WHEN British entrepreneurs John Robinson Whitley and Allen Stoneham bought a stretch of land at Le Touquet in 1894 they transformed the fortunes of this seaside town in Northern France.
Building golf courses, casinos and even forests, their endeavours attracted wealthy British holidaymakers including royalty and the cream of Parisian society.
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It became so popular it earned the name Paris Plage — welcoming everyone from Noel Coward and Churchill to the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Our late Queen, Elizabeth II, visited with her uncle Edward VIII, enjoying sand yachting and horse riding.
The town announced this week that it would be renaming its international airport after the Queen.
Today, this stylish town remains a top spot for a fantastic weekend of food, sport, shopping and fun.
CLASSIC SIGHT: It’s no wonder Victorian travellers were entranced by Le Touquet. The wide, pristine sandy beaches are perfect for a stroll summer or winter.
Discover the paths amid the sand dunes and enjoy the distinctive “Le Touquet” light, which gives the area an ethereal and peaceful glow that has inspired so many artists over the years and now keeps the Instagram generation happy.
FUN NEIGHBOURHOOD: Stroll along the pedestrianised Rue St Jean and Rue de Mez for some serious retail therapy.
Whether it’s window shopping the designer shops or picking up a treat or two in some of the independent boutiques, it’s the perfect place to explore, with plenty of restaurants and bars to refuel.
THE WOW MOMENT: Climb Le Toquet’s lighthouse for incredible views. Unusually, this tower sits in the centre of town and pays homage to the two original lighthouses destroyed in the Second World War.
Climb the 298 steps and you will be rewarded with views out to sea, the forests and the surrounding countryside.
THE CULTURAL FIX: The resort’s famous light has inspired generations of artists. Explore its history at the Way Side Villa — home of the Museum of Touquet-Paris-Plage, set in a verdant forest with sculpture in the gardens. Or admire the work of artists in one of the many galleries in the centre of town.
THE SPORTY FIX: The golf courses that first attracted the great and good are just as impressive today. Welcoming amateurs and professionals since 1904, there are two 18-hole courses and one nine-hole course.
Tee off on greens surrounded by pine forests, sand dunes and those gorgeous sea views.
FANTASTIC FEAST: Serving up the freshest seafood since 1911, Les Sports has reasonable prices and classic bistro fare.
For those looking for a decent bar, check out the Le Street Café. The talented mixologists serve cocktails to die for. You can choose from their impressive menu or ask for a surprise.
There is live music and a DJ performs on Saturday nights. There is a welcoming buzz the rest of the week, too.
ONE MORE TREAT: Soothe away aches and pains after a day’s golf or shopping at the newly renovated Thalassa Spa at the seafront Novotel Hotel. Choose from a range of therapeutic treatments and soak up the views of the dramatic coastline from the hotel’s heated seawater pool.
TOP TOUR: Do as the locals do and hire a bike. Le Touquet’s wide, quiet roads are perfect for admiring the classic architecture. Plus there are 12 miles of cycle paths along the beach, through the sand dunes and by the banks of the River Manche.
WITH THE KIDS: Aside from the obvious draw of those beautiful beaches, kids will adore a local speciality, Pâte à tartiner. Le Touquet’s answer to Nutella, this nutty chocolate spread is enjoyed on pancakes, ice creams and more.
THE GRAND HOTEL: Hotel Barriere Le Westminster first opened its doors in 1924 on the site of a former palace. Having recently undergone a multimillion-pound renovation, the five-star hotel has the perfect blend of history and modernity.
Check out the 007 Suite, where Ian Fleming stayed and where Sean Connery was thought to have signed the contract for his Bond role.
Enjoy Michelin-starred dining at Le Pavillon or French classics at La Table du West. There’s also a superb new spa and indoor pool for days when rain stops play.
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