Le Touquet - the 'Four Season Resort'

Now, it may seem a bit odd to assert that a seaside resort in the north of France, just 45 minutes drive from Calais, could possibly be a year round holiday resort - but that's exactly what the Le Touquet Bureau du Tourisme claims. The chosen strap line ' Le Touquet la Station des 4 saisons' is not only true but verifiable and here is why we think so.

Le Touquet has the most amazing soft sand beach that goes on for over 8 miles along the coast offering inspirational walks even in winter - in fact the GR 120 (national footpath) travels right along it. On one bright Monday morning, at the beginning of March this year, we were astonished to find that the beach was already seriously busy with horse riders, sand yachters, kite surfers, walkers, people in warm corners reading their newspaper and several dozen families encamped on the beach with children (in coats) playing happily in the sand. Older couples meandered along the superb promenade enjoying the early spring sun or drunk coffee at one the many cafes. Walking through town, later that same morning, we found the streets were fairly throbbing, shops were busy, restaurants were preparing for lunch. The choice of restaurants in Le Touquet is unprecedented for such a small resort with at least a dozen gourmet establisments to choose from going right up to the Michelin Star 'Pavillon' at the hotel Westminster.

The bigger hotels in Le Touquet also make a major contribution to its '4 season' success. The Novotel & Ibis Thalassa, the hotel Westminsterand the Mercure Grand hotel are all superbly equipped with a large indoor heated swimming pool, spa, fitness room and health and beauty centres. In addition both the Holiday Inn hotel and Pierre & Vacances apartments have really excellent indoor heated pools. Others such as the Du Parc and Le Manoir provide large outdoor pools for summer. Accommodation in Le Touquet is generally sufficient but weekends and special event weekends fill up really quickly so book as early as you can.

Golf - For those with a disposition to club a ball over large green grassy areas Le Touquet's golf courses are quite simply some of the best in the region. 'La Mer' is an exacting international course nestled between the coastal dunes and the rough grass whereas 'La Foret', a calmer, easier course, is beautifully positioned among the pine trees - both golf courses are within 5 minutes drive of Le Touquet. There is a nine hole course at Le Manoir Hotel just on the edge of Le Touquet