The town that inspired Ian Fleming’s first Bond novel has a long history of welcoming British travellers – and has obtained a name as being more British than French.
If you’re in need of an escape but don’t want to travel too far afield, the UK offers no shortage of prime holiday destinations. For Brit travellers looking for something close to home, the typical answer is a quick trip to the Lake District. But for those looking to expand their horizons while retaining the comforts of home, there is a quaint French town that meets the criteria.
Le Touquet is situated on the French Opal Coast, only two hours and 20 minutes from Paris. According to the town’s mayor, Daniel Fasquelle, Le Touquet is aptly known as: “The most British of French resort towns.” Attracting the likes of Winston Churchill and Ian Fleming in the past, Le Touquet even renamed its international airport to honour the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The town’s British ties date all the way back to 1902, when John Whitley and Allen Stoneham—owners of the British company Le Touquet Syndicate Ltd—brought a British spirit to the development of the area. The entrepreneurs built a number of luxury hotels, casinos and sport facilities to help cement Le Touquet’s status as the seaside resort of the French capital. Soon, the town began attracting not only wealthy Parisians but an affluent British clientele as well, with the British prime minister even inaugurating Le Touquet’s golf course in 1904. It is also said that Ian Fleming found inspiration for the first James Bond book, Casino Royale, in Le Touquet.
Today, the town is still renowned for its lively resort and wide range of exceptional golf courses, tennis courts and equestrian parks. In addition to the British mainstays, UK travellers will also be happy to find English tea rooms and pubs screening football matches. Aside from the luxurious attractions, Le Touquet is home to a range of natural wonders.
Le Touquet beach’s seven miles of fine white sand is the perfect place to enjoy the fresh air and catch the sunset over the English Channel. The beach is also the setting of sensational annual events like the Le Touquet Music Beach concert, which sees thousands descend on the welcoming town. Because the Opal Coast’s southern beaches are ideal for sand-yachting, Le Touquet is also known to play host to national and international competitions. The resort situated on the beach also offers nautical activities like surfing, water-skiing and wakeboarding.
When you’re ready for a break from golfing, cycling or visiting the town’s plentiful shopping areas (where UK tourists can shop tax-free), then head to the central indoor market to sample the local seafood fare. There are multiple routes to get to Le Touquet from the UK, including car, bus, train or plane. One of the most popular ways is by taking the Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Etaples-le-Touquet which can have you in Le Touquet in less than four hours.
