Route
You leave Belgium in the morning. From Brussels, it takes about three hours to reach Le Touquet, arriving around midday on the Opal Coast. Once there, Hotel Le Westminster becomes your base. From here, you explore the wide sandy beach of Le Touquet, the fishing village of Étaples, the fortified town of Montreuil-sur-Mer and the dramatic coastline between Cap Gris-Nez and Cap Blanc-Nez.
Pace
A five-day family trip where each day highlights a different part of the region. Sand yachting and horse riding in the dunes alternate with an interactive visit to Maréis, a walk along medieval ramparts and an afternoon along the wildest stretch of coastline in northern France. Distances are short and the pace remains relaxed.
Highlights
An introduction to sand yachting on Le Touquet beach. The rays at Maréis in Étaples. And the Dragon of Calais breathing fire and water along the quay.
Accommodation
Four nights at Hotel Le Westminster in Le Touquet, a classic grand hotel by the sea with all the comfort families need.
Profile
For families who want more than just a sun lounger and a swimming pool.
Day 1: Arrival in Le Touquet-Paris-Plage
You check in at Hotel Le Westminster and leave the drive behind. The first activity sets the tone immediately: Le Touquet lighthouse has 274 steps and rewards those who climb them with wide views over the sea and pine forest. In the afternoon, head to the beach for a sand yachting introduction. Once the wind catches the sail and you glide across the vast sandy beach, you understand why this is the region’s signature sport.
Day 2: Horse Riding in the Dunes & Fishermen in Étaples
The morning is spent on horseback. Le Touquet has a strong equestrian tradition, and a guided ride through pine forests and dunes towards the sea is unforgettable for children. In the afternoon, drive five kilometres to Étaples. At Maréis, a museum-aquarium housed in a former net factory, a guide explains the daily life of an active fishing port. Children learn to tie knots, steer a virtual boat and touch rays in the interactive pool.
Day 3: Montreuil-sur-Mer & Beussent Chocolate Factory
Half an hour from Le Touquet lies Montreuil-sur-Mer, a fortified town that has not touched the sea for centuries. It stands above the Canche Valley and is surrounded by three kilometres of medieval ramparts that you can walk entirely. Spend the morning on the walls with open views over the rolling countryside. Below, cobbled streets such as Rue du Clape-en-Bas reveal timber-framed houses and hidden courtyards.
After lunch in one of the bistros within the walls, continue to the Chocolaterie de Beussent. Here you follow the journey from cocoa bean to chocolate bar, ending with a tasting.
Day 4: Nausicaá, Cap Gris-Nez & Cap Blanc-Nez
The day begins in Boulogne-sur-Mer at Nausicaá, Europe’s largest aquarium. Walk through glass tunnels as sharks, manta rays and large fish glide above you. Allow a full morning here, it’s not something to rush.
Within walking distance lies Boulogne’s old town, cathedral and lively fishing harbour. Fresh fish for lunch by the quay is the obvious choice.
In the afternoon, drive the Route des Deux Caps. At Cap Gris-Nez, you stand at the narrowest point of the English Channel, less than 34 kilometres from the white cliffs of Dover. Cap Blanc-Nez offers dramatic chalk cliffs and wide open views. The landscape remains largely untouched and protected.
Day 5: Château d’Hardelot or Calais & Return
On the final day, there is still time for one last stop before driving back to Belgium. In Calais, you can experience the Dragon of Calais: a twelve-metre-high wooden structure that walks along the quay, flaps its wings and breathes fire and water.
If you prefer a calmer ending, head to Château d’Hardelot, a Tudor-style castle surrounded by Anglo-French gardens. After a final seaside lunch, you begin the drive home early in the afternoon.
Five days offer a great introduction to the region, but those who wish to stay longer will easily find a reason to do so. The Marquenterre Bird Park, Bagatelle amusement park or the Cité de la Dentelle in Calais are just three possibilities. Let us know how many days you have, and we will tailor the trip to you.
Frequently asked questions about this trip
How active is this trip for children?
The itinerary combines active experiences with relaxed visits. Sand yachting, horse riding in the dunes and walking along the ramparts of Montreuil are balanced with visits to Nausicaá and the Beussent chocolate factory.
Do you need experience for sand yachting or horse riding?
No. Both activities take place under the guidance of experienced instructors. They are suitable for beginners and adapted to the participants’ level.
Are the distances between the excursions long?
No. The distances are short. Étaples, Montreuil-sur-Mer and Boulogne-sur-Mer are all about 10 to 30 minutes from Le Touquet by car.
What are the highlights for children during this trip?
Families especially enjoy sand yachting on the wide beach of Le Touquet, visiting Nausicaá with its sharks and manta rays and discovering the chocolate-making process at the Beussent chocolate factory – with a tasting at the end.
Why book with Caractère?
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