After our first visit to Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, we were smitten by this lively coastal town, which boasts plenty of gourmet treasures.
TOP DESTINATION ON THE OPAL COAST
Le Touquet-Paris-Plage is one of the most luxurious beach resorts in northern France. Frequented by wealthy Parisians, it was once a favorite getaway for the likes of Serge Gainsbourg, Marlène Dietrich and Winston Churchill. Even President Emmanuel Macron is no stranger to the charms of Le Touquet.
We discovered Le Touquet-Paris-Plage one afternoon years ago during a spring break in northern France, while cruising through the Opal Coast, home to 120 kilometers of beautiful beach towns, history and exceptional landscapes. Our panoramic drives took us to places such as Wimereux, Ambleteuse (where I had the most fantastic potjevleesch at Le Freestyle – not joking), Berck-sur-Mer and Sainte-Cécile-Plage. Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, however, was so endearing, that the following year, we decided to rent a house in the center of town. Since then, Le Touquet-Paris-Plage has become one of our favorite destinations.
When we visit, our days are spent sipping wine and people-watching at one of the many lively terraces, taking long strolls on the beach while deeply filling our lungs with salty air, admiring the architecture (the iconic art deco Hôtel Barrière Le Westminster, which dates to 1924, is a stunning example), indulging in fresh seafood and basking in the most splendid sunsets before heading back to our house and making plans for the following day – which usually involve food.
FIVE FOOD ADDRESSES
Here are some of my top food addresses when visiting Le Touquet-Paris-Plage.
À Table
86 rue de Metz
This cozy, little restaurant has never disappointed. The menu features regional classics such as ‘le welsh’ (toast covered with a thick layer of cheese and topped with a fried egg) and mussels, but also salads, omelettes, meat and fish. Especially delicious is the richly filled seafood salad and the pork loin in lavender cream sauce, which I had during my last visit. Try one of their infused wines as an apéritif – the lime one is sublime!
The Covered Market
rue Jean Monnet
Taking place on Thursdays and Sundays (also on Mondays during the summer), the lively market is a must if you visit Le Touquet-Paris-Plage. The semi-circular art deco covered area, which dates to 1927, is the best part. You will find stalls selling fresh vegetables, more seafood than you could ever wish for, breads, pastries and fine cheeses.
La Conserverie Touquettoise
111 rue de Metz
If you think canned fish is boring, this shop may just change your mind. They carry a wide assortment of attractively displayed preserved fish in colorful cans and jars, but also soups, beer, wine, regional specialties and pretty gift boxes. The shop is not very large and is usually buzzing with clients, so be patient if there are people standing in front of you!
Au Chat Bleu
47 bis rue St. Jean
Eighty varieties of exquisitely crafted chocolate bonbons, thirty-six varieties of chocolate tablets, and other kinds of confectionary such as salted caramel. If that doesn’t get your sweet tooth excited… ! Warning: do not enter this chocolate shop, considered by many to be the best, if you’re on a diet. Then again, you should not be on a diet when visiting France…
La Fine Epicerie
105 rue de Metz
This one-stop-shop/gourmet paradise offers exclusive delicacies such as foie gras and caviar, but also sweets, coffees, wine, champagne, liqueurs, beer, condiments, terrines, spices, flavored salts, oils and so much more. If you’re not in the mood to cook, head over there for more than enough inspiration to make an easy apéritif dinatoire.
Do you have any favorite foodie addresses in Le Touquet-Paris-Plage? Let me know!
