Villa Mon Étoile
Opal Coast · Northern France
Le Touquet from London: a weekend in France by the sea
The nearest French beaches to London are around Calais, right by the Channel Tunnel. Le Touquet is about an hour further down the Opal Coast, roughly 4 to 4.5 hours from central London by car via LeShuttle, with a wide sandy beach, pine forest and a proper French town to explore on foot.
From €140 per night · + €50 cleaning and linen fee
Book direct and enjoy
- Best price: cheaper than on Airbnb
- Free early check-in
- Free late check-out
Early check-in and late check-out subject to availability.
★★★★★ 4.7/5 on Google · 4.81/5 on Airbnb
The nearest French beach to London
If all you want is French sand as fast as possible, Calais beach and the villages along the coast towards Cap Blanc-Nez are the closest: they are just minutes from the tunnel and ferry terminals. Boulogne-sur-Mer and Wimereux come next. Le Touquet is around an hour's drive south of Calais, so it is not the nearest, but it is the one many British visitors have chosen for generations for a longer weekend.
| From London | How | Rough time |
|---|---|---|
| By car via the Channel Tunnel | about 1.5 hours to Folkestone, LeShuttle crossing about 35 minutes, then about 1 hour (70 km) from Calais | around 4 to 4.5 hours, including check-in |
| By car via the ferry | about 2 hours to Dover, crossing about 1.5 hours, then about 1 hour from Calais | around 5 to 5.5 hours, including check-in |
| By train | Eurostar to Lille Europe (about 1 h 20), then a regional TER to Étaples-Le Touquet (about 1 h 15 to 2 hours), then 5 km by bus, taxi or bike | around 4 to 4.5 hours, plus Eurostar check-in |
A word on Calais-Fréthun: Eurostar trains pass through the station but have not stopped there for passengers in recent years, so do not plan on getting off at Calais. Check the current timetable when you book. As for borders, entry rules between the UK and the EU have been changing, so check the latest requirements for your passport before you travel.
Why Le Touquet for a weekend in France
- A huge beach: at low tide the sand stretches as far as you can see, ideal for long walks and sand yachting.
- A resort in a pine forest, crossed by cycle paths, with villas from the early twentieth century and the rue Saint-Jean for shopping and café terraces.
- The French food you came for: the market, bakeries, cheese shops and wine merchants, all within walking distance of a self-catering kitchen.
- A lively town all year round: see our events calendar.
- Easy day trips along the Opal Coast and inland: see things to do around Le Touquet.
Getting from London to Le Touquet
By car with LeShuttle or the ferry
Take the M20 to Folkestone for LeShuttle, or the M20 and A20 to Dover for the ferries to Calais. In France, follow the A16 towards Boulogne-sur-Mer and leave at the "Étaples / Le Touquet" exit; the last section is tolled. Remember you will be driving on the right. Once you arrive, leave the car parked: here are our tips on parking in Le Touquet.
By Eurostar and regional train
Take Eurostar from St Pancras to Lille Europe, then a TER regional train to Étaples-Le Touquet. A few run direct, most involve a change at Boulogne-sur-Mer or Calais; some leave from Lille Flandres, a short walk away, so check which station when you book. From Étaples station, finish the last 5 km or so by local bus, taxi or bike. Full details on getting to Le Touquet.
A long weekend from London
Cross on Friday afternoon and arrive for a late dinner. Saturday: the market and a long walk on the beach at low tide, with a climb up the Canche lighthouse. Sunday: hire bikes for the forest and the Canche estuary, then a long French lunch. Monday: an easy drive back, stopping at a supermarket or wine shop on the way. More ideas on our Le Touquet weekend page.
Where to stay: Villa Mon Étoile
Our 1920s Art Deco villa has two 55 m² self-catering apartments, Hélios and Cassiopée, each sleeping 4 guests plus a baby, or 8 guests if you book both. About 300 m from the beach and 200 m from the rue Saint-Jean. Equipped kitchen with Nespresso, washing machine, fibre wifi, terrace with barbecue, baby kit. From €140 per night, 2-night minimum, plus a €50 cleaning and linen fee. Book direct with Charles, the owner.
Charles's tip: book your crossing early for bank holidays and school holidays, when prices and queues both rise. And come for three nights rather than two: once you have crossed the Channel, the extra day makes the trip feel like a real holiday.
Frequently asked questions
What is the nearest French beach to London?
The beaches around Calais and along the coast towards Cap Blanc-Nez, minutes from the tunnel and ferry terminals. Le Touquet is about an hour further south.
How long does it take to get from London to Le Touquet?
Around 4 to 4.5 hours by car via LeShuttle, including check-in, or a little more by ferry. By Eurostar to Lille and a regional train to Étaples, allow a similar time plus check-in.
Does Eurostar stop at Calais?
Eurostar trains have not stopped at Calais-Fréthun for passengers in recent years. Travel via Lille and check the current timetable when you book.
Do I need anything special to enter France from the UK?
Entry rules between the UK and the EU have been changing. Check the latest official requirements for your passport before you travel.
Where should I stay in Le Touquet?
In the centre, close to the beach and the shops. Villa Mon Étoile has two self-catering apartments 300 m from the beach, from €140 per night.
Book your weekend in France
Book direct: 2-night minimum, sheets and towels provided, keys on site.