the historical ties between France and Britain. This is a must-see for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in the enduring connection between these two nations.
Set within the Parc naturel régional des Caps et Marais d’opale, the Château d’Hardelot is surrounded by some of the most breathtaking landscapes in northern France. The park’s diverse ecosystems—from marshlands to cliffs—are a geologist’s dream, making it an ideal location for a festival dedicated to the wonders of our natural world.
About the Cross-Channel Geopark: A Vision for UNESCO Global Recognition
The Cross-Channel Geopark is an exciting initiative that unites the Kent Downs National Landscape in the UK and the Parc naturel régional des Caps et Marais d’opale in France. This cross-border project is working towards achieving the prestigious UNESCO Global Geopark status, recognising areas of outstanding geological and cultural significance.
A Shared Geological Treasure
Spanning two countries but connected by millions of years of geological history, the Cross-Channel Geopark tells the story of landscapes shaped by ancient seas, dramatic cliffs, and powerful natural forces. From the iconic White Cliffs of Dover to the stunning Cap Blanc-Nez of northern France, this region provides an exceptional window into Earth’s past. But it’s not just about the rocks—it’s also about how people have interacted with these landscapes, shaping communities, cultures, and industries that continue to impact the modern world.
What is a Geopark?
A UNESCO Global Geopark is an area recognised for its unique geological heritage and how this heritage is used to promote sustainable development, local culture, and education. The Cross-Channel Geopark aims to foster cross-border collaboration, encouraging conservation, sustainable tourism, and education centred around the region’s natural and cultural treasures.
Connecting People and Nature
The Cross-Channel Geopark is about more than just preserving landscapes; it’s about connecting people with the environment, fostering a deeper understanding of our natural world, and creating a platform for cross-border cultural exchange. Our Geopark Ambassadors—a network of educators, guides, and community leaders—play a vital role in promoting these values, helping both locals and visitors engage with the region’s rich history.
By working together, the Kent Downs and the Parc naturel régional des Caps et Marais d’opale aim to enhance our region’s economic, environmental, and social vitality. Whether you’re a resident, a visitor, or a partner, you can be part of this exciting journey towards UNESCO recognition.
The Cross-Channel Geopark project is funded through The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thank you to National Lottery players for making this project possible.
