A magical short break – Le Touquet and its Christmas market

Only an hour from the ferry port of Calais by car, Le Touquet-Paris Plage is the chic star of the Opal Coast – a seaside resort that brings together nature, beauty and sport in one place.
In winter it becomes the lovely setting for one of northern France’s most atmospheric Christmas markets – one where you can let yourself be pervaded by the magic of Christmas while picking up all kinds of regional French goodies including jewellery, hand-made wooden toys, and gourmet specialities including champagne and cheese.
The eclectic villas and long fine-sand beach lined with dunes for which Le Touquet is famous are just part of a rich heritage that make this resort a unique and memorable weekend destination. Its French Christmas market positively oozes atmosphere as well as appealing to all ages with its carols and other festive music and entertainment, its tempting seasonal aromas (feast on everything from roasted chestnuts to crêpes and waffles) and its sparkling lights and decorated Christmas trees. Transformed for several weeks into a fairytale setting with illuminations, the resort offers activities including ice-skating, Christmas shows, a Saint Nicolas parade, a carousel, carriage rides and storytelling.

Castel Victoria a few steps from the promenade is a wonderful place to rest, slow down and regain the quality of life that is one of the gifts of this resort. Its 25 rooms with contemporary designer decor in natural hues are wonderfully cocooning, and there’s an equally indulgent tea room, wine and champagne bar, and lounge club. Less than five minutes’ walk from the main shopping street, Rue Saint-Jean, it’s ideal for those who want to do some more Christmas shopping after browsing the wooden chalets of the market itself. Nearby, Poissonnerie Perard is a wonderful place to try local seafood.