Hardelot
Hardelot has a long beach of golden sand, a chic little town with great restaurants and is never crowded. Charles Dickens lived here in the 1800s and loved the area. The resort is rather genteel, tranquil and very charming – it’s a great little French seaside town with much to offer including a terrific equestrian centre. Nearby in the village of Condette is the Chateau d’Hardelot which you can visit with a fabulous tea room and an extraordinary Shakespearean style theatre.
Tip: Enjoy a drink or a meal at the Najeti Hotel du Parc which has a great bar and feels like a forest oasis by the sea.
Berck-sur-Mer
This resort is great for families, immaculately clean, safe and the perfect kite flying beach plus the little beach huts are so pretty!
Tip: Head to Succes Berckois, an old fashioned sweet shop where you can watch the bon bons being made just how they have been for almost 100 years. They have all sorts of delicious things to tantalise the taste buds whatever your age including a rather sweet vodka mix! (Check website for times for sweet making).
Merlimont
Another family favourite with its long expanse of golden sands, charming restaurants and an old-fashioned vibe.
Le Touquet Paris-Plage
Town and seaside combine seamlessly in this swish little resort which is a Paris secret and was once THE jet set place to go, it’s known as the “Monaco of the north”. It’s here that Ian Fleming was inspired by a visit to the casino to write “Casino Royale” and where Sean Connery signed his first Bond film contract. Le Touquet has coiffed avenues, posh hotels and restaurants and wonderful shops, don’t miss the Saturday morning market in the art deco listed covered market building – it’s mouth-wateringly delicious!
Tip: For great views over the bay, restaurant Le By S’ de la Baie is fabulous with a big terrace, great for lunch but you need to reserve in advance for dinner
St Cecile Plage
Empty beaches with beautiful views, huge dunes to run up and down and a tranquil little town.
Audresselles
A beautiful, authentic fishing village of little white houses with blue shutters and charming wooden fishing boats parked in the road like cars! You’ll find a plethora of great restaurants serving the freshest fish here, often hauled straight up the beach and into the kitchen.
Tip: take a cool box and stock up on fresh fish bought direct from the fishermen, just look for signs in front gardens advertising fish for sale!
