Your Ultimate Guide to Le Touquet-Paris-Plage | France

Travel Plans with Fernando Pinho is your ticket to exploring the world and its history with a friend who navigates both the skies and the vibrant streets below . In this episode , we're travelling to France for a weekend of beach sports , music and roller coasters . This episode is your ultimate guide to Le Touquet Paris Plage .

But what the British helped to build , they also destroyed half a century later , all to allow for D-Day to be successful . Today , le Touquet is more vibrant than ever and keeps very strong ties with Britain , with thousands of British visiting each year .

Last year , my family and I spent our summer holidays there and we loved it so much that we are going back in a few weeks . In this episode we are exploring the best of Le Touquet where to go , what to eat and where to stay . I'll show you why a weekend getaway or a summer holiday there is a fantastic idea .

We will be taking off in the next few minutes and I'll talk to you again before we reach our destination , but for now , sit back , relax and check our newsletter , which has plenty of photos and videos from this trip and a list of suggestions of places to eat , visit and sleep . The link is on the episode notes N262DB , at Charlie and ready for departure .

His ambition was to transform Le Touquet into a playground for the English elite . He spared no expense , constructing luxury hotels , a racecourse , a golf course , a nautical centre , an airport and even casinos , which were illegal in England at the time . And his gamble paid off .

The resort , nicknamed London by the sea , became a regular destination for the British upper class , including members of the royal family , winston Churchill and artists and writers like Noel Coward and Ian Fleming . There was even an hour-long flight between Croydon Airport in South London and Le Touquet .

But then the Second World War cast a devastating shadow over the town . In a strategic maneuver in 1944 , the British , aiming to mislead German forces about the D-Day landing site site , targeted Le Touquet . Over four days they dropped 2,000 bombs , obliterating the town they had helped build and that had once been a playground for the wealthy .

But Le Touquet is resilient . The town was rebuilt and today it maintains strong ties with Britain . That's why , although we will be landing in France . The airport was recently renamed International Airport Le Duque Elizabeth II . And now back to your pilot , Fernando .

Customs , a great gift shop , rent a car , plenty of bicycles to hire , public transport , hotels nearby and only two miles away from the beach . The team here is fantastic and always ready to help with information and bookings . Oh , and , if you see a dog wandering in the terminal , he's the official mascot and very friendly .

Today I brought my folding bike with me , so I'm ready to go . As soon as you leave the airport , you'll find yourself surrounded by pine trees . In fact , two-thirds of Little Cay is a pine tree forest . It all started when , in 1837 , Alphonze Doulos , the lawyer that I mentioned earlier , bought 1600 hectares of dunes .

So, to stabilise them , he decided to plant a forest , and today the forest is dotted with picturesque villas and bordered by cycle lanes . Le Touquet clearly loves its cyclists . They've packed a whopping 28 kilometers of bike lanes and after just a few minutes , you'll find one of the Le touquet's architectural gems the, Le Westminster Hotel .

Now , while I'm not lucky enough to stay here this time , this grand hotel isn't just one of the most beautiful buildings in town . It's a survivor standing tall since 1924 , even through the second world war .

It is said that the timeless elegance inspired Ian Fleming's James Bond novels and years later , the actor Sean Connery himself signed his iconic 007 contract right here . Just past the Westminster Hotel , we step into the heart of Le Touquet's historic center . It's a charming mix of Belle Epoque , art Deco and seaside resort casual .

If you only have a few hours in town , this is the area you want to be , and I'll show you the most interesting landmarks to visit . Hold on tight . We are about to embark on a whirlwind tour of Le Touquet's highlights . I'll be your guide and chauffeur , zipping us between landmarks on my trusty bicycle .

To keep this segment short , we'll be going at speed , but don't worry , you won't miss a thing . Now make sure to check our episodes newsletter for stunning visuals of everything we are about to see . And if you are ever in Le Touquet , be sure to explore these landmarks at your own pace , with time for lunch . This walk will take you around 2 to 3 hours .

Right , and are we ready ? Let's start . The tennis club inaugurated in 1903 , it is massive 26 courts , one swimming pool and three football pitches . The conference centre back in 1913 it was opened as a casino . Today it is a venue for all sorts of events , including music and theatre .

The Hermitage Hotel , built in 1910 , was once the most popular in Le Touquet . Great architecture , but please don't go inside , as you will be arrested . The hotel was converted into a collection of private residences . The lighthouse is a listed monument . There were two before the Second World War , but they got blown up , so in 1951 a new lighthouse was built .

If you can cope with the 274 steps all the way up to the top , you'll be rewarded with a stunning 360 degree view of the little cave . The shops at Avenue du Verger , built in 1927 in Art Deco style . Back in the day they used to host the most famous luxury brands . Today we will find popular cafes and restaurants .

Le Village Suisse is a group of houses designed in an odd mix of medieval and Swiss chalet styles Used to mark the entrance of Le Touquet . Ypres Garden is one of the most beautiful gardens in town . It was named after a period of time where Le Touquet welcomed thousands of Belgian refugees during the First World War .

St Jean d'Arc Church , built in 1911 , has a beautiful collection of stained glass depicting the story of Joan of Arc . The Town Hall is a listed building and is impressive in size and architectural combo , well worth the visit . The market is another listed building , known by its shape and arches . Different days offer different produce . Today it's fish . It stinks .

And here's the post office , a fine art deco listed building , and hopefully your letters won't be tempted by a vacation here . Can I have table four one , please , and my bicycle ! Le Perard is the best fish and seafood restaurant in town , offering produce caught by the local fishermen .

If you don't like fish , there's a popular English pub across the road , the Globetrotter . We are getting to the beach now , where you'll find the beach cabins built in 1960 . Colorful and full of character , just like the locals . Au Chat Bleu , the blue cat , opened in 1912 by two sisters who loved cats and chocolate .

Today it's one of the most famous chocolate shops in France . Bonjour , can I have a box of five ? Please ? Actually, make it 50 . Thank you . And we are done . I hope you enjoyed this quick tour of the Le Touquet Historic Centre .

If you only have a few hours , this walk will give you a great taste of the town , but if you have a day or two , then you are in for a treat . Le Touquet isn't just about charming streets and historic landmarks . The natural beauty surrounding this town is something else . In fact , we captured some of it on video during our flight in today .

Check out the episode's newsletter for a sneak peek . If Le Touquet could be summed up in a single feature , it would have to be its magnificent beach . This vast natural gem offers 11 kilometres of fine sand stretching as far as your eyes can see .

Now imagine strolling along this expansive shoreline , feeling the soft sands between your toes , the gentle breeze on your face and the soothing sound of the waves lapping at the shore . Now, the beach isn't just a feast for your senses . It's also a playground for the adventurers .

Whether you are into swimming , sunbathing , kitesurfing or simply building sandcastles with the kids , there's something for everyone here . But hey , Le Touquet is not just about this incredible beach . Let's head up north , to the very tip of town , to the Canche Bay Nature Park . This place is huge 45 hectares of protected land around the Canche Bay .

I'm cycling along natural trails , and I can feel the sea breeze in my face , but also the scent of the nearby forests . You might see some locals jogging or just taking a leisurely stroll . There's even a fitness trail with equipment along the way . And please mind the horses there are plenty of them too . The real star of the show here , though , is the view .

Head to the water sports center or one of the observation points , and you'll be blown away . If you look out over the bay , you might even spot some seals chilling out on the sandbanks . And keep your eyes peeled for the birds Thousands of them migrate here .

It is a pretty special place to just soak up nature , and the home of one of the best restaurants in town , la Baze Nord , located by the Water Sports Centre . Hello , I have a booking for 7 , just one .

There are many hotels in town and over the years I've tried my fair share , so today I'm giving you my honest opinion on a few of them . Remember that fancy the Westminster Hotel we passed earlier . If you are not too fussed about the sea view and have a little cash to splash , it's a great option . Think massive rooms and a luxurious experience .

They even have a free kids club so you can actually get some me time . Just heads up . Their cancellation policy is a bit strict , so double check that before you book . On the other end of the spectrum , there's the Ibis Hotel right by the airport . It's a budget option , but surprisingly good .

The rooms are decent sized and they have a lovely outdoor bar serving cocktails , pizzas and salads . Plus , you can cancel up to 24 hours before you arrive . The only downsize is it's a couple of miles from the center . Nevertheless , this is where I'm staying tonight . But my absolute favorite and the popular choice for families is right on the seafront .

That said , over there , I have to show you the place . And here we are , at the southern end of Le Touquet , with the dunes stretching out behind us . But wait , where is the hotel ? All I see is this massive bunker-like building sitting right on the sand . But look again , and that is it . That's the Novotel Thalassa Le Touquet .

It might not look like your typical seaside hotel , but , trust me , this place is special . Its unique design blends into the dunes , giving it an almost otherworldly feel . And the location ? Well , it doesn't get much better than this . You are literally steps away from the beach , with uninterrupted views of the ocean . But real magic happens once you step inside .

The rooms are designed to maximize those incredible views , with floor-to-ceiling windows that let the natural light flood in . It's like waking up to a postcard every morning . Flood in , it's like waking up to a postcard every morning . And that's not all .

The hotel offers a beautiful indoor saltwater pool , perfect for a relaxing swim , no matter what the weather is like outside . There's also a spa where you can pamper yourself with a massage or treatment . The whole building is just airy and bright . It's like they've somehow managed to bottle up the sunshine and the sea scent and infuse it into every corner .

Right time to bed . Tomorrow we have a packed day .

Not literally , but they can reach speeds of over 90 kilometres per hour . Everyone who's tried sand yachting raves about the adrenaline rush . They say that once you try it you are hooked . So I couldn't resist . I went to the water sports centre by the beach and booked a beginner session . Bonjour , monsieur , I've booked a discovery session , 10.45 today .

I can see a line of around 20 of them yacht by literally turning it on the side and attaching a sail to the mast . Every sail has a different flag on it , and I can see the United Kingdom flag , canada , italy . It's a shame I can't try it today , but one day I will be able to go .

Now , how do they practice high-speed sport on the beach while sharing the space with other users ? So the way they do it is by limiting the area with traffic cones . The yatchs are ready . Briefing complete . The children are ready to go . I'm not sure the wind agrees , though .

They are going to drive one kilometre down the beach and come back . It's not the same as sail with wind , but at least they get to practice how to maneuver the yacht . Although I didn't get to try sand yachting today , I can see why the sport is so popular .

You get to spend the day on the beach while practicing a sport that can be both relaxing or full of adrenaline . Regardless of the wind , this is the most popular beach sport in the Le Touquet , and I will come back on a windy day . I have now left the beach and I am back to my bicycle .

Now it's time to explore another side of Le Touquet's sporting scene . We are heading to the renowned Equestrian Park . Considered one of the best sites devoted to equestrian sports in France , this place is great for horse lovers . The first thing you will notice is how welcoming and accessible it is .

The facilities are open to the public , so you can easily spend the whole day here soaking up the atmosphere . The centre offers a fantastic range of amenities , including indoor and outdoor arenas , stables , competition arenas , a race course and even an hotel .

If you are with little ones , they will adore the pony rides , and for experienced riders , there are daily group rides to the beach and surrounding natural parks . There are over 45 km of horse riding passes available . The park also hosts some major events , like the annual international show jumping competition .

It's a highlight of the spring season , drawing top riders and 500 horses from 20 nations worldwide . The equestrian park is a testament to the Touquet's love for the outdoors and its dedication to providing top-notch facilities , and that passion extends to the greens as well . Let's head to the golf courses .

As soon as you see Le Touquet's town emblem , you will know that golf is a big deal here . They chose a caddy as their symbol . This golf resort isn't just one of the most beautiful in Europe , it has been ranked as the 20th best golf resort on the continent . The whole complex has stood here for over 115 years , a testament to its success .

Could I have a double expresso please ? Yes , thank you . Now , I'm no golf expert . I will leave that to my mother-in-law , but even I can see . This place is stunning . The holes are beautifully framed by trees and dunes , creating a picturesque backdrop for every swing .

There are three courses to choose from an 18-hole course that winds its way through the pine forest , a 9-hole course , perfect for those short on time , and a practice course to improve your skills . On site , we will find a welcoming clubhouse with a restaurant open to the public and a hotel for those wanting to immerse themselves in the golfing experience .

After a day of outdoor activities and sporting adventures , it's time to experience a different side of Lutuque . Lutuque gets a whole different vibe once the sun goes down . Nightclubs and casinos light up the town . Oh , I think I wrote a poem , but we are heading somewhere a little more mellow .

Tonight there's a jazz concert happening at the conference center , and that sounds like the perfect way to end our day , day . Well , that was simply fantastic . What a perfect way to wrap up our second day in Le Touquet . If you are a music lover like me , you'll be happy to know that there are plenty of festivals throughout the year .

The big one , the one that everyone talks about , is the Le Touquet Beach Musical Festival in August . Thousands of people can hear from all corners of France to soak up the sun , the sands and the sounds .

But for now , I think it's time to say good night to Le Touquet , and while it's bittersweet to be leaving so soon , there's still so much fun to squeeze in before we head to the airport . If you are traveling with little ones , you might enjoy leisurely walk by the beach and a ride on the charming wooden carousel .

But if you are craving a bit more excitement , or if your kids let's be honest , maybe yourself are looking for a thrill , I have just the thing . Just five miles outside of Le Touquet there is a theme park called Parc Bagatelle . Don't worry about transportation . If you don't have a car . There's a convenient bus service or you can always get a taxi .

For less than 30 euros per person or 100 euros for the whole family , you can enjoy unlimited rides and attractions all day long . We are talking over 50 attractions and shows , including thrilling roller coasters , refreshing water slides and even a charming farm where you can meet some friendly animals . Now don't get me wrong .

The carousel is lovely , but Parc Bagatelle is a whole other level of fun , and for the price it's an absolute steal . You will create memories that will last long after your tan lines fade , so if you are looking for one last hurrah before heading home , consider checking out Park Bagatelle . It's a fantastic way to end your little kid adventure on a high note .

I am back in town for a last walk by the sea and some shopping . With more than 300 stores in the town centre , Le Touquet offers many shopping opportunities , but for me , the best experience is actually at the local market on Thursdays and Saturdays . If you visit during the summer , the market is also open on Mondays .

Hundreds of vendors set up their stalls in the streets selling pretty much everything you can imagine Well , almost everything . Now remember that visitors from outside the EU can save up to 20% by claiming back the VAT on the purchases . Remember , too , that you have to spend at least 100 euros .

And no , the discount doesn't apply to a potential summer house in Le Touquet . That's sad .

During my stay in Le Touquet , I made it a point to ask locals about their favourite restaurants and cafés , and a few names kept coming up Le Paris-Plage , known for its cosy atmosphere , or La Petite Charlotte , a charming bistro , the Tavern Royal , a lively spot , and Jean's Café , a casual favourite of the locals .

For those seeking a truly exceptional dining experience , the Pavillon at the Westminster Hotel holds a Michelin star , and I can't forget my personal favorite , La Base Nord . Their view and atmosphere are phenomenal . Hello , can I pay my bill please ? It's uh , I arrived on sunday , sunday , right . Thank you very much .

Nice to meet you November 26 , 2.5 , with PAPL1 and ready for departure .