Le Touquet's beach is one of the great Channel beaches — a wide, firm expanse of pale sand that stretches for several kilometres north and south of town. At low tide the sea retreats far enough to expose an enormous flat. The sand is hard enough for vehicles, which is why it became famous between the wars for land speed attempts.
When the wind comes in from the Atlantic, which it often does, the beach fills with sand-yachters and kite-surfers. The sand yachts here reach serious speeds; if you have never tried it, the local clubs offer introductory sessions. Kite-surfing schools operate from the beach in season. In calmer weather the beach is simply excellent for a long walk, and families stake out spots among the dunes behind the high-water line.