In 1837, the notary Alphonse Daloz purchased the land comprising Le Touquet. At that time, the area consisted of dune on the Canche Estuary. However, by the end of the century, Le Touquet had become an attractive wooded location by the sea. British enthusiasm for the area as a seaside resort gave rise to greatly increased facilities and developed the resort’s activities and hotel trade. The prosperity of Le Touquet is inseparable from the British presence, but also from its proximity to Paris, just 2 hours away.

Between the two world wars, Le Touquet became a chic destination, dedicated to sport and elegance, heralding its modern-day reputation as the Garden of the Channel, where villas dot the quiet roads running through the forest, across the dunes and in the wooded hollows. Sports activities developed for vacationers include skeet shooting, hunting, horseback riding, tennis and golf. Casinos were built to attract more tourism and remain active today. More recently, Sand Yachting, 3-wheeled craft powered by the wind, has become a major attraction to the wide, sandy beach in Le Touquet.

Sister City with Cary since: 1992