The Pas-de-Calais is a beautiful, relaxing place to spend a pleasant holiday. Le Touquet-Paris-Plage in particular attracts many tourists every summer. The air is mild, the scenery magnificent and the atmosphere totally relaxed. This little piece of land in the Hauts-de-France region is the perfect destination for a weekend or a week's vacation. Take a trip to Le Touquet with Le Petit Futé, and discover 13 must-do activities!
1. Le Touquet beach, nicknamed the Nice of the North
Le Touquet beach is one of the most famous in the region. Duringa stay in the Hauts-de-France region, it's simply not to be missed. The various beaches stretch over no less than 12 kilometers. They're a great place to relax and for children to have fun. Swimming, however, is reserved for the brave. The water is not warm in Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, let's face it... While it can royally soar to 19°C from time to time, the average is more likely to be below 18°C most of the time. It's also pleasant to stroll along the Promenade du Touquet, especially at sunset.
2. Downtown Le Touquet, a place rich in activities
Along with Audresselles and Wissant, Le Touquet is one of the most beautiful villages in northern France. The town center is well worth a visit, and is a delight to stroll through at the first opportunity.
The houses of Le Touquet are particularly worth a look. They command respect not only for their size, but above all for their superb architecture. As you stroll along, you'll also be able to admire the Le Touquet casino, which lights up beautifully in the evening.
If you like cultural visits, head for the church of Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc. With its ornate red brick façade, it's absolutely sublime! As you stroll along, you're bound to come across Rue Saint-Jean. The city's nerve center, this is where you'll find the majority of stores and restaurants. The area is also home to a number of art galleries, so you're sure to enjoy a pleasant stroll.
Le Touquet also boasts 20 listed buildings. To help you discover them, the town has organized a discovery trail, details of which are available from the tourist office.
Finally, although it's not located directly in the town center, the covered market awaits you on Monday, Thursday and Saturday mornings.
3. The Baie de Canche nature park and its lighthouse
The Baie de Canche nature park is so interesting because of its incredible biodiversity. At certain times of the year, migratory birds can be seen. At other times, seals can be seen in this wild landscape. The flora is also superb, making for a very pleasant walk. Between dunes and estuaries, you'll enjoy discovering this landscape at your own pace. Follow one of the trails between the moor and the sea. Relatively short (maximum 3 km), they are accessible to all, including children.
At the end of your walk, you'll discover the Canche lighthouse, standing tall and proud in the landscape. To reach the top, you'll have to climb no fewer than 274 steps!
4. Outdoor activities in Le Touquet
Nature is so beautiful in northern France, that the area is ideal for road trips or, more simply, hiking. But there are many other ways to discover the area. The quietest is the rosalie, which can be rented on the seafront. Pedaling along at a leisurely pace, you can discover the promenade and the surrounding area in a relaxed atmosphere.
Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy sand yachting or kitesurfing during their stay.
Or do you prefer more leisurely pursuits? Then head for the golf course at Le Touquet! Its superb green courses surrounded by forest are the perfect place to relax.
5. Visit the Musée du Touquet-Paris-Plage
Seeing the Musée du Touquet-Paris-Plage immediately makes you want to learn more! Housed in an absolutely sublime period building, it's a real eye-catcher. Inside, you'll discover fine collections of paintings from the 20th century onwards. Historical works, modern art, contemporary art and photographs share the premises, unveiling a rich and fascinating collection.
The museum is set in a renowned green setting: a century-old forest. Known as the "Garden of La Manche", it's well worth a stroll on the day of your cultural visit. The atmosphere is bucolic, mysterious and a little magical..
6. Admire Le Touquet from the air
There's nothing like taking in the sights from above. Rent a small motorized plane with pilot to discover Le Touquet and, more generally, the Côte d'Opale. Pure wonder! It's a great activity to enjoy as a couple, and one that'll leave you with some lovely memories. And who knows, from up there, you might even discover places to visit that you'll want to visit on your next vacation!
7. A pretty fishing port not far from Le Touquet
Étaples, 7 km from Le Touquet, is a pleasant fishing port. Take your time strolling along the quayside, waiting for the fishermen to return. Right on the quay, you can buy your ultra-fresh fish directly. If you're in the area at the end of September, we invite you to discover an event dear to the hearts of Etaplois: the canoe joust of the Saint-Michel ducasse.
8. Le Touquet equestrian park
The Le Touquet equestrian park dates back to 1980, although the racecourse was built in 1925. It's a huge complex covering more than 65 hectares. During your stay, you can book a ride on horseback, on the beach or in the forest. If you're in the area in April, come and watch the big polo tournament. In May, there's a show-jumping competition.
9. Admire the Newfoundland-Monchy-le-Preux memorial
The Opal Coast was a strategic location during the First and Second World Wars. So it's not surprising to find blockhouses on the beaches or, as here, the Newfoundland-Monchy-le-Preux Memorial. It pays tribute to the Newfoundland soldiers who gave their lives in the first of these two wars. At the time, Newfoundland was not yet a province of Canada; it was a British dominion. A large bronze statue of a caribou testifies to the respect we still have for these men today.
10. A day at the spa to relax during your stay
Visiting cultural sites on vacation is all very well. But don't forget to pamper yourself in the process! In Le Touquet, you can treat yourself to a day of well-being at the Thalassa Sea & Spa. Energy, radiance, detox, recovery: choose the program that suits you best.
Hôtel Barrière Le Westminster also offers a range of relaxation services:
- massage,
- spa,
- sauna
- hammam,
- swimming pool,
- fitness area.
Take a moment for yourself: you've earned it!
11. A boat trip to explore the Opal Coast
The wild coastline of the Côte d'Opale is very beautiful. While you can enjoy it from land, you can also admire it from the sea. Book a boat trip and let the sea take you. All you have to do is relax and enjoy the scenery. Some boats will take you on a tour of the Baie de Canche. You can book a trip at the Étaples tourist office. Whether you opt for a classic excursion or a gourmet breakfast or aperitif cruise, you're sure to have a great time.
12. Le Touquet: discover the local gastronomy!
By the sea, you'll find delicious fish and seafood dishes. The local potato, the ratte du Touquet, is also very much a part of the local gastronomy, as an accompaniment to a variety of dishes. Among them, the famous moules-frites is a must!
More original, welsh rarebit is prepared with melted cheddar cheese on a slice of toast. Want something even more original? Potjevleesch is a meat-based preparation (pork, veal, rabbit or chicken), jellied in a vinegar mixture. Generally speaking, you can feel the Belgian influence in the local gastronomy (the names of the dishes prove it!).
13. Unwind in the dunes of Le Touquet
Need to get away from it all? Head north of town to the Dunes du Touquet beach. This is where the Baie de Canche nature park begins. The place is deserted, far from the crowds and noise. All you'll find here is the beach, the sea, the vegetation making its way through the sand... and you! It's the perfect place to unwind, especially in the early morning and evening. If you want to extend your moment of plenitude, perhaps you can watch the sun set in this 100% natural setting.
How do I get to Le Touquet?
The easiest way is by car or train. By car, it's a 3-hour journey from Paris, via the A16. From Lille, it takes just 2 hours to reach Le Touquet, via the A25 and then the A16.
This famous seaside resort is also well served by TGV and Intercités trains. From Paris, you can catch your train at Gare du Nord. The journey is even quicker than by car: just 2h30. From Lille, the journey takes just 1h30 (Lille-Europe station). You then arrive at Étaples-le-Touquet, from where a shuttle bus takes you into town. Tickets cost €1, and there are many timetables throughout the day. Make sure you find out before you leave what time you can catch your shuttle.
Where to walk around Le Touquet?
In the Pas-de-Calais, there are places so beautiful and exotic that you'd think you were abroad. Such is the case of Cap Blanc-Nez, whose vast, light-green meadows bordering the beaches seem to transport us to Ireland.
About 40 minutes from Le Touquet, the abbey and gardens of Valloires are well worth a visit. In Argoules, you'll find this Cistercian abbey and its lovely park. A visit to the ramparts and citadel of Montreuil-sur-Mer, just 25 minutes from your vacation destination, is also worth considering. Finally, we invite you to discover the wonders of the Baie de Somme, not far from Le Touquet.
What to do in Le Touquet when it rains?
A visit to the Musée du Touquet can be saved for a rainy day. You'll be sheltered while browsing through a fine collection of works. You can also take the opportunity to visit the church of Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc, or take a tour of the town's casino. Just 40 minutes from Le Touquet, you can also spend a day in Boulogne-sur-Mer. It's home to Europe's largest aquarium: Nausicaá. A great idea for a visit when it's raining. Finally, there's nothing like a rainy day to spend pampering yourself in a spa!
Where to stay in Le Touquet?
For a comfortable stay, the Grand Hôtel is the place to be. Its spa promises 100% zen moments, whatever the weather and whenever you want! Excellent cuisine is available on site, from the bistro to the gourmet restaurant. Book your room your room at the best price!
For a lower budget but still with the same level of comfort, the Red Fox hotel is a must-visit address in Le Touquet. It offers a warm welcome and pleasant, modern rooms. Ideally located in the heart of the town, it offers privileged access to all amenities. Click here to if you'd like to book one or more nights!
Would you prefer to stay in a quiet location surrounded by nature? We recommend the Hippotel, with its surrounding forest. Some rooms have a view of the racecourse. You'll find a fully-equipped studio apartment of a high standard that's sure to make your stay a pleasant one. Click here to to find out more!
Le Touquet-Paris-Plage is an ideal destination for a weekend break in France. And with so much to offer, it's also perfect for couples and families on a longer stay. Let yourself be charmed by the northern villages and the warm welcome of the locals. It's a great place to spend a few days. Get away from it all and enjoy your vacation to the full!
