Top 6 things to do in and around Le Touquet

There’s much more to Le Touquet-Paris-Plage than its legendary beach and Anglo-Norman villas. The seaside resort and its surroundings are packed with original activities to delight young and old, sports enthusiasts and contemplative types alike. From the Bay of Canche to the surrounding villages and unspoilt natural areas, this Opal Coast destination has much more to offer than meets the eye. To discover all the secrets of the town centre, consider visiting Le Touquet on the Navaway audio tour, which will reveal the 17 must-see places of interest in the pearl of the English Channel.

1. Learn to dug-out canoeing and long-distance canoeing in the Bay of Canche

Category: €€ / Sporty & Unusual

Description

Looking for an original water sports experience away from the usual activities? The Baie de Canche offers an exceptional playground for discovering the pirogue and longe-côte, two activities that allow you to see the estuary from a completely different angle. The Centre Nautique de la Baie de Canche offers supervised pirogue trips lasting from 1? to 4 hours, following the rhythm of the tides. You’ll be paddling in the heart of an imposing natural environment, between dunes, sandbanks and winding channels, while listening to the guide’s comments on the local flora and fauna. Looking for adventure? The adventure raids to meet the tide will even give you the chance to sail as the tide rises, a unique sensation of gliding and discovery. For those who prefer a more gentle form of exercise, longe-côte involves walking in the water at chest height along the shore. This activity, which originated in northern France in 2007, combines sport, well-being and contemplation. Wearing a neoprene wetsuit and accompanied by an instructor, you can move through the waves whatever the weather, enjoying the benefits of the sea water on your body. An unusual and invigorating way to discover the Touquet coastline, accessible to all levels.

Good to know: Centre Nautique de la Baie de Canche, Boulevard Thierry Sabine, 62520 Le Touquet-Paris-Plage. Open from April to October. Pirogue: 1hr 30min outing approx. €35, 3hr outing approx. €50, 4hr adventure raid approx. €65. Longe-côte: 2-hour session approx. €20. Booking essential. Equipment provided (paddle, life jacket, wetsuit). Minimum age for canoeing: 12. Coastal longe, accessible from age 10. Outings are subject to weather conditions and tides. Please bring a swimming costume and towel. Exact meeting point to be communicated when booking. Free parking nearby.

2. Meet the seals in the Bay of Authie

Category: € / Nature & Family

Description

Twenty minutes south of Le Touquet, the Baie d’Authie is one of the most beautiful natural sites on the Côte d’Opale. This wild, unspoilt bay is home to a colony of harbour seals and grey seals that come to rest on the sandbanks at low tide. Enthusiastic naturalist guides organise 2-3 hour walks to observe these marine mammals in their natural environment. Departure is usually from the Berck lighthouse car park or from Fort-Mahon-Plage. Equipped with binoculars, you’ll walk through the dunes and salt meadows to the seal resting areas, around 2 km away. The guides will explain the lives of these fascinating animals, their behaviour, their diet and the issues involved in protecting them. Some seals can weigh up to 200 kilos! The spectacle is breathtaking: the seals bask in the sun, dive into the water and play with each other, creating a lively and moving tableau. Observation is done with respect for the animals, at a reasonable distance so as not to disturb them. As well as seals, the Baie d’Authie boasts remarkable biodiversity, with many species of migratory birds, landscapes of shifting dunes and vegetation typical of dune environments. An authentic and educational nature outing, ideal for families.

Good to know: Several service providers offer outings: Les Sentiers de la Baie, Appel Aventures, or outings organised by Berck Tourist Office. Prices: around €10-15 per adult, €7-10 per child. Duration: 1h30 to 3h depending on the package. Meet at the Berck lighthouse car park (Avenue Francis Tattegrain, 62600 Berck) or the Authie car park at Fort-Mahon-Plage. Best viewing time: 2? hours before low tide until low tide. Bring walking shoes or boots, warm clothing and a windbreaker (even in summer), and binoculars if possible. Booking recommended, especially in high season. Accessible to families with children aged 4-5 and over. Outings maintained in all weathers.

3. Family fun at the Pop Corn Labyrinth in Berck

Category: €€ / Fun & Family-friendly

Description

In Verton, just outside Berck-sur-Mer and 15 minutes from Le Touquet, the Pop Corn Labyrinth offers a fun and original adventure in the heart of nature. Every summer, a 4-hectare cornfield is transformed into a giant maze with 5 kilometres of winding paths. The activity combines exploration, riddles, treasure hunts and challenges for you, your family and your friends. Along the way, which lasts around 1? hours, you’ll discover giant wooden games, themed stages, mysteries to solve and even surprise events depending on the season. The concept goes far beyond a simple maze: it’s a real life-size treasure hunt where you have to use observation, logic and team spirit to find the way out. The park also offers themed evenings at night, with torch-lit trails, escape games in the heart of nature, and special events for the more adventurous. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, with an attentive welcome and drinks and ice creams available on site. This rural activity bridges the gap between town and country, offering a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of the seaside. It’s a great way for the whole family to get together, and young and old alike will leave with plenty of memories and maybe a few ears of corn in their hair!

Good to know: Pop Corn Labyrinthe Berck, 880 Route de Berck, 62180 Verton (rated 4.5/5 on Google for over 650 reviews). Open from July to September, generally from 10am to 7pm in high season. Prices: around €9 per adult, €7 per child (aged 4-12), free for children under 4. Reduced rates for groups and large families. Evening visits: supplement of around €3. Average duration: 1? to 2 hours, depending on your pace. Suitable for children aged 3-4 and over. Bring a cap, water and closed shoes. Free parking on site. Pets not allowed. Online booking recommended for theme evenings. Toilets and picnic area available.

4. Discover the world of fishing at the Maréis centre in Étaples

Category: €€ / Cultural & Educational

Description

Just 5 minutes from Le Touquet, the port town of Étaples-sur-Mer is home to a unique attraction: Maréis, a sea-fishing discovery centre and aquarium. Housed in the former Saint-Frères factory, this modern themed museum literally plunges you into the daily lives of the fishermen of the Côte d’Opale. Thanks to an immersive, interactive exhibition using sound, video, manipulations and personal accounts, you can experience a real fishing campaign alongside the professionals. From the mysterious depths of the English Channel to traditional fishing techniques, auction sales and the challenges of preserving marine resources, everything is explained in a fun and educational way. The aquarium displays the marine animals of the Channel and North Sea in reconstructed tanks: fish from our coasts, crustaceans, anemones and other inhabitants of the seabed evolve before your very eyes. Guided tours led by former sailors bring a special authenticity and emotion to the visit. Maréis also offers fresh fish cooking workshops and temporary events on marine biodiversity. It’s an enriching visit that will help you better understand and respect the marine environment, while discovering a living maritime heritage. Ideal rain or shine, or to add a touch of culture to a seaside holiday.

Good to know: Maréis – Centre de découverte de la pêche en mer, Boulevard Bigot Descelers, 62630 Étaples-sur-Mer (rated 4.7/5 on Google for over 600 reviews). Open all year round. Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday 9:30am-12:30pm and 1:30pm-6pm (July-August: daily 9:30am-6:30pm without interruption). Closed on Mondays outside school holidays. Admission: adults €9, children (aged 4-17) €6, free for under-4s, concessions €7, family rates available. Guided tour: +€3 (booking required). Length of visit: 1h30 to 2h. Shop and restaurant on site. Free car park. Accessible for wheelchair users. Cookery workshops: approx. €25 per person (booking essential). Audioguides available.

5. Explore the citadel and ramparts of Montreuil-sur-Mer

Category: €€ / Historical & Cultural

Description

Just 30 minutes from Le Touquet, Montreuil-sur-Mer is an unmissable heritage getaway. Perched on a promontory overlooking the Canche valley, this medieval fortified town has retained its old-world charm, with its intact ramparts and majestic citadel. The 3-kilometre walk along the ramparts offers a shady route with spectacular views over the lower town and surrounding countryside. These fortifications, built in the 9th century and reinforced over the centuries, are listed as a Historic Monument and bear witness to seven centuries of military architecture. The citadel stands proudly at the heart of the upper town. This vast polygonal building without a keep was built in the 13th century to protect the royal port of Montreuil, which was then accessible by sea via the Canche estuary. Now a museum, the citadel offers guided and self-guided tours of Montreuil’s fascinating history, military sieges, architectural transformations and even the visit of Victor Hugo, who drew inspiration from the town for his novel Les Misérables. Children can borrow free period costumes, adding a playful touch to the discovery. After your cultural visit, stroll through the cobbled streets of the historic centre, dotted with half-timbered houses, art galleries and fine restaurants. Montreuil exudes authenticity and heritage, offering a charming contrast to the seaside bustle of Le Touquet. An ideal day out combining culture, history and gourmet delights in an unspoilt setting.

Good to know: Citadelle de Montreuil-sur-Mer, Rue Carnot, 62170 Montreuil (rated 4.5/5 on Google for over 1,600 reviews). Open all year round. Opening times vary according to the season: generally 10am-12.30pm and 2pm-5.30pm (winter), 10am-6pm (summer). Admission: adults €6, concessions €4, free for children under 12. Guided tour: +€2. Ramparts walk: free access all year round. Length of citadel visit: 1h to 1h30. Length of walk around the ramparts: 1 hour. Pay car park at the foot of the ramparts. Restaurants and shops in the historic centre. Saturday morning market. Partial PRM accessibility (ramparts not accessible). Free fancy dress for children. Special events and entertainment (ask for details).

6. Recharge your batteries in a thalassotherapy spa by the sea

Category: €€€ / Well-being & Relaxation

Description

Le Touquet would not be the elegant destination it is without its renowned thalassotherapy and spa establishments. After strolling the beaches, exploring the surrounding area and taking part in sporting activities, what better way to recharge your batteries than with a wellness break? Several centres offer top-of-the-range treatments based on the benefits of seawater. The sea-facing Thalassa Sea & Spa is the largest thalassotherapy centre in the region. Its modern facilities include a heated seawater pool, sauna, hammam, hydrotherapy pools and treatment rooms. Half-day and full-day packages include access to the facilities and a varied menu of treatments: seaweed wraps, affusion massages, seawater jets, relaxing or toning massages. Seawater drawn from the open sea is naturally rich in trace elements and minerals with remineralising, soothing and revitalising properties. For those seeking a more intimate experience, the Spa Nuxe at the Hôtel Westminster offers a refined Art Deco setting with indoor pool, signature Nuxe treatments and personalised rituals. The Spa d’Opale at the Grand Hôtel also offers a 300-square-metre wellness area with an 18-metre swimming pool, Jacuzzi and full range of treatments. These havens of serenity overlooking the sea create the perfect cocoon in which to relax, disconnect from everyday life and reconnect with yourself. An essential wellness break to complete your stay in Le Touquet, whether you’re coming solo, as a couple or with friends.

Good to know: Thalassa Sea & Spa Le Touquet, 5 Boulevard Thierry Sabine, 62520 Le Touquet (rated 4.2/5 on Google). Open all year round from Monday to Saturday. Opening hours: 9am-8pm. Packages: discovery half-day from €110, wellness day from €180, 3 to 6-day cures from €400 to €1,200. Individual treatments available (30-minute massage from €60). Spa Nuxe Westminster: one-day package from €150. Spa d’Opale: half-day package from €120. Reservations required for all centres. Please bring a swimming costume and bathing cap (sometimes provided). Bathrobe and slippers provided. Access generally from age 16. Packages with accommodation available. Restaurants on site or nearby. Free or paying car park depending on establishment.

In conclusion, Le Touquet and the surrounding area offer a remarkably diverse range of activities that go far beyond the image of a simple seaside resort. From nautical adventures in a dug-out canoe in the Bay of Canche, naturalist observations of seals in the Bay of Authie, family games in the corn mazes, cultural discoveries at Maréis and Montreuil-sur-Mer, and moments of absolute well-being in the thalassotherapy, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re coming with your family, as a couple or with friends, for a long weekend or a longer holiday, this Opal Coast destination has something for everyone. Between sea and countryside, sport and culture, nature and heritage, Le Touquet is an ideal all-round destination for a rejuvenating and rewarding stay in the Hauts-de-France.

FAQ : Everything you need to know about activities in and around Le Touquet

Can we do these activities all year round?

Most of the activities on offer are seasonal. Dugout canoeing and coastal kayaking are available from April to October. The Pop Corn Labyrinth is only open from July to September. On the other hand, seal watching, visits to Maréis, discovering Montreuil-sur-Mer and thalassotherapy treatments are available all year round. May to September offer the most pleasant conditions for outdoor activities, but autumn and winter also have their charms on the Côte d’Opale.

Do you need a car to enjoy these activities?

A car is highly recommended for exploring the area around Le Touquet and accessing the various sites easily. Maréis in Étaples is accessible by bus or bike from Le Touquet (about 5 km), but other activities (Authie Bay, Pop Corn Labyrinth, Montreuil-sur-Mer) require a car or taxi service. Car hire is available in Le Touquet. Alternatively, you can hire electric bikes for nearby sites, or book organised shuttles/excursions for certain nature outings.

What’s the budget for these activities?

The budget varies considerably depending on the activities chosen. Nature outings such as seal watching are very affordable (€10-15 per person). The Pop Corn Labyrinth and Maréis are in the mid-range (€7-9 per person). Water-based activities (pirogue, longe-côte) and cultural visits (Montreuil) cost between €20 and €65 depending on duration. Thalassotherapy represents the largest budget (€110-180 per day). For a full weekend with 2 or 3 varied activities, expect to pay around €80 to €150 per person, excluding accommodation and meals.

Are these activities suitable for families with children?

Absolutely! Seal watching is accessible from ages 4-5, the Pop Corn Labyrinth from ages 3-4, and Maréis will delight children of all ages with its fun approach and aquariums. The pirogue is open to children aged 12 and over, and the coastal rowing course is open to children aged 10 and over. A visit to Montreuil-sur-Mer is a family affair, especially as children can borrow fancy dress costumes. Only thalassotherapy is reserved for adults and teenagers (minimum age 16-18, depending on the centre). Most activities offer reduced rates for children.

Is it possible to combine several activities in the same day?

Exactly! A typical day might include: morning seal watching in the Bay of Authie, lunch in Berck, afternoon at the Pop Corn Labyrinth. Or: morning visit to Maréis in Étaples, seafood lunch in the harbour, afternoon canoeing in the Bay of Canche. For a cultural day: discover Montreuil-sur-Mer in the morning, picnic on the ramparts, return to Le Touquet for a moment of well-being in the late afternoon. The proximity of the sites makes it easy to make the most of your time.