OSCAR 2026 in Merlimont from 7–11 April
Previously, OSCAR took place in the summer or autumn; this year it was held in the spring, from 7th –11th April, at the Miléade holiday park on the Opal Coast in north-western France. Martial and Annick Théâtre, together with their team from the St. Quentin section, took charge of the organisation; this was the fourth time they had hosted OSCAR: in 2011 and 2018, also in Merlimont, and in 2005 in Wenduine (Belgium).
On Tuesday 7th April, 135 jumeleurs from five countries gathered at the venue: 84 French (half of whom were from the St. Quentin) – 51 foreigners, including over 30 Germans from the Berlin, Bonn, Darmstadt, Konstanz, Marburg and Stuttgart associations – 6 English – 2 Swiss – 6 Spanish from Girona. It was the first time that Spaniards took part in OSCAR.
Unfortunately, André Rousselot, the founder of the OSCAR event, was unable to attend, along with his wife Elise, due to health reasons.
First, name tags, gifts and keys to the accommodation were handed out. Before the evening buffet, Martial officially welcomed all jumeleurs with a welcome drink and made some announcements about the week’s programme.
The chairman of Eurojumelages, Peter Backes, also welcomed the OSCAR participants. He gave a speech in which he expressed his regret at being unable to attend the entire OSCAR event due to a bereavement in his family, which meant he had to leave early on Friday morning.
As always at OSCAR there were two days of cycling or hiking. There was also the option of doing neither of them. Participants who opted for the latter could go for walks around the holiday park, visit the indoor swimming pool or the sauna on the premises, play pétanque on the boules court, or simply make themselves comfortable in their accommodation. On the day in between, there was a group outing for everyone.
At breakfast, on the walks and bike rides, and at lunch and dinner, there were plenty of opportunities to chat and catch up with various jumeleurs. The bar also provided a chance to do so. As is customary in French holiday parks, evening entertainment was provided, with the chance to dance or sing karaoke.
When the date for OSCAR in Merlimont was announced, several participants wondered what the weather would be like at that time of year. There were fears of changeable, cold weather and rain. But the opposite turned out to be true. Although it was still a bit chilly in the early morning, by the afternoon of the first day the temperature had risen to 24 degrees, and the lovely sunny weather stayed with us right until the end. So we were able to enjoy some lovely days without any rain.
The cyclists were divided into two groups: Cycling Group 1 (with a picnic) rode standard bikes, mostly on well-maintained cycle paths. They covered a total of around 195 km over the two days. There were 11 people in this group.
On the first day, the route ran southwards close to the coast via Berck to Le Crotoy and then eastwards through the hinterland back to the holiday park.
On the second day, the group cycled north via Le Touquet-Paris Plage and Étaples to Hardelot Plage. There, they turned back. They followed the same route to Étaples and then via Montreuil, the medieval fortified town on a hill inland, back to the holiday park.
Cycling group 2 were out on e-bikes. They were a larger group and covered a total of around 130 km over the two days. The cyclists in this group returned to the holiday park for lunch before resuming their activity.
The walkers were also divided into two groups: Walking Group 1 (also with picnic) covered a total of around 33 km over the two days. This group initially consisted of 11 people, but there were significantly fewer on the second day.
Hiking Group 2 proved the most popular, and this group also returned to the holiday resort for lunch. It was already very well attended on the first day. On the second day, even more walkers joined in. This group covered a total of around 21 km. Both groups were out and about near Merlimont, Merlimont-Plage and Stella-Plage, walking up and down the dune landscape on specially laid paths in deep sand,
partly on boardwalks and, of course, along the wide sandy beach, but also inland through pine and coniferous forests, with walking group 1 continuing through the Marais de Balençon marshland to Airon-Notre-Dame and Saint-Aubin
Trophy award ceremony
The cup for walkers was awarded to the St. Quentin association, which represented half of the French participants. Alain accepted the cup.
The OSCAR Cup went to the York association. It was presented to Tony.
To round off the event, all participants were given a regional speciality to take home: Le Perlé, a sparkling fruit wine made from redcurrants, which can be enjoyed as an aperitif or dessert wine.
The next OSCAR will take place in Poland from 16th to 20th June 2027 in Szczecin (Stettin), organised by the Polish Gorzów section.
Day excursion: Thursday, 9th April
The chair of the French Union, Sylvie Henri, had travelled specially from Lille to be with us that day. After a morning spent at our own leisure, we set off for Marquenterre Park in three coaches following lunch. There, we were divided into several groups to take part in guided tours in French and English.
Marquenterre Park is one of France’s most important bird sanctuaries, situated on the Bay of Somme. It offers a varied landscape of dunes, freshwater and saltwater lakes, and pine forests. During a walk, we were able to observe birds from specially observation huts without disturbing them.
The nature guides provided explanations, made telescopes available and answered our questions. The park was a particular highlight, especially now during the breeding season and the return of the migratory birds. We were accompanied by the constant chirping of birds.
Before we set off on our journey home, we had a goûter in the restaurant area, consisting of apple juice and a sponge cake spread with jam.
Irmi Corbet
Sektion Darmstadt
Germany
Here's a nice video about the Oscar by
Patrice Bozzani
