Le Touquet is located in the northern region of the country of France, and holds a high reputation as one of the most elegant vacation resorts France has to offer. The area features many upscale and luxurious accommodations and high quality hotels. The area has gained popularity in the last few years, and attracts a high number of the wealthy natives of France, especially ones from Paris.
The town itself evolved from being an isolated moor and marina, to being one of the most popular northern seaside resorts in all of France. The city is most notable for its rich architecture, featuring building styles and designs from the early 1920âs and 1930âs. A number of the buildings are even older, as le Touquet was founded in the 1870s.
The general area features much by the way of tourism. The area nearby holds pristine beaches, hotels, horseracing, a popular golf course, and other sports and activities. A casino is also found inland, which was featured in the hit film Casino Royale, attracting even more tourists to its walls and district.
Le Touquet also features a number of museums detailing the areaâs history and architecture, as well as the ever popular Estuary Park. The markets in the area are also diverse, and feature a large section of goods and eateries.
Climate of Le Touquet
Le Touquet, being located in the north of France, experiences moderately warm summers and cold winters. Winters are not incredibly harsh; however, they are much colder than the warm summer temperatures. Being located on the coast of the English Channel, the water surrounding the area stays fairly cold, making swimming and water activities fairly uncommon.
France is very susceptible to changing pressures, due largely to its location and proximity to the English Channel and the Atlantic Ocean. In the northern area, where Le Touquet is found, a low pressure front can leave the area very susceptible to the Atlantic air stream, brining clouds and rain. High pressure systems can tend to protect the area under a covering of drier conditions, especially when accompanied by the warmer eastern winds.
This area of France does not see much extreme or unusual weather; however, many have noticed that the climate in France can be very different from year to year. For example, in 2010, the area hit record amounts of snowfall as late as May, and then again in December. May is traditionally associated with warmer temperatures, and occasionally rain â" but rarely conditions wet and cold enough for snowfall. The following year, in 2011, the entire year was remarkably dry and warm, through the end of September, bringing little to no rainfall.
Summer is the season that brings the most tourists for Le Touquet, due to the warmer temperatures and drier weather. You should expect temperatures between 13C to 20C on average, with warmer days and cooler nights. The lows at night can drop to a chilly 7C to 12C on average, with highs during the day in the 21C range. This season also holds the most amount of sunlight per day, averaging 10 to 11 hours.
The general area has moderate rainfall; however the summer months are the driest, with only an average of 4-6 days of rain per month. The average amount of rain per month ranges around 50mm on average.
Autumn for Le Touquet still holds moderately warm temperatures in the day, while temperatures steadily cool down as winter approaches. The average temperatures throughout the season range from 14C to 10C as the season nears its end. The average low at the beginning of the season is around 11C, whereas at the end of the season it falls to a crisp 4C, especially at night. The season also brings an increase in cloudy, and foggy weather, as well as additional precipitation.
The number of rainy days stays fairly consistent with the summer, with the average number of rainy days falling between seven and eight per month. The amount of rainfall, however, increases from summerâs 50-60mm to 80mm to 90mm. The days also begin to shorten as winter approaches, coming down from summerâs 10-11 hours a day, to an average of 8 hours of sun, and shortening as winter approaches.
Winter for this area brings cold, frigid temperatures, occasional snowfall, and foggy conditions at times. The highs during the day average between 7C and 10C, staying cold all season long. The night time lows are the coldest, dipping on average between 1C and 3C. This is the season the least amount of people visit, primarily because of short days and cold temperatures.
Snowfall is not uncommon, and in some cases, can be substantial. However, some tourists seek this season because of nearby, inland snow and ski resorts. If you are planning to visit during this season, just be attentive of any snow or weather related issues or closures by checking the forecast. The average number of rainy days is still consistent with autumn and summer, being around 8 days a month. The average snow/rainfall during this season is between 70mm in January, and then a sharp decrease to 50mm to 40mm at the end of the season. Winter also holds the shortest days, with November being exceptionally short, with only 3 hours of sun a day. The days begin to lengthen slightly towards spring, but stay at an average of only 4 hours a day.
Spring usually brings warmer temperatures and less rainfall, especially as summer nears. The temperatures begin to warm up, bringing averages in the 8C range at the beginning of the season, and into the 16C range as summer approaches. Lows at the beginning of spring, in March, are still a cold 2C to 4C, with the lows at the end nearing 10C to 12C.
This season also has the least amount of precipitation, with the average rainfall only 40mm to 50mm all season long. This is also a popular season for visiting, especially late spring into summer. The average number of rainy days per month stays between five and six. Spring also brings much desired sunlight, after winterâs short days. The average for spring starts at 6 hours a day in March, leaps to 10 hours a day in April, and stays there until summer.