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Le Touquet-Paris-Plage facts for kids

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Le Touquet-Paris-Plage is a lovely commune located in the north of France. It is found in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region, specifically in the Pas-de-Calais department. This popular town is known as a famous seaside resort, attracting many visitors with its beautiful beaches and forests.

Discovering Le Touquet-Paris-Plage

A Seaside Gem in France

Le Touquet-Paris-Plage is often called "Paris-Plage," which means "Paris Beach." This nickname shows how popular it became as a holiday spot for people from Paris. The town is situated right on the coast, offering stunning views of the English Channel. It is a perfect place for families and young people to enjoy a vacation.

What is a Commune?

In France, a "commune" is the smallest unit of local government. Think of it like a town or a village. Each commune has its own mayor and local council. Le Touquet-Paris-Plage is one of many communes that make up the Pas-de-Calais department.

Fun Activities and Sports

Le Touquet-Paris-Plage offers many exciting activities for visitors. Its wide, sandy beaches are perfect for relaxing or playing games.

Beach Life and Water Sports

The main attraction is definitely the beach. At low tide, the beach stretches out very far, making it great for walks. You can enjoy various water sports like sailing, windsurfing, or even just swimming. There are also special changing rooms right on the beach for convenience.

Beach changing rooms in Le Touquet
Changing rooms at the beach are very handy.
Le Touquet - A view of the beach at low tide
The wide beach at low tide is perfect for walks.

Land Sports and Nature

Beyond the beach, Le Touquet is famous for its sports facilities. It has a large municipal tennis club, where you can play tennis.

Le Touquet’s municipal tennis club
Le Touquet’s municipal tennis club is a popular spot.

The town is also known for its golf courses and horse riding. You can explore the nearby forests or enjoy the fresh air. There is even a fun carousel on the waterfront for younger visitors.

Le Touquet - The merry-go-round on the waterfront
The carousel on the waterfront is a fun attraction.

A Glimpse into History

Le Touquet-Paris-Plage has a rich history, evolving from a simple area of dunes into a famous resort.

How Le Touquet Became Famous

The town started to develop in the late 19th century as a place for Parisians to escape the city. It quickly grew into a fashionable resort. Over the years, it has welcomed many famous people. Like many places, it saw changes during major historical events. For example, some parts of the town were damaged during World War II. There are even old German bunkers found south of the town.

Le Touquet sud ‘le domaine des dunes blockhaus
An old German bunker south of Le Touquet.

Buildings and Architecture

You can see different styles of buildings in Le Touquet. Some older buildings show the elegant architecture from before World War II. After the war, some new, taller buildings were constructed along the seafront. These buildings reflect the town's growth and changes over time.

Le Touquet-Paris-Plage - Les oyats de la digue-promenade (3)
High-rise buildings built after World War II.
Le Touquet-Paris-Plage - CP - Le boulevard de la Mer du temps de Paris-Plage 2
An example of older architecture from before World War II.

Exploring the Town

There's more to see in Le Touquet than just the beach.

The Lighthouse and Market

A prominent landmark in Le Touquet is its lighthouse. It stands tall and guides ships safely along the coast. The town also has a lively open-air market. Here, you can find local products, fresh food, and souvenirs. It's a great place to experience the local culture.

Le Touquet - phare
The lighthouse stands tall, guiding ships.
Le Touquet - the open air market
The open-air market is a great place to visit.

Nature Around Le Touquet

The area around Le Touquet is also beautiful. The Canche river flows into the sea here, forming an estuary. This is where the river meets the ocean, creating a unique natural habitat. At low tide, you can see the wide expanse of the estuary.

L'estuaire de la Canche à Marée Basse
The estuary of the Canche river at low tide.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Le Touquet-Paris-Plage para niños

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