British Week in Le Touquet is a peculiarly French affair that celebrates everything British.
Le Touquet is the chic and fun seaside resort on the Opal Coast of northern France that was first created by a British entrepreneur a century ago and it remains positively Franco-British in its outlook. From the fabulous Belle Epoque villas with a hint of British style to the polo played on the beach, this is a resort that relishes its ties with its nearest neighbour.
In 2013 Le Touquet is holding a three week-long event called “British Week” aimed at both French and British visitors.
From its opening on October 12 to the sound of bagpipes playing traditional Scottish music, a concert by British chanteuse Jane Birkin, vintage car parades, street festivities, bands – with jazz, pop and rock and roll on offer, tours, dancing, art exhibitions and whole lot more, it’s an unforgettable and joyous celebration of entente cordial. Restaurants, bars and shops will be pulling out all the stops to celebrate the town’s links with the UK.
Some of the great festivities at British Week Le Touquet
This is just a little taster of what’s on – check the Le Touquet Tourist Office website (below) for times, details and a whole lot more with events every single day from October 12 to November 2:
October 12: The Paris and District Bagpipe band kick off proceedings. You may have seen them at the opening of the Rugby World Cup and you can be sure they’ll be just as passionate here in Le Touquet!
‘British Run’ takes place – based on the “Tweed Run” of London and Beijing, cyclists are encouraged to wear their most British garments – cap, tweed coat, bow tie, whatever takes your fancy for an afternoon of exploring the resort by bike!
October 13: Jane Birkin in concert in the town where Serge Gainsbourg got his break singing and playing piano in Flavio’s restaurant next to the famous Westminster Hotel. Who can forget Ms Birkin and the colourful Serge singing “Je T’aime”…?
October 19: Horse Day – polo games, vaulting, pony rides and races. There will also be a grand picnic on the ground of the hippodrome race course and a chance to dress up to the nines!
October 20: A parade of great cars in the streets followed by an exhibition of British cars with drivers in period costume.
October 26 and 27: Moustache Days! A nod to British humour from our French friends as everyone from the kids to the old ladies are asked to wear a moustache. If you don’t have one at home – pick one up from the tourist office for a Euro.
31 October: Trick or Treat – a Halloween Parade through the streets.
We’ve only picked out a very few of the fantastic events that are being held during the three week-long “British Week” celebrations – download the full programme for lots more details and times:
