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Bagatelle Parc Summer Season 2022

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Bagatelle-Parc-Rang-du-Fliers-Theme-Park-2020

Bagatelle Parc - Rang du Fliers

Bagatelle Parc is scheduled to open on Saturday 9th April 2022
The Theme Parc is an excellent place to visit if you are staying at one of our properties in Le Touquet.
Bagatelle offers great value for money, the parking is easy and often you won’t wait very long in the queues. 

Parc Bagatelle Le Triops Merlimont

Always delivers, family fun

The Park provides an experience for the whole family. The rides range from massive roller coasters to water and children’s rides. Why not book in advance and save money on your tickets. On hot days there are some great fountains for the kids to splash about in to keep cool.

Find out more…

Twin Town Challenge 2022 Witney Le Touquet

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Twin Town Challenge 2020

What is the Twin Town Challenge?

29th April – 2nd May 2022

Established in 2014, the Twin Town Challenge takes place every two years. To date the event has raised over £850,000 for Special Effect. The delayed Twin Town 2022 is the final event and they hope to take the fundraising total to over £1m! for SpecialEffect.

Twin towns Witney – Le Touquet, 100 cars, 1 amazing weekend. The Twin Town Challenge is a fun, team-based car challenge. Buy a £500 banger, add your own style and drive it from Oxfordshire to Le Touquet, France, competing in challenges along the way. All to raise money for technology charity SpecialEffect.

What is the Twin Town Challenge?
At its simplest, the Twin Town Challenge is a fun charity car rally. Teams buy a £500 banger and pimp their ride however they like. Then over Spring Bank Holiday weekend they take an epic road trip.

Twin Town Set Off Blenheim

The route goes from Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire to Witney’s twin town, Le Touquet in northern France. Along the way you’ll take on challenges and the occasional lap of a circuit. The event is in aid of SpecialEffect – a charity focused on improving the lives of the physically disabled.

They arrange a series of fun events and challenges before the main event to help you get in the spirit and meet your fellow Twin Towners. These will see you rubbing shoulders with celebrities, stoking team rivalries and having great fun.

The big jamboree is in Le Touquet itself, where our French compatriots throw a street party extravagaza. Expect live bands, fine French food and flowing drinks to help you toast your successful trip!

On the return to Merry England, afternoon tea and an awards ceremony round off a fantastic, fun weekend. All in aid of a great cause.

Accommodation

If you are planning on attending the event and you need some accommodation in Le Touquet then please take a look at our website. We  still have availability for this weekend.

Book Now
Twin Town Challenge Le Touquet

Donate

The Twin Town Challenge exists to support the fantastic work of SpecialEffect. They use technology to bring joy and fulfilment to the lives of physically disabled people. If you can’t take part in the Twin Town Challenge you can do your bit by donating. All money raised goes directly to SpecialEffect so please donate what you can today to help SpecialEffect improve more lives.

Every penny you donate will go directly to SpecialEffect. This helps them to provide one-to-one support that enables disabled people to work, play and lead more fulfilling lives through the use of technology.

Your donation will help to pay for occupational therapists, who take the time to understand each person’s needs. They then create customised controllers that can take the smallest movements from any part of the body and use this to control games, programs and other technology.

Donate

Text and images Twin Town

V2 Rocket Launch Sites near Le Touquet

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V1 Doodlebug Rocket

La Coupole Helfaut-Wizernes

An original V2 rocket donated by the US to the Coupole museum.
Original V2 Rocket at La Coupole

V2 Rocket Launch Sites, A Hidden History of Pas-de-Calais.

 The Pas-de-Calais department is rich in history, particularly WW1 and WW2 history, due to the heavy presence of occupying Germans in both conflicts. The WW1 sites are famous, but the French state has also turned the remains of several WW2 sites into historic destinations. In particular, it’s restored the bunkers built as V2 rocket launch sites aimed at England in 1944.   

Barely more than an hour’s drive from Le Touquet, you can visit two fascinating WW2 places in one day.  Both belong to the history of  V2 rockets, the first missiles ever launched. After the war,  Wernher von Braun’s genius but deadly invention became the early rocket technology of the US space program. Most of the V2s that caused so much death and damage in England in September 1944 launched from the Netherlands. However,  the Pas-de-Calais was an experimental and practical site of the V2 rocket programme.

La Coupole: a Megalith for V2s Rocket Launches.

An exterior view of the V2 rocket launch site, the bunker dome at Wizernes, known as La Coupole museum
Exterior View of La Coupole
La Coupole is a spectacular place. Squatting the hills near Saint-Omer, it’s a massive dome that hides an underground bunker made up of large rooms and tunnels that any James Bond villain would enjoy.  Its purpose was deadly: but its construction had been too. Hundreds of slave labourers were used to build what was conceived as one of the main V2 rocket launch sites. In the event, the Germans abandoned the bunker after the Allies bombed it in the summer of 1944,  and it was never used for its purpose.
 

Nowadays, La Coupole is one of the most ambitious museums in Northern France. This giant concrete dome showcases the scientific and military history of the V2 rockets and a 3D Planetarium about the space age. It also serves as the regional memorial to the victims of Nazi Occupation in France.

A centre to educate and entertain, La Coupole offers several exciting exhibits. It also serves to show documentary films about the Second World War and put on temporary exhibitions.  One such is running until the end of June 2019 – British Aviation in the Skies of Northern France, 1943-1944.  

Attractions

By far the greatest draw are the V2 rockets circuit and exhibits and the Planetarium. Charting the development of V2 rockets from von Braun’s design board up to the end of the war, the V2 circuit explains and demonstrates early rocket technology. It also explores the historical use of V2s against London and other cities.

The Planetarium screens a 3D show three times a day and picks up where the circuit leaves off, taking the audience from the V2 rockets to the moon landings. To achieve full impact, it is experiential rather than documentary methods, so that you are launched into the exploration of space in 3D, with film, sound and light effects.

 

Le Blockaus at Eperlecques: hi-tech war in the forest

Bunker at Eperlecques, known as Le Blockaus - V1 and V2 rocket launch site in Pas-de-Calais.
Blockhaus at Eperlecques
Less than half-an-hour from La Coupole, across the Parc Naturel Régional des Caps et Marais d’Opale, is the foreboding concrete block known as Le Blockhaus,  a German word meaning ‘bunker’. Using slave labour, the Germans built the bunker as a launch site for the V1 flying bomb (also known as the Doodlebug), and for the V2 rockets. They abandoned its original purpose after aerial bombardments in the summer of 1944, and converted it into a liquid oxygen factory. 
 
While less sophisticated than the nearby V2 rocket launch site museum at Wizernes, the Blockhaus demonstrates the reality of the V1 and V2 programme in its harsh reality. 
  
V1 Doodlebug Rocket

Practical details for your V2 launch sites visits.

La Coupole-Wizernes site diagram by the Allies in September 1944.
Allied diagram of the V2 bunker at Wizernes

Directions

  • To La Coupole, Wizernes by car from Le Touquet: via the A16 and the N42 roads. 
  • From La Coupole to Eperlecques Blockhaus by car: via the D943 road. 
  • There is a train from Le Touquet (Etaples) to Saint-Omer, and a shuttle called Moveo from Saint-Omer to La Coupole. 
  • Length of visit: La Coupole history museum average length of visit: 2.5 hours. 
  • Open daily from 9AM to 6PM, and in July and August, from 10AM to 7PM. Closed at Christmas and New Year, and every year between the 7th and the 20th of January. 
  • 3D Planetarium: 3 sessions a day, consisting of a 15 minutes introduction and 30 minutes show. Shows available in English via audio sets. 
  • Blockhaus at Eperlecques: 45 minutes approximately. The area near the bunker is also popular for picnics. 
  • Facilities at La Coupole: audio sets, shop and café, and a free picnic area. 
  • Accessibility: both La Coupole and the Blockhaus d’Eperlecques are accessible to wheelchairs. 
Rocket Storage tunnel in La Coupole bunker at Wizernes, Pas-de-Calais
Ida tunnel at La Coupole, Wizernes

If you find the subject of V1 and V2 fascinating then why not give the 1965 movie “Operation Crossbow” ago. It has a big star cast including Sophia Loren, George Peppard, Trevor Howard. It features the methods used to destroy Hitler’s revenge weapons.

Bagatelle Parc Summer Season 2021

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Bagatelle-Parc-Rang-du-Fliers-Theme-Park-2020

Bagatelle Parc - Rang du Fliers

Bagatelle Parc is now scheduled to open on Saturday 24 April 2021
We look forward to discovering the  new attraction.  The Theme Parc is an excellent place to visit if you are staying at one of our properties in Le Touquet.
Bagatelle offers great value for money, the parking is easy and often you won’t wait very long in the queues. 

Parc Bagatelle Le Triops Merlimont

Always delivers, family fun

The Park provides an experience for the whole family. The rides range from massive roller coasters to water and children’s rides. Why not book in advance and save money on your tickets. On hot days there are some great fountains for the kids to splash about in to keep cool.

Find out more…

International Kite Festival at Berck-sur-Mer

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Kite Festival Berck sur mer

Kite Festival Berck sur mer

The International Kite Festival has taken place in Berck-sur-Mer for over 25 years. Next year’s 35th  RICV event hopefully will take place in April 2021. The dates are still to be announced due to Covid 19 restrictions.
Over the years it has become an event not to be missed on the Côte d’Opale. For 8 days in wind and sea enthusiasts, athletes or thrill-seekers can admire many giant kites, each with its own unique design. 
Due to the numerous visitors during the festival days and the high demand for accommodation it is recommended to check availability and book rooms well in advance.

A Family Activity Day Out

Almost 700,000 spectators come to the vast Berck-sur-Mer beach to marvel the world’s best kite-makers’ new creations.  Open to everyone, there is entertainment for all ages. Children can learn how to make and fly kites in a safe environment. Marine life, astonishing flying creatures, giant octopuses, even memorable cartoon characters drift across the sky. A colourful festival where you have your feet in the sand and your head in the sky. 

Every Spring, the skies above the beach of Berck-sur-Mer explode with colour. Kites line up in well orchestrated displays for the crowds.  Berck-sur-Mer is pretty seaside town 40 minutes from Calais. Is is also a short 25 mins drive from our holiday rental accommodation in Le Touquet. The Kite Festival takes place on the beautiful sandy beach, its a great thing to do for all members of the family young and old. If you can’t make it to the event then why not peek at the Live Webcam on the beach.

Things to See

One of the favourite things to see at the Berck sur Mer kite festival are the flying battles between experts. International teams from all over the world come to take part in this colourful spectacular. On the last evening there is a night time flying display backed up with a firework show. There are many stalls at the event with Kites from many countries. Learn the history of kites or feast on the explosion of colour.
 
There are fantastic activities for kids. You not only make kites but get to have a go at flying some of the more exotic designs yourself.  .  For more information about the event visit the organisers website.
Kites Berck Plage

Le Touquet is a great base for visiting the Kite Festival and local attractions. Go swimming in the Aqualud, visit the Aquarium in Boulogne (Nausica)  try some Sand yachting in Le Touquet, visit the maze at Laby’Parc.

Berck sur Mer Kite Festival Accommodation

If you are coming to the kite festival we currently have plenty of accommodation in Le Touquet just 25 minutes drive away.

Bagatelle Parc Summer Season 2020

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Bagatelle-Parc-Rang-du-Fliers-Theme-Park-2020

Bagatelle Parc - Rang du Fliers

Due to the Corona Virus outbreak this year opening has been delayed. The Bagatelle Parc will open its doors for the new season on the 27th June at 10:30 am. The Theme Parc is an excellent place to visit if you are staying at one of our properties in Le Touquet.
Bagatelle offers great value for money, the parking is easy and often you won’t wait very long in the queues. 

Parc Bagatelle Le Triops Merlimont

Always delivers, family fun

The Park provides an experience for the whole family. The rides range from massive roller coasters to water and children’s rides. Why not book in advance and save money on your tickets. On hot days there are some great fountains for the kids to splash about in to keep cool.

Find out more…

Trail Des Deux Baies – Le Touquet Trail of 2 Bays Marathon

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Trail des deux baies - Le Touquet

Trail Des Deux Baies (Trail D2B)

Trail Des Deux Baies on the 26th January 2020 marks the 13th year of the event.  The D2B Trail is a nature run along the coastline of the Opal Coast. Its special features include sand dunes and harsh weather.  Its a challenging course made for adventurers. You can pick your race depending on distance and ability, there are 4 races.

  • A 42km marathon for seasoned competitors, a great preparation for
    the marathon des sables or the ultra-trails on a demanding course.
    Departure from Le Touquet: 8h00 on the beach to the north €27.
  • A trail of 23.5km accessible to as many people as possible.
    Departure from Le Touquet, South Aqualud: 10:30 a.m. Arrival at Le Touquet Paris-Plage, Hippodrome €20
  • An 11.5km short trail as well as a golf course.
    Departure from Stella Plage: 10:30 am on the beach €14
  • A 3km short trail for the young competitors.
    Departure from Le Touquet: 11h30 on the beach €5

For your convenience, shuttle buses are available for € 3  available betweeen Le Touquet -> Stella. 

For the 11.5km: RDV from 10:00 am to the right of the Aqualud near the Skate park (Bd Thierry Sabine) for a departure at 10:30 AM MAXIMUM

 Le Touquet Parking Plan.

Last year over  2,200 participants came to let off steam on the Opal Coast. With over 1200 runners already registered time is running out if you want to book your place on this great run. There two mythical bays of the region which offer the participants and the numerous spectators breathtaking landscapes!

Accommodation - Trail Des Deaux Baies

If you have not booked your accommodation in Le Touquet then take a look at our website. We still have  some larger properties that are ideal if you are a group of friends entering the race.

You can register online for the 2020 Trail Des Deaux Baies by visiting the organisers website.

Find Out More

Le Touquet Christmas Markets

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Le Touquet Christmas Parade

Christmas Market Le Touquet

Le Touquet Christmas Markets take place mainly in the Village Noel. With, great food, and music it’s a French Weekend Break not to be missed. The town takes on a magical feel as the sky twinkles with fairy lights as Santa skates between the trees. So why not go along and get into the Christmas spirit, drink some wine and listen to the Harmonie Jazz Band du Touquet
The Christmas village and other activities go on every weekend until the 5th January.
You won’t want to miss the Le Touquet Christmas Parade on the 14th December.

More details and the full program of events may be found below…..
We have some great Christmas Markets accommodation deals.
Check Availability and Pricing

Le Touquet Christmas Markets

The Christmas Village – Avenue Du Verger

Le Touquet Christmas Markets

Chalets for shopkeepers, crafts and delicacies, swing merry-go-round.
Open every weekend from 29 Nov. then every day from 21 Dec. to 5 Jan., from 14H30 to 20H.

Special  closing time at 6 pm on 24 and 31 Dec.
Special opening times from 3 pm to 7 pm on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1

THE ICE RINK – YPRES GARDEN

Open on Wednesday afternoons and weekends from Nov. 30, then every day from Dec. 21 to Jan. 5.

From 10am to 1pm and from 2.30pm to 7pm – Closed at 6pm on Dec 24 and 31.

Special  opening hours from 3pm to 7pm on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1

Rates: €5 for young children (8 years old and under) and €8 for adults – 10 tickets: € 60.

Free skates for toddlers.

THE ENCHANTED FOREST – PINE PARK

Meet Santa Claus and drop off your letter every weekend from Nov. 29 to Dec. 24 from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Food Chalets filled with Christmas delicacies. Horse-drawn carriage rides from the Place de l’Hermitage.

Le Touquet Christmas Parade

29 NOV. – 17H30 – PINE PARK

Christmas lights switch on with the Harmonie Jazz Band du Touquet.
Opening of the Christmas village (17H30-20H) with  enchanted rides. Food and drink available.

Saturday 30th NOV. – 6:30 PM – PINE PARK

Santa Claus’ arrival in the resort, accompanied by the Harmonie Jazz Band.
Followed by a firework display in on the waterfront around 7pm.
Opening of the Ice rink.

1ST DEC. – FROM 16H30 TO 18H30 – Le Touquet Christmas Markets.

4th DEC. – 3PM – CITY HALL

The Zelfies
Musical entertainment with the Zelfies.

Meeting with Saint Nicolas (Santa Cluase0 and Le Père Fouettard, organized by the youth centre and led by the Harmonie Jazz Band du Touquet-Paris-Plage.
For those that don’t know the tradition of x Père Fouettard  (French for “Father Whipper” or “Old Man Whipper”) he is a character who accompanies Santa Clause  on his rounds during St. Nicholas’ Day (6 December) dispensing lumps of coal or beatings to naughty children while Santa  gives gifts to the well behaved.

6th  & 7th  December
Telethon and Christmas Market Weekend

Christmas Village activities as part of the Telethon charity fund raising.

Musical entertainment with the Zelfies.

SAM. 7 DEC. (6PM-22PM) AND SUNDAY 8 DEC. (9AM-7PM) – Covered Market

Le Touquet Christmas market organised by the Amicale du personnel communal et paracommunal du Touquet.

Christmas Parade

Saturday. 14 DEC. – 18H
by the Association Le Touquet. Decorated music floats and light parade.

Departure from the Bascoulergue Room and finishes in the covered market.

Saturday  14 DEC. – From  16H30 TO 18H30 – Christmas Shopping.

Sunday 15th  DEC. – COVERED MARKET PLACE
Le Touquet Christmas Markets

Le Touquet Christmas Shopping

To download the full listings for Le Touquet Christmas Markets.

Visiting a Brocante or Flea Market

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Le Touquet Flea Market

Visiting a Brocante or Flea Market can be the hi-light of any trip to Le Touquet and the Pas de Calais area. The street markets are great places to pick up a bargain or find that rare collectable. Visiting a brocante will give you a unique insight into French culture and can be an exciting way to spend a few hours.

There are around 15,000 Brocantes or “vide-greniers” (literally “emptying the attics”) that take place in communities across France.

In Le Touquet there is a regular Flea Market that takes place most Sundays in the covered market area of the town

Le Touquet Flea Market Dates 2019

Sunday, August 11
Sunday, September 8
Sunday, October 13
Sunday, November 10
Sunday, December 15 

If you prefer a more general market then there is a weekly market in Le Touquet  This offers all general goods plus some amazingly fresh fish and locally grown  produce. General Market

There are also many more Brocante’s in the surrounding towns such as Merlimont, Stella Plage, Cucqu, Etaples and Berck. There is even a specialist flea market for the children in Berck on the 23rd  August  2019.
Place de l’Funnel 
62600 Berck

Le-Touquet-Brocante-Childrens-Toys

Merlimont Brocante:

Beach Flee Market.
Sunday 18 August 2019, flea market on Beach avenue.

Cucq Brocante

15th August – 35th Cucq Brocante.
Flea market of Cucq
Sports Avenue and Town Hall Square.

Stella-Plage Brocante

Flea market August 24th. 14h-20h Boulevard Labrasse Stration

Etaples Brocante

Flea market at the gare or station. This is personal favorite of mine as it tends to have more variety and is generally less expensive than Le Touquet.
Etaples-sur-Mer 
train station Place de la Gare 
62630 Etaples

From July 26, 2019 to September 25, 2019

If you are planning on visiting a brocante or flea market then keep up to date with all the latest news on Antique Fairs, Brocantes and Street markets by visiting  www.vide-greniers.org  

What Shall we do in Le Touquet Today

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Le Touquet Map

Le Touquet Map

Its tricky keeping the family balance whilst you are on holiday. If you have exhausted all of your ideas of where to go and what to do, then why not take a look at our recommendations on our custom Le Touquet Map. There are lots of choices from theme parks, activity days and great restaurants. Go and explore the fascinating Nord Pas de Calais region of France.

http://bit.ly/2kattractions

Off to Look Elsewhere? Did you know you will pay around 15% more on Air BNB and similar sites. For the best price always.

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