Le Touquet beach
Le Touquet is a sought-after destination among both locals and visitors of high social standing. Nestled between Arras and Lille, the city lies a mere 7 km from the highway, along the picturesque English Channel coast. As the heart of the Opal Coast, it boasts easy accessibility, which likely contributes to its popularity with affluent Parisians. These discerning individuals frequently purchase real estate in the area, drawn by the opportunity to spend their weekends or vacations in a place that exudes prestige and exclusivity, yet remains discreet and understated.
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Beach description
In Le Touquet, everything is exemplary, and the local beach is an ideal place for family relaxation. Some travelers, weary of the hustle and bustle of Paris and London, seek a simpler retreat. However, for a less conventional getaway, there are hundreds of other destinations to consider. What sets Le Touquet beach apart from the rest:
- Vibrant beach huts, loungers, and other beach amenities.
- Expansive and sandy terrain that gently slopes into the sea. Here, one can stroll endlessly, with ample space for all.
- Pristine ecology. Even in winter, the sea air and surrounding pines are invigorating; some visit solely for the health benefits of the fresh air.
- Refreshing breezes are a constant presence, often brisk and cool. In summer, this is a welcome respite from the heat.
- Entertainment for children. The sea, though cool in summer, leaves behind warm tidal pools for play. The fine sand is home to many intriguing creatures.
- Diverse beach activities cater to all interests. Traditional water sports are enhanced by prestigious yachting, horseback riding, and golf. Thalassotherapy is augmented by exhilarating sail carting. The extensive coastline of nearly 13 km facilitates these activities.
- Festivals for youngsters are a regular occurrence.
- Unique sports such as longjacket (heel-and-toe walk in water, waist-deep) and ball-and-veil (races on light platforms with a sail, demanding incredible skill from the pilot) can only be found in Le Touquet.
When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit the French Northern coast for a beach vacation is during the summer months, from June to August. This period offers the most favorable weather conditions for enjoying the beaches.
- June: The beginning of summer is a great time to visit. The weather is warming up, and the tourist rush is not at its peak, allowing for a more relaxed experience.
- July: July is the height of the tourist season. The weather is typically warm and sunny, making it ideal for beach activities. However, expect larger crowds and higher prices.
- August: Similar to July, August offers excellent beach weather. It's also a popular vacation month for Europeans, so beaches may be crowded. By the end of August, the crowds start to thin out as the peak season winds down.
For those seeking a quieter experience, the shoulder seasons of late May, early June, and September can also be pleasant, though the water may be too cool for swimming. Regardless of when you visit, the French Northern coast offers stunning scenery and a unique coastal charm.
Video: Beach Le Touquet
Infrastructure
The most elegant resort in the department of Pas de Calais, established in 1876, introduced the strictest building regulations from its very inception. The city now boasts an array of outstanding architectural examples. Each villa or hotel is a work of art.
The tourist infrastructure features numerous luxurious private villas, casinos, and sports facilities, including an array of golf courses. Children delight in the indoor aquapark. The Andura Motodrome, several hippodromes, and riding schools also enjoy popularity among the city's guests.
In the summer, the population of Le Touquet swells to at least ten times its off-season size. The city is well-equipped to host royalty, magnates, actors, as well as tourists who may not be widely known but appreciate understated luxury.
One of the hotels in Le Touquet, Castel Victoria, rated 3 stars, operates on a "bed and breakfast" basis. This beautiful establishment features large rooms with amenities that could easily merit a 4-star rating. Guests can enjoy fresh pastries and juices in the morning, a heated pool, the option to stay with pets, and even take them for walks in the surrounding area. With hospitable hosts, impeccable cleanliness, and exquisite bed linen, what more could a weary traveler desire?
Many elegant restaurants line the coastline, offering dishes such as ravioli with lobster and chanterelles. Service is available at any time, although securing a table may be challenging between 12:00 and 14:00, when the French typically dine. It is advisable to reserve a table in advance to savor traditional dishes like fried sea tongue or pancakes with caramel sauce.
Weather in Le Touquet
Best hotels of Le Touquet
All hotels of Le TouquetUseful information
Earlier, people came to Le Touquet only by rail. Now, with the development of traffic, the city is overruned by the British by a quarter, the rest of the tourists are Parisians, wealthy people from other countries, because it is incredibly easy to get here.
- From Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris 2 hours by car.
- From Calais, where the train from London stops awhile, they arrive in just an hour.
- It is possible to rest in winter and summer, just be prepared for strong cold winds.
- If there is no equipment for beach sports, it is possible to rent everything on the beach, including a wetsuit.