Le Touquet at a Glance
Paris may not have an oceanfront, but city dwellers know one of the gems of the Côte d'Opale is just a short trip away at Le Touquet-Paris-Plage. Established as a prominent seaside resort in the late 19th century, it draws beachgoers and nature lovers alike when the weather turns warm.
A Step Back into the 1920s
Le Touquet-Paris-Plage built its reputation by welcoming vacationers and celebrities throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. This coastal resort sits in the Pas-de-Calais department, in the Hauts-de-France region at the mouth of the Canche estuary. Locals call it the resort of elegance or the pearl of the Opalescent Coast thanks to its striking Anglo-Norman architectural heritage. Walking the streets of Le Touquet-Paris-Plage means taking in rows of gorgeous retro villas. In fact, twenty buildings hold official historical monument status for their preserved facades and artistic merit. Most went up during the Roaring Twenties, transporting visitors straight back to the previous century. The town mapped out a 31-step historical walking tour highlighting its most representative spots, including the town hall, the covered market, and the Canche lighthouse. Art enthusiasts can head straight to the Musée du Touquet-Paris-Plage, a tribute to the painters of the Étaples school.
Between Beach, Forest, and Dunes
Le Touquet-Paris-Plage wouldn't have its fame without its twelve-kilometre stretch of fine sand. This coastal ribbon is fully outfitted in the summer, drawing everyone from families to athletes. Popular activities on the water and sand include sailing, land sailing, and kitesurfing. Hotels, restaurants, and bars line the waterfront to handle the crowds.
Nature enthusiasts can step away from the warm sand to explore a forest filled with maritime pines, alders, and poplars. Back in the 19th century, hundreds of trees were planted directly into the dunes across nearly 800 hectares. Today, it is an ideal spot for walking, horseback riding, or cycling. For an even deeper dive into the landscape, hikers can tackle one of the three marked trails in the parc naturel de la baie de Canche. The park offers sweeping views of the estuary, and sharp-eyed visitors can spot colonies of seals lounging on the sandbanks. It is also a haven for birdwatchers, with thousands of migratory birds stopping through every year.
When to Go
Most visitors aim for June through September to make the most of the beach. Spring and autumn are also great times to wander the town without the heavy tourist crowds. Keep in mind that many hotels and restaurants only operate during the summer season.
How to get there
Le Touquet-Paris-Plage is a 2.5-hour drive from Paris via the A16 highway. You can also catch a train from Paris Gare du Nord to the Étaples-Le Touquet station, which takes about 2.5 hours as well. Tickets run $23 to $34*.
The scenery in Le Touquet-Paris-Plage is nice (vast beaches and dunes), but the prices are often a bit high. For a getaway from Paris, it is nice, if you do not want to have a big night out after your dinner. I really enjoyed the bike rides on the promenade and in the surrounding forests. But overall, it is very touristy, and not always up to par.