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Base Nautique Sud
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Description of Base Nautique Sud
Base Nautique Sud invites you to come and try sand yachting in Le Touquet ! Go as fast as the wind on the fine sandy beaches offered by the club. In an incomparable natural space, you will have the opportunity to discover and improve your skills in sand yachting. The club offers you several options according to your wishes:
- Improvement
- Adult and junior courses (11 – 14 years old)
- Sports training
All in a fun and friendly spirit. Please note that the club team is led by Bertrand Lambert, 5 times world champions and holder of the speed record in sand yachting ! Do not hesitate to come and get to know them, or to contact them via a free, no-obligation information request for any questions. Base Nautique Sud , the spirit of sand yachting for wind lovers!
Reviews of Base Nautique Sud
All our reviews are verified. 100% of customers have enjoyed this activity
Review translated from French Excellent welcome, Nath and JP very professional and super nice. Nice try for a first, little wind at Force 5/6 on the final downwind sprint, great. See you next in development. Thank you for your business sense too, truncated session, price as well.
Review translated from French Very professional and friendly team ...
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YUMPING TRUST
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Le Touquet, also known as Paris Plage
A short hop across the English Channel or a 3-hour drive from Paris, Le Touquet-Paris-Plage has it all. There are sandy beaches and water sports, cycle routes through the parks and leafy forest, tennis and golf, an excellent museum and a summer-long series of festivals.
Le Touquet has the dog-friendly “Toutourisme” certification , meaning dogs and dog owners are welcome and well taken care of.
Le Touquet has always exercised a seductive charm. By the 1920s it was the place to be for the rich and famous, writers, film stars and politicians. The British smart set and their French friends descended on the chic seaside resort for its golf, horse racing, and polo matches. They stayed in the grand hotels or in villas that range from Art Deco to neo classical, Gothic to Tudor, and gambled the night away in the casinos. Today’s visitors are mostly more low key, though you might spot French President Macron here!
Le Touquet best attractions
The Hôtel de Ville in Le Touquet is an appropriately striking building with its tall belfry, red brick Tudor details and neo gothic arches.
Financed by just one year’s profits from the town’s casino, it was opened on June 27, 1931.
A guided tour takes you into the building and the City Hall’s grand official salle d’honneur where the town dignitaries meet to keep Le Touquet on the fashionable map.
Post Office
Another of the landmarks of Le Touquet, the post office opened in 1927 on the site of the former 19th-century church of Saint-Jean.
Its triangular roof is deliberately ecclesiastical to recall its past, while the geometric design displays more than a touch of Art Deco.
It was designed by Jean Boissel after he won a competition organised by the town and the building became a historical monument in 1997.
The Racecourse Grandstands
The 1925 Hippodrome grandstands not only drew an international crowd to the chic resort, they were also renowned for their architectural innovations.
The project was one of the first by architects Georges-Henry Pingusson and Paul Furiet and the young team designed each grandstand with a state of the art single piece of reinforced concrete as an awning to cover the seats.
From the top rank of seats there’s a wonderful view over the course below and to the Canche river estuary beyond.
Town Hall – Le Touquet © Lydie Rault
Le Castel Villa – Le Touquet © Lydie Rault
Le Castel villa
Built in 1904, this white villa with its tall pointed tower and red brick window surrounds could have come out of a fairy tale. It’s one of the 20 or so Le Touquet buildings on the French Historic Monuments registry. Guided walks from the Tourist Office take in more of the architectural treasures of the town.
Casino Barrière le Touquet
The elegant casino in the Palais des Congrès was originally part of a villa built by Daloz, the founder of Le Touquet, in the 1860s. The expanded casino was used as a British military hospital in World War I then became the playground for the 1920s international jet set. The present casino was rebuilt in the 1950s in traditional Le Touquet style replacing the 1927 building. It particularly attracted the British whose gambling was restricted to member-only casinos at home. Ian Fleming used it as his model for Casino Royale, its high rollers as rich as the international set who frequented the gaming tables of the past.
Kiosk Serge Gainsbourg
Hidden in the Parc des Pins, the little music pavilion was opened in 1924 at the height of the roaring 20s. Used today by small bands during the summer festival season, it was renamed the Kiosk Serge Gainsbourg in 2001. The French singer-songwriter began his career as a crooner in Le Touquet and composed and first played one of his most famous song, Le Poinçonneur des Lilas, at the Club de la Forêt, now Le Flavio restaurant .
The Beach of le Touquet
Children build sandcastles, people walk their dogs along the 7 km-long stretch of golden sand, and in February, the famous Enduropale race sees some 1,000 motorbikes stream along the beach and through the dunes.
Sand yachting on the Opal Coast
Follow in the path of Louis Blériot who accelerated along the beach at Le Touquet in his aeroplage (beach plane) in 1910. A new sport was born though it wasn’t until the 1930s that Henry Demoury was renting out the land yachts he had built. You can learn the techniques to get you up to speed at the Base Nautique Sud and get some idea of the skill involved at the annual Blériot Cup held in May organised by the Blériot Club, which holds the honour of being the first char à voile club in the world.
Sand yacthing – Le Touquet © AS Flament
Le Touquet golf resort © Opengolfclub
Canche Nature Park
The park stretches over 42 hectares of protected dunes, pine trees and sandy beaches at the north tip of Le Touquet. Three walking routes wind through the park while a boardwalk leads to the observatory. Migratory birds like the nightjar, snipe and oyster catchers fly overhead; mammals and small creatures from wild boar to the common toad make the park their permanent home. If you’re lucky, you’ll see the occasional seal finding its way along the coast.
Le Touquet Golf Resort
Built in 1904, the Golf de la Forêt was from the start one of the best courses in Europe. It’s a 9-hole course, set among the dunes and forests, one of 3 golf courses in the resort. Le Manoir Hotel, just on the edge of the forest is clubby and very British.
Iconic Places to visit in Le Touquet
If you only have a short time, don’t miss these.
Museum – Le Touquet © Jean-David HESTIN
The Le Touquet Museum
Housed in the impressive Way Side villa built for a doctor in 1925 by Henri-Léon Bloch, the art collections of the Musée du Touquet-Paris-Plage cover the late nineteenth century to the present day. Unique to the museum, around 300 works from 1880 to 1914 show the Étaples post-Impressionist school. The works were produced by the 200 painters who flocked to the Opal coast from England, Germany, the USA, Australia and Scandinavia. Attracted by the seascapes, the clear luminescent light and the charming details of local life, their images run from intimate still lives to scenes where families, the women in long billowing skirts, stroll along the sandy beach. Black-and-white and sepia photographs depict major mid-20th century artists like Picasso and Cocteau and the celebrities such as Marcel Pagnol who flocked to the fashionable resort.
The Covered Market
In the Art Deco Marché couvert , stalls in the Poissonnerie section offer fish fresh off the local boats; elsewhere cheeses, vegetables and seasonal fruits vie for your attention. Designed by Henri-Léon Bloch and built between 1927 and 1932, this is the place where locals buy their preserves, local cheeses like the strong smelling Maroilles, strawberries in the spring and leeks and parsnips in winter. Visitors look through the books, clothes, linen tea towels and soaps in the stalls that spill out onto the surrounding spaces. Every Thursday and Saturday .
The Canche lighthouse
Originally two lighthouses constructed in the 1950s guarded this dangerous coastal stretch but they were destroyed by bombing in World War II. The present 57-metre high octagonal brick tower opened in 1951 by which time the lighthouse had been surrounded by the rapidly growing town. Climb the 274 steps to the top for a view over the elegant villas and the woods and dunes of the sparkling Opal coastline. On a clear day you can see north towards Calais, south to the Normandy cliffs, east to Montreuil and beyond and west to the white cliffs of Dover.
Lighthouse – Le Touquet © AS Flament
Town centre – Le Touquet © Yannick Cadart-CD62
Le Touquet is a shopper’s paradise. Don’t miss the covered market for fruit, vegetables, household goods and a great atmosphere. The surrounding streets house plenty of small antiques shops and homeware boutiques to help furnish the town’s gracious villas; top food boutiques cater to every taste.
The shops are clustered around the network of streets in the centre, with rue Saint-Jean taking the prize. For good leather handbags, gifts, watches from the big French names from Lancel to Longchamp, try La Mascotte in rue St Jean .
Upmarket souvenirs are on offer at the Boutique de Melanie in rue de Moscou which sells the officially branded and produced Le Touquet items. With an oriental influence in its range of homewares, it’s also a great place to get unusual Christmas decorations if you’re in the town in winter.
Beny Boutique in rue de Londres specialises in chic items that will definitely give you the French touch, like the iconic metal egg basket that every kitchen should have. There’s also a good selection of brocante objects, from vintage coat hangers to small wooden tables.
Touquet Antic Garden in rue de Metz spills out into a courtyard with an inspiring jumble of antique urns, lamps, iron wall pieces and the odd rusty bicycle.
There’s another good collection of rural chic items at Abaca. Everything at this mix of café and boutique is organic, fair trade or from artisans, from tea, coffee and drinks to odd shaped wooden cutting boards, cushions, baskets, vases and more. And everything is for sale, so if you fancy your chair, just buy it.
Food shopping
Tea Together in Avenue Georges Besse was started by an English couple in the 90s. Now it’s run by their son who continues the tradition of making jam from organic fruit, marmalades and honey, while also stocking ketchups and mustards from specialist suppliers. No need to go top hotels they supply like the Dorchester Hotel’s 45 Pak Lane for their summer pudding jam; buy it here.
Salted butter or pecan nut biscuits, ginger confit and more can be bought individually or in attractive packets at La Manufacture du Touquet in rue Saint-Louis – and you can watch the specialist artisan producers making them.
Elizabeth’s Tea Rooms in rue de Metz is as English as the name implies. Just the place for those on a nostalgic journey who come here for the scones, lemon curd, fairy cakes and sausage rolls.
You can’t miss Au Chat Bleu in rue Saint-Jean with its distinctive blue and white awning and famous graphic of a cat with chocolate in its mouth. Since 1912 the shop has been making chocolates with gold leaf, chocolates flavoured with pistachio, orange, ginger, plus crystallized fruits of the sort that great aunts used to give at Christmas (but so much better here).
Chocolat Beussent Lachelle is a small chain of top chocolate shops in France. The bitter dark granache is irresistible…along with the bars of black chocolate from Tanzania beautifully packaged and the large selection of chocolate treats.
Perch at the oyster bar at Chez Perard in rue de Metz for a quick lunch, or buy your own crustaceans at the fish counter next door where you can also stock up on dishes of langoustines bouillabaisse or paella to take away.
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- Unique Experiences Le Touquet
The Most Unique Experiences in Le Touquet
When the gods made Le Touquet they must have been in a very good mood. What more could you ask for? Natural beauty , a vibrant cultural life , every sport you can think of, chic boutiques, great food and a seriously exciting choice of activities to make you keep coming back for more.
Riding on the beach.
Equestrian sports are very popular in Le Touquet, whether practising them yourself or watching the events and races. For horse lovers, few experiences are as magical as a long, invigorating ride along the wide sandy beach. All levels of expertise, from beginners to professional, are welcome at the Centre Equestre Le Touquet.
Avenue de la Dune aux Loups , Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, France +33 09 64 46 40 32
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Meet the seals
Go fly a kite.
Every year over half a million kite-enthusiasts flock to Berck-sur-Mer, 20 minutes south of Le Touquet, for the International Kite Festival . It has to be seen to be believed, suddenly the sky is taken over by a huge floating Elvis, flanked by mythical creatures, cartoon characters, colourful formations and synchronised kite ‘dancing’ as far as the eye can see… it’s absolutely eye-popping.
Witness living heritage
Have a welsh, befriend an ass.
The largest beach race in the world! Every year in winter, Enduropale delights fans in Le Touquet with an impressive line-up of over 1000 motorcycles and nearly 400 quads battling it out to beat the tricky sands. A weekend of thrills, roaring engines, grit and skill.
Join the piano madness of Piano Folies
Every year for a week in August, Le Touquet goes absolutely piano mad. Les Piano Folies is a major music festival inviting over 150 internationally renowned artists offering over 60 concerts to a devoted audience from all over the world. Some venues for the concerts are truly original. Don’t be surprised to come across virtuoso pianists playing on the beach, in the garden, in the post office or at the golf course! An unmissable rendezvous for classical music lovers.
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A Weekend Getaway in Le Touquet: Your Ultimate Guide
Maybe it's the Brigitte Macron effect and her legendary Villa Monéjan , but we've been dreaming of a breath of fresh air in Le Touquet-Paris-Plage for some time now. Check! We packed our sweaters, windbreakers, loafers, a notepad, and a pen to jot down the activities and places not to be missed, all in the pursuit of enjoying a refreshing getaway just 2.5 hours from Paris. Follow the guide.
The Perfect Hotel to Check-In
You can't mention Le Touquet without its iconic aura of the Westminster , which has hosted the biggest stars from around the world since the roaring twenties. In this 5-star hotel with its red brick facade, a nod to the many English tourists in the region, Bruno Borrione has created a comfortable room decor, playing with various shades of brown, blue, and sienna. Besides its charming little pool and hammam , the Nuxe spa offers fantastic full-body massages to help you unwind from the week's stresses, unless you'd rather enjoy the popular cocktail bar for a romantic rendezvous.
In the evening, make a reservation at the La Table du West brasserie to savor a tempting menu (starter, main course, and dessert for €45) and plates expertly crafted by Michelin-starred chef William Elliott : crab mayonnaise, celery and mussel ravioli, pork shoulder and lentil stew, scallops and tuberous chervil, chocolate tart and crème brûlée, all complemented by a glass of Pouilly Fumé (€14). Morning delight: enjoy breakfast facing the mini city forest just in front of the Westminster.
We love: The genuinely dog-friendly aspect of the hotel (and Le Touquet in general, for that matter) that welcomes four-legged guests with bowls, a bed, and some treats. Nice!
Westminster , Avenue du Verger, 62520 Le Touquet. +33 3 21 05 48 48. Rooms starting from €211.
A Stroll on the Beach
Heading to Le Touquet without a leisurely walk along the expansive beach, toes in the water, would go against the very essence of the ultimate seaside resort. And why not go for a thrilling ride on horseback? For €49, you can enjoy a 1.5-hour gallop by the sea with the Touquet Equestrian Center . Feeling more adventurous? Try a land yachting baptism with the Centre Nautique de la Manche , to truly become one with the elements (€50 per person). Nothing like a breath of fresh air to leave with rosy cheeks.
The Tea Room that Hits the Spot
Settle in on the sunny terrace of the Opaline tea room , a charming little white and blue house overlooking the Jardin des Arts . Siblings Charles and Julie offer a delightful selection of pastries and comforting hot drinks: lemon meringue pie (€7.50), Paris-Brest (€7.50), sugar pancake (€3.50), to be washed down with a coffee with cream (€2.60), hot chocolate (€4.50), or their signature organic tea, also available for purchase (€4.50). Also, don't miss their daily brunch available from 11 am to 3:30 pm, featuring juice, hot beverage, pastries, a savory plate, and homemade pastries (€32).
Opaline , 43 avenue du Verger, 62 520 Le Touquet-Paris-Plage. +33 3 21 81 42 46. Open from Wednesday to Friday from 8:30 am to 6 pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 am to 7 pm.
The Best Seafood
Indulge in a seafood platter at Pérard , a seafood institution that also serves the best fish soup in the region (€16, all you can eat). Grilled whole sea bass (starting from €37), lobster bouillabaisse (€49), oysters (€17.50 for 6 Fine de Claire No. 3), they adapt to the seasons to offer fresh products year-round.
Even better, make a reservation at Alexandre Gauthier's (a 15-minute drive from the city center), the Michelin-starred chef of La Grenouillère, who has just opened Sur Mer, the sexiest oyster bar on the Côte d'Opale overlooking the Channel: roasted skate wing with capers (€25), grilled cod (€24), beautifully garnished platters of shellfish, sashimi, crustaceans, sea urchins (starting from €25), endless oysters, and divine smoked haddock fish & chips (€20). A must-visit.
Perard , 67 rue de Metz, 62520 Le Touquet. +33 3 21 05 13 33. Open every day from 12 pm to 2:30 pm and from 7 pm to 9:30 pm (10 pm on Saturdays).
Sur Mer , boulevard de la Manche, 62155 Merlimont. +33 3 21 94 67 53. Open from Wednesday to Monday, both for lunch and dinner.
Things to See and Do
- Try the creatively Mexican cuisine at Mezquité (€33 menu).
- Grab a takeaway crepe at Aux Mignardises (praline €4.50).
- Visit the always fascinating exhibitions at the Musée du Touquet-Paris-Plage . Currently, JonOne is in the spotlight!
- Bite into a burger at Burger Fermier des Enfants Rouges (menu starting from €15).
- Pick up local products at the Rendez-vous du terroir , every Sunday morning at Place Quentovic.
- Enjoy a bottle of natural wine at the gourmet bistro restaurant Les Canailles .
How to Get There?
Arrive at Étaples - Le Touquet train station. Opt for a direct train (2.5 hours) and catch a shuttle that always coincides with the arrivals of major train lines and will take you to the city center in fifteen minutes (€1 per person for the ride).
Reservations: www.oui.sncf Shuttle schedules: www.letouquet.com
For more information, visit www.letouquet.com .
© Le Touquet-Paris-Plage
Also, discover a gourmet getaway in Lille and a stunning castle amidst the vineyards .
Clémence Renoux
J'organise mon voyage
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Sand yachting in Le Touquet
Between dunes and sea, discover the tremendous sensations that sand yachting offers in the immensity of fine sand of the beach of Le Touquet.
This discipline is accessible to all can be practiced as of the age of 8. The team of qualified instructors of this school offers sessions adapted to each level for the discovery of the joys of piloting.
The lessons are adapted to the level and wishes of the trainees. 5-day courses are also organized for young people (under 12) and adults throughout the year.
- Accessible to everyone from the age of 8
- Lessons from 1:30 to 2 hours
- Combinations and helmets provided
- Club House sea views, changing rooms and showers
- Open all year
The Good Life France
Everything You Want to Know About France and More...
Perfect French weekend Break | Le Touquet, northern France
At the end of August, the lovely seaside resort of Le Touquet on the Opal Coast of northern France says au revoir to the summer crowds who flock to enjoy the beautiful beaches, fabulous activities and glorious countryside that surrounds this chic little town throughout the summer months. Autumn is the perfect time for a relaxing visit and a stylish break in Le Touquet says Janine Marsh…
Arriving in Le Touquet to spend a couple of days to unwind at the beginning of September I just caught the tail end of the busy summer tourist season here in this oh-so-chic seaside resort. Those that live here year round number 5-6,000 but in peak summer months the numbers go up to 100,000 plus and it’s easy to see why. This place attracts the French, from well-heeled Parisians and city dwellers from Lille and Arras as well as the British thanks to its proximity to England whilst offering a very authentically French break all year rpund.
Golf in Le Touquet
I’m told that most Brits come for the golf which is played in a superb natural setting amidst dunes and forests and comprises three different courses: The Sea (La Mer) course (18 holes) is a typically British links course laid out in 1931 by the famous architect Harry Colt, and is rated amongst the 100 top courses in Europe. The Forest (La Forêt) course (18 holes) was opened in 1904, and is laid out in the heart of the magnificent pine forest of Le Touquet. It is a peaceful, relaxing course, sheltered from the wind and suitable for all levels of player. Le Manoir golf course (9 holes) is laid out on the dunes, and presents the golfer with all the most likely difficulties and particular situations of the game. It is ideal for beginners and those who want to improve their swing.
Golf Le Touquet is an open golf club which attracts players from all over Europe, a friendly atmosphere prevails and rumour has it a certain golf loving British Royal prince is to be seen on one of the courses from time to time!
Sports and Activities in Le Touquet
There are miles of cycle lanes through pine woods, vast sand dunes and along the coast on mostly flat paths – take a fishing rod and fish from the beach where the sign says you must eat what you catch! Sand yachting on the spectacular and vast beach with a two hour lesson is a fabulous way to build up an appetite and very popular so book in advance if you can – my guide confided in me that an old lady of Le Touquet told her that Queen Elizabeth stopped off in Le Touquet as a teenager for a sand-yachting lesson, so you’ll be following in royal footsteps.
There is a yacht club which is open to everyone where you can take a boat ride or have a sailing lesson, enjoy a snack in the little café alongside the very pretty estuary where the boats are tied up or book a table in the restaurant and look out for the seals sunbathing when the tide goes out. A fabulous equestrian centre of 65 hectares offers horse riding expeditions on the beach or in the forest, lessons and pony rides for the kids and there is a large tennis centre with more than 30 courts and a very nice outdoor centre court swimming pool which is more than a century old to cool off in afterwards.
If you are less inclined to expend physical energy this is the perfect seaside resort for a soothing break. Great restaurants, bars and brasseries will entice and delight; the smart shops have a Parisian feel with lots of French brand names. Need a bit of a pick me up? Try the Thalasso Therapy Spa right on the beach, created by Tour de France rider Louison Bobbet and located in the avenue named after him, the famous seaweed treatments will have you feeling sparkling and sprightly.
Culturally Le Touquet punches way above its weight as the town puts on exhibitions, concerts, art shows, plays, wine tastings and musical events and much more throughout the year and even has its own little museum housed in one of the old Edwardian villas. Whether it’s a motorbike race on the beach called Enduropale and set up by Thierry Sabine who also founded the Paris-Dakkar race, a fly past by the Patrouille de France flight team, an international tennis tournament or a concert – there is something going on in this little town every week, in fact there are 400 events a year!
Where to stay in Le Touquet
Wandering around the streets you’ll discover a resort that offers a peculiarly Franco-British feel, the Edwardian-era Villas give a feeling of the charm of old England blended seamlessly with typically French style; it’s because Le Touquet was originally created by an Englishman!
There are plenty of hotels ranging from the stylish and swanky such as The Westminster or the mock Baronial style Le Manoir on the edge of a golf course, to good value stays like The Bristol minutes from the beach; B&Bs and apartments are plentiful. Le Touquet also has one of the nicest mobile home parks I know, right by the Yacht Club Marina with stunning views over the estuary and surrounded by the dunes and a nature reserve, I’ve rarely seen a better setting.
I loved this hotel for its old style glitz and glamour, fabulous wrought iron lift doors, welcoming doorman José and Michelin starred restaurant Le Pavillon (and that’s a whole other story!).
Don’t miss in Le Touquet
Chocolate shops – Au Chat Bleu and Beussent vie for your attention with their delicious locally made chocolates and if this isn’t enough there is a charming marshmallow specialist shop where they make the sweets on the premises in every conceivable flavour at Arts ET Gourmands in Rue de Metz.
Typically French – French china and kitchenalia, patisseries, fresh fish and cheese shops – stroll the rue de Metz for a very tempting array of goodies and stop off for a glass of wine in Le Mastroquet wine bar at No. 96 where the lovely barman will tell you a story about the wine you’re drinking.
More on shopping in Le Touquet .
Pop into the Tourist Office located in the rather smart Palais de Congres which is also home to a very pretty theatre and pick up a map and information on what’s on.
How to get to Le Touquet
DFDS Ferries Dover to Calais route takes an hour and a half and on to Le Touquet takes approximately 45 minutes by car.
Eurotunnel from Ashford takes 35 minutes and Le Touquet is about 40 minutes by car.
Information about where to stay and what to do from the Le Touquet Tourist office Website
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Things to do in Le Touquet: Sand Yachting
There are all kinds of things to do in Le Touquet, but for those in search of an adrenaline rush, sand yachting on its amazing beaches is a must.
- 00:00, 31 May 2009
- Updated 09:13, 20 Jul 2015
First I have to put on a very unattractive squeaky plastic boiler suit. It's set off with an equally unalluring and uncomfortable crash helmet.
But now I'm all set to go sand-yachting. At least I will be after some instruction.
"Put your feet on the bar and don't take them off whatever," says my teacher Jeff in his thick French accent. "If you take them off you will break your legs." Crikey!
Then I learn that if I want to go left I must push my right foot and if I want to go right then the left foot does the work. At the same time - thank goodness I'm a woman and can multi-task - I have a rope attached to the sail to deal with.
If I pull it tight I will go fast, and I just let it out to slow down. And if I want to stop? "Just turn into the wind and let go of the rope. Simple."
Simple! Jeff perches precariously on the side of my one-man contraption - a go-kart with a sail - as a ferocious wind off the sea at Le Touquet slams into my sail and we're off... at a rate of knots.
Incompetence and terror make me pull the rope too hard, and only Jeff's weight anchors the wheels on terra firma as we hurtle across the huge expanse of sand. I'm hanging on to the rope for dear life so Jeff has to coax me into letting it out slowly and suddenly I seem to have some kind of control.
Jeff leaps off and I'm going solo. Wow! I really think I've got the hang of it.
I'm supposed to follow a course round some traffic cones - I only knock down two before my confidence soars and I scream in exhilaration.
Apparently the world record sand-yachting speed of nearly 95mph was achieved in Le Touquet. I'm sure I've just beaten it.
It's an experience not to be missed, especially as you can learn to do it in a matter of minutes (just under £40 for a two-hour lesson).
But with so many things to do in Le Touquet you don't have to be an adrenaline junkie to enjoy a weekend in this delightful French resort. Earlier in the day I took a cookery lesson with the incorrigible Jean Marc Carelle, 43, owner of local restaurant Ricochet.
Le Touquet Restaurant
He's very much a dip-your-fingers-in-thefood-to-taste-it kind of chef, he talks 19 to the baker's dozen and is full of fascinating stories about his life which he regales in excellent English with a permanent cheeky grin on his face.
As we learned how to make tomato condiment and caesar dressing to accompany deep-fried squid, along with Thai chicken and chocolate soufflé, he entertained us with stories about his other passion, motocross, and how he's always injuring himself. Indeed he clutched his side from time to time - because of two broken ribs.
Last year he broke nine!
And he told us how he learned his Thai cookery from a woman who taught him when he couldn't move for three months because his leg was broken in "10,000 places"...
Thankfully his restaurant and cookery classes (£44pp for two hours including lunch) are far more successful than his motocross, and I can tell you his cuisine is to die for. Indeed, I'm likely to go off pop after all the eating I did on this weekend break. The restaurants I tried were all truly wonderful. If you're a dessert devotee, then you must go to Restaurant Le Jardin ( www.restaurant-lejardin.com ).
Order a creme brûlée and you'll get three, choose the apple tart and it will cover your (huge) plate and if, like me, you go for the chocolate option be prepared to eat three scoops of ice cream, chocolate brownies AND chocolate mousse.
Eating out here is not cheap with the exchange rate against us - expect to pay around £26pp for a three-course meal. But the portion sizes are so generous you need to eat only once a day. Unless you're me, of course.
Westminster Le Touquet
Indulge yourself further at the new spa at the Hotel Westminster ( www.westminster.fr ). I can recommend a massage - the girls use a very gentle but effective technique. If "le shopping" is more your bag, you won't be disappointed. On Saturdays and Thursdays (and Mondays in peak season) the town centre is taken over by a huge market. The food section is especially tantalising.
But one of my favourite shops is Le Marche de la Porcelaine, which sells white chinaware. You'll find every size and shape of plate, bowl and dish you can possibly think of and many more besides.
I came home with two butter dishes, a milk jug, two pairs of coffee cups on a heart-shaped saucer and a box of 12 glasses - all for the grand total of £22.
There are specialist shops offering cheese and chocolate, homeware outlets full of quirky ideas and a choice of fashion stores - some trendy, some dubious.
I take my purchases back to the comfortable Hotel Bristol, my base for the weekend. It's just up the road from the sea, less than a minute's walk from the shops and market, and ideally placed for bars and restaurants too.
I end my weekend with a guided cycle tour (£4.40, kids and concessions £2.20, under-fives free). We ride past the equestrian centre and the tennis club and whizz along roads lined with historic houses. Then it's down to the seafront where we stop to watch the sand-yachters.
They're all out to beat my record.
What's the deal?
Le Touquet is just an hour's drive from Calais. Go to www.letouquet.com for details on the resort and www.pas-de-calais.com for info on the region.
Hotel Bristol ( www.hotelbristol.fr ) has rooms from £40pp when two share, breakfast £10.
Cross with P& O Ferries ( www.poferries.com ) for the day from £30 return and from £60 return for longer stays.
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- Sand-yachting in the bay of Somme
- Things to do
- Fresh sea air… everywhere
At the farthest end of Fort-Mahon’s dunes lies the entrance to one of the most beautiful bays in the world: the bay of Somme. And what better way to explore its beauty than up close and personal with its glorious sand. With nothing to propel you but the fresh sea air, climb aboard your land yacht and relish the feeling of the crisp wind as it rushes through your hair. A thrill that even the most unsporty can enjoy. And it’s all just a short hop away.
Sand-yachting in the Somme bay ̶ 25 km of pure freedom
A wide-open beach caressed by the foamy sea and with an unbroken stretch of sand that goes as far as the eye can see: 15.5 miles to be exact! It was here, on the vast shores of northern France in the early 20th century, that land sailing was born. And it’s no surprise really. At low tide, when the Channel retreats between Le Crotoy and Fort Mahon , a magnificent beach (almost) as flat as a crêpe is revealed.
A sight completed by a lovely westerly breeze, warm sunshine and a horizon that stays tantalising out of reach no matter how quickly the wheels turn…
Pure exhilaration
Under the watchful eye of an instructor and without a single obstacle in view, get comfy in the low-ride seat of your stable, three-wheeled yacht and satisfy your need for speed. And with these training yachts capable of reaching up to 30 mph, you certainly won’t be disappointed! This means you’ll need to dress appropriately with the head-to-toe waterproof clothing provided (handy when you go full throttle through the water ‘pools’); just bring your own sunglasses and gloves. First, the ever-impatient instructor will teach you how to rig the yacht and master the paddle. Then, with hands firmly on the sheet, let the breeze whisk you away to the farthest reaches of the beach. As free as the wind and with all your fears forgotten, this is what they call ‘the thrill of the ride’ .
Local's tip
Head to the Buvette de la Plage, a small restaurant on the Saint-Valery-sur-Somme beach. After a walk along the docks or on the way back from a stroll through the streets of the medieval town, enjoy a break with friends on the terrace and admire the stunning view over the bay. As the sun goes down, evening drinks take on a whole new dimension.
Useful info
- Fort-Mahon Tourist Office
- Ozone, Maison de la Voile
- Mer & Rencontres
- Eole Club Berck
555 Avenue de la Plage
F-80120 FORT-MAHON-PLAGE
Tel : + 33 (0)3 22 23 36 00
www.fort-mahon-plage-tourisme.com
Base Nautique – Boulevard Maritime Nord
F-80790 FORT-MAHON-PLAGE
Tel: +33 (0)3 22 23 42 60
Base nautique
F-80120 QUEND-PLAGE-LES-PINS
Tel : +33 (0)3 22 23 37 92
4 Digue Nicolas II
F-59240 DUNKERQUE
Tel : + 33 (0)3 28 29 13 80
Esplanade Parmentier
F-62600 BERCK
Tel : + 33 (0)3 21 09 04 55
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Watersports
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Le Touquet-Paris-Plage
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Do you have your sea legs? Le Touquet is a watersports heaven that invites you to take a deep breath of sea air. No less than two watersports centres attract both curious beginners and seasoned seafarers throughout the year, for a whole range of activities. Follow the guide!
As the sun comes up, a thousand colourful reflections dance on the waters of Canche Bay. This choice natural setting is where you’ll find one of Le Touquet’s watersports centres.
Canche Bay watersports centre
If you want to obtain your coastal boating licence or simply rent out a kayak, canoe, paddleboard, giant paddleboard, pedalo, catamaran, sailing dinghy or windsurf board, the Canche Bay watersports centre is the place to be.
The site is particularly family-friendly, as children can partake in many watersports, such as sailing in Optismist dinghies, for example.
The instructors also organise guided kayak trips for an energising and totally safe exploration of Canche Bay. The experience is well worth the effort: once you reach the main arm of the river, you’ll let yourself glide to the sea, before returning to the watersports centre with the help of the marine currents. An excursion full of discoveries, contemplative moments and, with a little luck, some wonderful encounters. Indeed, Canche Bay is home to a few seals who enjoy basking on the sand banks at low tide. Not forgetting the many birds that come to nest in the area during the migratory period. Click here for further information about Canche Bay Watersports Centre
Bertrand Lambert Manche watersports centre
Located at the southern end of the beach, the Bertrand Lambert Manche watersports centre focusses more specifically on sand-yachting.
Introductory paddleboarding, surfing and kitesurfing sessions are also available for adrenalin seekers who are keen to ride the wind and the waves. Le Touquet-Paris-Plage is indeed an ideal surf spot that’s very accessible even to beginners.
Sea-wading, which involves walking along the coast but in the water, is another option at the Manche watersports centre. Suitable for anyone aged 16 years and up, sea-wading is an excellent activity for cardio-vascular health, balance and muscle tone. Enthusiasts take note: for safety reasons, this physically challenging sport is done only in groups. Don’t forget your wetsuit and water shoes for maximum comfort.
A sand yacht to harness the wind
Exploring the dunes
Seashore magic
Also…
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My Copyright Battles
Tracking down unauthorised image use one by one….
Sand Yachting in Le Touquet
Sand Yachting in Le Touquet – © All Rights Reserved – Sparks68
The resort of Le Touquet-Paris-Plage was created in 1876 by Hippolyte de Villemessant and is now commonly referred to as Le Touquet. Previously an area of wild sand dunes and forest, it became known as “Paris by the sea”, and now has a reputation as the most elegant holiday resort of northern France.
The French call it ‘Le char á voile’, but whatever you call it sand yachting is a fast and furious sport that send you bouncing along the beach just 3” off the ground. This is an activity that Le Touquet is a real specialist in and with eight miles of continuous beach to go at why wouldn’t it be.
They day I visited there was a sand yachting school in progress and the lone rider in my photograph was clearly an expert as he flew along the expanse of flat, firm sand lining the French coastline.
Now this is by no means the most copied image I have on Flickr but it does seem to have found it’s way onto a couple of commercial websites.
Commercial Sites
Cybevasion.com – Hotels in France, in Europe and in the World Le Regina Hotel Hardelot Plage is approx 20km from Le Touquet but clearly this is close enough to use a 500 × 291 cropped version my image in their collection of photographs to promote the hotel and the area. Not content with just my image they have also used the image of Flickr user xenophon29 , again cropping out the copyright text and border they placed around the original, and I can only assume they have not requested the usage of this either.
The same hotel also appears on the following websites, however, it appears that the same basic images and descriptions are being used on all sites;
- Booking.com
- Priceline.com
- Eseta Group
Gites Des Etanges – Ponds cottages, an ideal place for a holiday in Normandy The activities page for these two Gites in Saint sauveur le Vicomte features a 472 × 360 copy of my sand yachting image with an added white border. A quick check of the map reveals that the Gites are in fact nearly 400km (around a four hour drive) from Le Touquet where my image was taken.
Having only achieved a CSE grade 2 in French I’m not sure I’m in the best qualified position to open dialogue with the site owners so I am yet again faced with having to rely on Google translator to beat the language barrier if I am to resolve these two example of unauthorised usage.
Once I managed to write something that may make sense I’ll let you know how I get on.
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Discover Le Touquet: A coastal Haven in Northern France
Last Updated: 23 November 2023
Le Touquet-Paris-Plage , often referred to as Le Touquet, is a picturesque coastal town located in France, less than 3 hours from Paris, Lille, Brussels and London. This charming destination, known for its sandy beaches, lush surroundings, and a wide array of activities, is a perfect retreat for travellers seeking a delightful blend of relaxation and adventure. In this article, we will explore the wonders of Le Touquet and its surroundings, as well as guide you to the best accommodation options in the area.
Unwind on the sandy shores
Le Touquet boasts expansive beaches that beckon visitors to relax and soak up the sun. The town's main beach, Plage du Touquet, is a golden stretch of sand that's ideal for leisurely strolls and sunbathing. Depending on the weather and the tides, the shallow waters make it perfect for families with children, offering safe and enjoyable swimming conditions. The beach also has amenities such as toilets, beach bars, kids' clubs, etc.
Sea front of Le Touquet-Paris-Plage. Source: Depositphotos.com
Golfing paradise of Le Touquet
If you are an avid golfer, Le Touquet is the perfect place for you. The region is home to some of the finest golf courses in France. The renowned architect Harry Colt designed the Golf du Touquet and offers two stunning courses: La Forêt and La Mer. Golf enthusiasts can test their skills against the backdrop of dunes, forests and the rugged coastline, providing an exceptional golfing experience. There are other well-known golf courses in the surrounding area, such as Hardelot and Wimereux.
Le Touquet-Paris-Plage Golf © Floflo62 - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons
Exploring nature in Le Touquet
An abundance of natural beauty surrounds Le Touquet-Paris-Plage. The nearby Baie de Canche is a protected natural area, teeming with wildlife, making it a fantastic spot for birdwatching and hiking. The Parc Naturel Régional des Caps et Marais d'Opale is also a short drive away and it is one of the most beautiful areas in Northern France. You will love this region for its authenticity and its diverse landscapes, including cliffs, wetlands and rolling hills.
Sand dunes of Le Touquet. Source: Depositphotos.com
Adventure beyond the Coast
While nature lovers will surely find what they are looking for, Le Touquet has a range of other activities. For those seeking adventure, you will love horseback riding along the beach, sand yachting, or even windsurfing. You can also explore the charming town on a bicycle, discovering its lovely French architecture, its quaint streets and lively markets.
Restaurants and cafés Source: Depositphotos.com
The picturesque centre of the resort. Source: Depositphotos.com
Accommodation in Le Touquet
The town offers diverse accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets. You will find luxury hotels such as the Hôtel Le Westminster, mid-range boutique hotels and holiday apartments, which are ideal for families and groups. You can also find the perfect accommodation near Le Touquet at the 4-star Evancy hotel residence in Camiers Sainte Cécile, which offers comfortable flats and a heated outdoor swimming pool.
Hotel Le Westminster Le Touquet © Lycoon - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons
Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a family-friendly vacation, or a golfer's paradise, Le Touquet has something for everyone, promising unforgettable memories and experiences by the sea. It's a must-visit destination in northern France!
About the illustrations in the article
Most of the photos are ours (© French Moments). However, I have selected some photos (including the Featured Image of this article) from Depositphotos , a commercial platform that brings authors of high-quality licensed stock photos, graphics, vectors and videos together with appreciative buyers.
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Chic Le Touquet Paris-Plage on the north French coast
Guide to the chic north French resort
The story of the chic resort
Le Touquet began in the 1830s when two French entrepreneurs bought a vast tract of wild land south of the River Canche estuary. It was meant to be an agricultural project, but when that failed, the area was planted with pipe, elm, alder and poplar trees which attracted sportsmen after hunting, shooting and fishing. One of the rich visitors, the owner of Le Figaro newspaper renamed the small town Paris-Plage in honour of the Parisians who made it their seaside holiday home. In 1882 the first two cottages were built and the town was up and running.
Then into the picture step two Englishmen, John Whitley and Allen Stoneham, who saw the vast potential the resort had for holidaying Brits. By the early 20th century, the town was growing fast with architect-designed villas springing up in the woodlands and in the center of the town. On March 28th, 1912, the resort was incorporated as a separate town and Le Touquet Paris-Plage was official.
The 1920s saw royalty and film stars, businessmen and politicians flock to the now fashionable resort. They came either to stay in their villas or at the swanky, grand Westminster Hotel. Noel Coward and P.G. Wodehouse, Winston Churchill and of course the Prince of Wales and Mrs. Simpson all came to holiday here. The facilities were second to none: tennis, polo, horse racing and sailing for the day, and gambling in the casino for the nights.
Today the facilities are just as superb, with all-year round entertainment making Le Touquet Paris-Plage a popular destination.
A few facts
Tourist Office Le Palais de l’Europe Tel.: 00 33 (0)3 21 06 72 00 Website
How to get there
By car Take the ferry from the UK. From Calais or Boulogne take the A16 to Etaples. Signs will take you to Le Touquet (45 minutes driving time from Calais, and 30 minutes from Boulogne).
Ferry Information
By train Trains from Calais, Boulogne and Paris go to Etaples Station. From here take a bus or taxi for the 3.2 kilometer (2 mile) journey
By air From April to October, Lyddair runs scheduled weekend and weekday flights from Lydd Airport in south east Kent. In July and August there are additional flights. Flight time is 20 minutes.
Getting Around
Where to stay.
Alternatively, go for something more modest like the Windsor in the center of town.
Guide to Hotels in Le Touquet
Book a hotel in Le Touquet
Where to Eat
Le Pavillon Hotel Westminster 5 Ave. du Verger Tel.: 00 33 (0)3 21 05 48 48
Despite his very English-sounding name, William Elliott is French and a chef who should be on his way to a second star. Le Pavillon is comfortable, very much a hotel restaurant with traditional furnishings, though a couple of paintings by the Polish painter, Tamara de Lempicka add a bit of welcome pizzazz. The restaurant opens onto a garden where you can eat in good weather. But the cooking is full of surprises like shellfish in a verveine juice served in an onion, pasta with crayfish and almonds, or turbot with flavors of wasabi and rhubarb. The a la carte is predictably expensive and menus are from 55 euros to 130 euros but this is the place for a real gastronomic treat.
The second restaruant in the hotel, Les Cimaises , is styled from the 1930s and serves a more casual less expensive menu.
Flavio 1 Ave. du Verger Tel.: 00 33 (0)3 21 05 10 22
Flavio is something of an institution in Le Touquet, with two restaurants, Le Restaurant and Le Bistro, and two bed and breakfasts. Eat at Le Restaurant for excellent fish from crayfish in spices to seabass. Le Bistro has good simple dishes from rabbit terrine or cured herring to traditional blanquette of veal and pigeon with caramelized turnips.
Cote Sud 187 Bd Docteur Jules-Poujet Tel.: 00 33 (0)3 21 05 41 24
Looking out towards the sea, the Cote Sud is a firm favorite with locals. With starters such as homemade duck foie gras with liquorice fruit chutney and crunchy Dublin Bay prawns flavored with sundried tomatoes and truffled balsamic dressing followed by mains that might include beef fillet with morels, it’s easy to see why this is packed. Menus range from one dish at 11.80 euros to a tasting menu at 54 euros, and there’s a good children’s choice as well.
Restaurant le Jardin Pl. de l’Hermitage Tel.: 00 33 (0)3 21 05 16 34 In the middle of Le Touquet with views over a pretty garden where you can linger over a summer lunch, this traditionally decorated restaurant is particularly strong on fish dishes. A good choice of menus from 20 euros to 50 euros and children’s menus use local ingredients.
Le Richochet 49 rue de Paris Tel.: 00 33 (0)3 21 06 41
Bright and welcoming, this family run restaurant mixes Asian influences in the cooking. There’s a deli beside the restaurant, where menus run from a lunchtime 3-course choice at 12 euros or a Thai-influenced menu at 17 euros to evening choices at 28 euros. Seasonally and market led, the cooking is always fresh and interesting.
Perard 67 rue de Metz Tel.: 00 33 (0)3 21 34 44 72 Restaurant and shop, Perard is famous for its fish, crab and lobster soup. The place opened in 1963 and the family has never looked back. You can try the famous soup at the Oyster Bar for 7.50 to 8.50 euros, or order it from the set menus (23 to 34 euros).
Attractions and Activities in Le Touquet
There’s plenty to do in the town though most of the activities are sports related. The cultural minded should make for the Le Touquet Museum and its collection of paintings from the Etaples group of artists.
More Information Tourist Office Le Palais de l’Europe Tel.: 00 33 (0)3 21 06 72 00
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Land sailing on the beach at Le Touquet-Paris-Plage in the department of Pas-de-Calais
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Land sailing on the beach at Le Touquet-Paris-Plage in the department of Pas-de-Calais, France
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Sand-yachting, try it once and you'll be hooked. At low tide, vast stretches of the beautiful 7km beach of fine sand are exposed, offering the ideal terrain for hitting those top speeds aboard one of Le Touquet's elegant sand-yachts. All it takes is a favourable wind to see the white sails bearing the famous caddie, hurtle at full speed ...
Base Nautique Sud invites you to come and try sand yachting in Le Touquet! Go as fast as the wind on the fine sandy beaches offered by the club. In an incomparable natural space, you will have the opportunity to discover and improve your skills in sand yachting. The club offers you several options according to your wishes: Discovery. Walk.
A year-round activity practiced on different terrains, Land Sailing is the biggest adrenaline-fueled activity you (probably) dont yet know about! ... who built several more land yachts for recreational purposes to 'sail' in the Le Touquet/Merlimont areas of northern France. The first French sand yachting clubs sprung up on the beaches of ...
Seaside Resorts on the Opal Coast. 5. Le Touquet, also known as Paris Plage. A short hop across the English Channel or a 3-hour drive from Paris, Le Touquet-Paris-Plage has it all. There are sandy beaches and water sports, cycle routes through the parks and leafy forest, tennis and golf, an excellent museum and a summer-long series of festivals.
The resort's two nautical centres, La Baie de Canche and La Manche Bertrand Lambert, both also offer other nautical activities such as surfing, sea-wading, waterskiing, windsurfing and wakeboarding. Try sand yachting at Le Touquet. 02. Enjoy an active paradise. A stroll to the Canche estuary may well reward you with the chance to spot seals ...
Adrenaline rush guaranteed for lovers of speed - the char à voile or land yacht can be rented with or without a lesson. Although it looks a bit intimidating at first, most beginners are off and expertly trimming their sails in no time. The wide sands of Le Touquet beach are a perfect surface to practice the sport.
Also, don't miss their daily brunch available from 11 am to 3:30 pm, featuring juice, hot beverage, pastries, a savory plate, and homemade pastries (€32). Opaline, 43 avenue du Verger, 62 520 Le Touquet-Paris-Plage. +33 3 21 81 42 46. Open from Wednesday to Friday from 8:30 am to 6 pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 am to 7 pm.
17 rue Jean Monnet 62520 Le Touquet Paris Plage Tel. : 33 (0)3 21 05 49 95 [email protected]
For peace of mind while sand-yachting, download the documents available on this page. Don't hesitate to contact the staff on +33 (0)3 21 05 33 51 SAND-YACHTING SCHOOL • From age 12 and up, discovery session • Course for children aged 8 to 12 years From Monday to Friday during school holidays (Zones B & C) • Course for children aged 13 to 16 years From Monday to Friday in July & August ...
The Forest (La Forêt) course (18 holes) was opened in 1904, and is laid out in the heart of the magnificent pine forest of Le Touquet. It is a peaceful, relaxing course, sheltered from the wind and suitable for all levels of player. Le Manoir golf course (9 holes) is laid out on the dunes, and presents the golfer with all the most likely ...
There are all kinds of things to do in Le Touquet, but for those in search of an adrenaline rush, sand yachting on its amazing beaches is a must. ... Land sailing in Touquet. By. Mirror.co.uk. 00: ...
©Les immenses plage de sable de la côte Picarde balayées par le vent sont un lieu idéal pour la pratique du char-à-voile. Saison : Automne - Lieu : Quend-Plage, Somme, Picardie, Hauts-de-France, France, The immense sand beach of the windswept coast of Picardy is an ideal place for sand yachting.
In fact, it was Le Touquet native Édouard Lévêque (1857-1936), a painter and writer from, who came up with the 'Opal Coast' to emphasise the light with which these shores are blessed. 9. The lighthouse. Visit the lighthouse and climb the 274 steps to enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the sea.
Le Touquet-Paris-Plage is indeed an ideal surf spot that's very accessible even to beginners. Sea-wading, which involves walking along the coast but in the water, is another option at the Manche watersports centre. Suitable for anyone aged 16 years and up, sea-wading is an excellent activity for cardio-vascular health, balance and muscle tone.
Sand Yachting in Le Touquet. The resort of Le Touquet-Paris-Plage was created in 1876 by Hippolyte de Villemessant and is now commonly referred to as Le Touquet. Previously an area of wild sand dunes and forest, it became known as "Paris by the sea", and now has a reputation as the most elegant holiday resort of northern France.
CONTENTS. Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, often referred to as Le Touquet, is a picturesque coastal town located in France, less than 3 hours from Paris, Lille, Brussels and London. This charming destination, known for its sandy beaches, lush surroundings, and a wide array of activities, is a perfect retreat for travellers seeking a delightful blend of ...
Le Touquet began in the 1830s when two French entrepreneurs bought a vast tract of wild land south of the River Canche estuary. It was meant to be an agricultural project, but when that failed, the area was planted with pipe, elm, alder and poplar trees which attracted sportsmen after hunting, shooting and fishing.
The bay of Le Touquet, situated in the Pas-de-Calais region, is known as the garden of La Manche. On a fine day, you can see the coast of Britain from the 53 metre high lighthouse of La Canche. ... or else you can go land-yachting or kitesurfing. Nature lovers, walker and cyclistswill enjoy exploring the preserved areas of the Baie de La Canche ...
Prints of Land sailing on the beach at Le Touquet-Paris-Plage in the department of Pas-de-Calais, France. Land sailing on the beach at Le Touquet-Paris-Plage in the department of Pas-de-Calais, France. Available as Framed Prints, Photos, Wall Art and Photo Gifts #DanitaDelimont.
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