Self-catering holiday let in Northern France by the sea

The Northern France coast in a nutshell

North of Normandy, the French coastline changes character. From the Belgian border to Calais, long beaches and dunes face the North Sea. Then comes the Opal Coast, looking across to England: the cliffs of Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez, followed further south by big seaside resorts and wild estuaries all the way to the Bay of the Somme. What strikes most visitors is the scale of the tides: at low water, Le Touquet beach reveals an enormous expanse of sand, perfect for walks, sand yachting or hunting for shells with children.

The climate is maritime: mild rather than scorching summers, fast-changing skies and a cool sea that most people swim in during July and August. People come as much for the bracing air, the walks and the seafood as for a tan.

How far is it?

Le Touquet sits where the routes from Britain, Paris and the Benelux converge. Approximate driving times, without traffic or stops:

Without a car, Eurostar runs from London to Lille in about 1 hr 20, then a regional train continues to Étaples-Le Touquet. Full routes are in getting to Le Touquet.

What makes Le Touquet different

• A resort built in a forest. Villas hide under the pines a short walk from the beach, so you can swap sand for woodland paths in minutes.
• A centre you can walk. Bakeries, restaurants, the market and the shops of rue Saint-Jean are 200 m from the villa; the beach is 300 m.
• Remarkable villas. Art Deco, neo-Norman, Anglo-Norman: Le Touquet is a town to explore looking up. Villa Mon Étoile itself dates from the 1920s.
• Life all year round. This is not a resort that shuts in September: markets, events and shops keep autumn and winter lively too, and British visitors have been coming for generations.

Practical points before you book

The accommodation. Two 55 m² flats, Hélios and Cassiopée, each sleeping 4 plus a baby, with two bedrooms, an equipped kitchen, washing machine, fibre wifi and a terrace with barbecue. Book both and 8 can stay.

The cost. From €140 a night, 2-night minimum. On top of that there is a €50 cleaning and linen fee per stay (sheets and towels provided) and the local tourist tax, charged per adult per night, with under-18s exempt: see our page on Le Touquet tourist tax.

Arrival. Keys are waiting for you on site, and check-in and check-out times are flexible depending on the bookings calendar. If you drive, parking is charged in parts of the centre: see where to park in Le Touquet.

Booking. Live availability is on our booking page, direct with the owner.

Charles's tip: if you are coming from further afield, allow at least three nights. The first evening is for arriving; the next two days are for really enjoying the beach, the forest and the coast.