How to Spend an Afternoon at Le Touquet Beach, France

First, have a lunchtime rendezvous at this most iconic venue, not for a sit-down feast but for lighter fare, to enjoy a seafood platter right up on the counter at Pérard restaurant. The place is credited with the invention of the fish soup, but is also celebrated today for its impossibly fresh oysters, langoustines and lobster.

Elegant Le Touquet is known for its world-class golf – it’s no coincidence that the official logo of the town is a caddy, so hit the links for an early post-lunch round on the seaside course. If you are not a golfer, this is a great place to try the sport, you can take lessons at the driving range and start developing your future killer swing. You’ll have a story to tell, plus it’s definitely worth making the time to enjoy the scenery and genteel atmosphere, a carry over from the very British beginnings of this beautiful coastal retreat.

Back into town for a stroll along the main pedestrian street, Rue Saint Jean, with its upscale shops and unique boutiques, where the mandatory stop is a snack at Aux Mignardises, a local institution. Pick a filling for your crêpe or choose from an array of waffles and artisanal ice cream.

Time to burn off some calories and you couldn’t be in a better place. Head to the beach rental spots for your choice of sand yachting, wakeboarding, kitesurfing, stand up paddling, or sailing on a catamaran, and even join a team effort in a pirogue.

You’re probably ready to downshift, so take a leisurely stroll along the nature preserve that starts on the northern tip of the beach. There’s a choice of three circuits of varying lengths, with over 45 hectares (111 acres) of land with clearly marked walking trails, spectacular dunes and forest, all framed by jaw-dropping views of the beach and the estuary of the river Canche.

Wrap up this perfect afternoon back at the beach to watch the spectacular sunset over the water, comfortably perched in one of a half-dozen beach cafés on the sand. Claim a beach chair, order a local beer or a long cocktail. There’s plenty of time to dress for dinner later at one of the fabulous gastronomic restaurants in town, for now – just take a pause and start planning your next trip to Le Touquet, maybe for a longer stay, perhaps a week, or why not the whole summer.