Twin Town Challenge 2020 Witney Le Touquet

Twin Town Challenge 2020

What is the Twin Town Challenge?

SPRING BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND  2020

Established in 2014, the Twin Town Challenge takes place every two years. To date the event has raised over £850,000 for Special Effect. Twin Town 2020 is the final event and they hope to take the fundraising total to over £1m! for SpecialEffect.

Twin towns Witney – Le Touquet, 100 cars, 1 amazing weekend. The Twin Town Challenge is a fun, team-based car challenge. Buy a £500 banger, add your own style and drive it from Oxfordshire to Le Touquet, France, competing in challenges along the way. All to raise money for technology charity SpecialEffect.

What is the Twin Town Challenge?
At its simplest, the Twin Town Challenge is a fun charity car rally. Teams buy a £500 banger and pimp their ride however they like. Then over Spring Bank Holiday weekend they take an epic road trip.

Twin Town Set Off Blenheim

The route goes from Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire to Witney’s twin town, Le Touquet in northern France. Along the way you’ll take on challenges and the occasional lap of a circuit. The event is in aid of SpecialEffect – a charity focused on improving the lives of the physically disabled.

They arrange a series of fun events and challenges before the main event to help you get in the spirit and meet your fellow Twin Towners. These will see you rubbing shoulders with celebrities, stoking team rivalries and having great fun.

The big jamboree is in Le Touquet itself, where our French compatriots throw a street party extravagaza. Expect live bands, fine French food and flowing drinks to help you toast your successful trip!

On the return to Merry England, afternoon tea and an awards ceremony round off a fantastic, fun weekend. All in aid of a great cause.

Accommodation

If you are planning on attending the event and you need some accommodation in Le Touquet then please take a look at our website. We  still have availability for this weekend.

Twin Town Challenge Le Touquet

Donate

The Twin Town Challenge exists to support the fantastic work of SpecialEffect. They use technology to bring joy and fulfilment to the lives of physically disabled people. If you can’t take part in the Twin Town Challenge you can do your bit by donating. All money raised goes directly to SpecialEffect so please donate what you can today to help SpecialEffect improve more lives.

Every penny you donate will go directly to SpecialEffect. This helps them to provide one-to-one support that enables disabled people to work, play and lead more fulfilling lives through the use of technology.

Your donation will help to pay for occupational therapists, who take the time to understand each person’s needs. They then create customised controllers that can take the smallest movements from any part of the body and use this to control games, programs and other technology.

Text and images Twin Town

The Battle of the Somme Guided Day Tour from Arras

Day Trip to the Somme

Discover the trenches and terrible story of World War I’s Battle of the Somme on a full-day battlefield trip from Arras with an expert guide.

Just  90 minute from Le Touquet to the town of Arras. This is a fascinating day out for all.

Travelling to key battle sites and memorials by minivan, learn about the planning, execution and human cost of the infamous 1916 Western Front campaign. Visit must-sees including Pozieres Ridge and the Beaumont Hamel trenches; pay homage at Thiepval and other memorials; hear soldiers’ individual stories; and explore the grim events further at the Thiepval visitor centre.

Numbers are limited to eight for a small-group experience, and lunch, entry fees, and round-trip transport from Arras train station are included.

Full-day Battle of Somme battlefield tour from Arras, with air-conditioned transport and lunch

Explore the key sites of the World War I attritional campaign of 1916 Walk in the footsteps of soldiers at Beaumont Hamel’s trenches, Pozieres Bridge and Schwaben Redoubt Pause at the Thiepval Memorial and learn the in-depth story of the campaign at the Visitor Center Visit other pivotal sites and monuments, including the Australian Memorial and Lochnagar Mine Crater Hear the stories of soldiers and the main Somme offensives from a knowledgeable guide Small-group tour with a maximum of eight people for a more personalised atmosphere

Read more about Somme WWI Battlefield Day Tour from Arras.

From £114

Find out More….

Included.

  • Pickup and drop-off in central Arras
  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan
  • Guide
  • Entry/Admission – Franco-Australien Museum
  • Entry/Admission – Historial de la Grande Guerre – Musee de Thiepval

Unique Le Touquet Flight

Flight Le Touquet

Overview

Join a pilot on a unique flight and share the cost with him. A great way to discover the beautiful landscapes of this this charming region aboard a private plane. Your Wingly pilot will happily share with you their passion for flying and take you on an unforgettable trip around Le Touquet, providing stunning views of the Baie de Somme and Tréport’s cliffs. Please note that the flight schedule is subject to changes depending on the pilot’s availability. Wingly is a Flight Sharing platform. This is not a commercial flight but a private flight operated under the European cost sharing rule (EASA). Insurance is provided by Allianz on each flight. 

What To Expect.

Typical itinerary.

Pass By: Le Touquet Beach
Pass By: Baie de Somme (Somme Bay)
Pass By: Les Phoques de la Baie d’Authie, Berck, 
Return to departure point.

Duration approximately 1 Hour

Prices from £135.99

To find out visit. Fly Le Touquet

The Best Beach In Le Touquet

Le Touquet Beaches Sign

Le Touquet – likes to publicise its fantastic beaches and quite rightly so. An assortment of signs on the drive into this pretty seaside town ensures you won’t leave without visiting such a fantastic stretch of open sand. 

The main beach has so much more to offer rather than just swimming. There are many recreational activities available such as beach clubs for the kids, Volleyball courts, and crazy golf.  Numerous beach bars can be found below the promenade, perfect for taking a break from a hectic day at the beach. There is plenty to do for all ages, hire a bike, go sand sailing or maybe have a go at wake boarding.  Alternatively why not try the slides and rapids in the Aqualud water park right on the beach. 

Life guards make sure you are safe. The central beach is monitored daily from 10:30 am to 7 pm in summer. You will find plenty of parking available.

Have fun at the beach in Le Touquet!

Le Touquet Aerial Picture Beach

St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church at Le Touquet

St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church at Le Touquet-Paris-Plage

St Joan of Arc - Le Touquet

Le Touquets most beautiful churches are celebrating Christmas with a host of services in the run up to Christmas and beyond. The Joan of Arc church is located next to the town hall in the centre of Le Touquet. This elegant and imposing church is well worth a visit at any time of year.

100 Boulevard Daloz, 62520 Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, France.

Opened: 1912

Located in a prominent position next to the town hall

The first church in France to be dedicated to Saint Joan of Arc, at the request of the British Catholics, the church of St. Joan of Arc replaced an earlier small chapel of saint Andrew which had become too small to answer the needs of Le Touquet Paris Plage, . Economic prosperity, the fashion for sea-bathing, and the constant presence of the British were the cause of many architectural programmes of great quality which are still the signature of the resort today. 

Built following the plans of Lucien Viraut, the vast church of St. Joan of Arc was opened 14th July 1911. Largely destroyed in the bombing of 4th July 1944, the church was rebuilt and finished in 1954, and enlarged in 1958 by lengthening the transept. It has a Latin cross plan, a nave with side aisles, and a five-sided apse. 

Inside, the vast and light nave is vaulted in wood, representing the over-turned keel of a boat. The stained glass windows, by several contemporary artists, tell the life of Jesus, around the sanctuary, and different episodes of the life of Joan of Arc along the transepts and nave.

In 2008 a new organ was installed, one of the most important in the Region and whose repertory valorizes the exceptional acoustics of the church. The exterior, surrounded by gardens, has a high steeple whose architecture reminds us of that of the civilian belfries in the region, and reflects that of the imposing and elegant town hall facing it which had recently been classified as a Historical Monument.

Joan of Arc Catholic Church Le Toquet

If you want to know more about things to do in Le Touquet then visit our Top 10

Bagatelle Parc d’attraction Berck – Le Touquet 2019

Bagatelle theme Parc 2019

Bagatelle Theme Parc Opens April 6th.

Fill up with family fun at the Bagatelle Theme park with over 40 attractions and shows.  A perfect crazy family day out that won’t break the bank. With tickets from around €19.00 it offers great value for money.  Bagatelle Theme Parc is just a short 15 minute drive from many of our  holiday rental properties in Le Touquet.

Bagatelle is split into 3 areas:
Baggy land for small kids.  10 attractions for the little ones including a Ball Pool, Adventure trail, Kidz Coaster, The Captain Baggy. A children’s swing boat echoing the larger Pearl Bag ride for Adults. 

Baggy Family – Universe for Young and old
Baggy Fun – A good dose of thrills 9 attractions for the more adventurous!

I personally enjoyed the Pearl Bag Swing boat especially if you are at the Bow or Stern. It gives a great sense of fun together as everyone competes to make the loudest wooo! noise

Bagatelle Swing Boat Pearl Bag

Le Triops - The Big Ride

One of Bagatelle’s flagship attractions welcomes you for a thrilling round trip. 45 meters high, 2 tendrils, 1 looping, all suspended in the void! 

Le Triops Bagatelle Parc

The River Splatch

No trip to Bagatelle would be complete without getting wet at least once!  A nice gentle ride on the river in a wooden log with a 10 m drop at the end – great fun for everyone.

Silver Wings

Become the Ace of  the pilots! Ready to fill up with sensations? Enter into the area dedicated to the crazy years of aviation:

Climb aboard your plane and experience the stunning acrobatic flight experience with almost 4G accelerators, weightless dive, looping, spinning … all at 8 meters in height:

Silver Wings Bagatelle

Bagatelle Amusement Parc is open daily from 10:30 AM.

International Kite Festival at Berck-sur-Mer

Kite Festival Berck sur mer

Kite Festival Berck sur mer

The International Kite Festival has taken place in Berck-sur-Mer for over 25 years. This year’s 33nd  RICV event takes place from Saturday 6th to Sunday the 14th April 2019. Over the years it has become an event not to be missed on the Côte d’Opale. For 8 days in wind and sea enthusiasts, athletes or thrill-seekers can admire many giant kites, each with its own unique design. 
Due to the numerous visitors during the festival days and the high demand for accommodation it is recommended to check availability and book rooms well in advance.

A Family Activity Day Out

Almost 700,000 spectators come to the vast Berck-sur-Mer beach to marvel the world’s best kite-makers’ new creations.  Open to everyone, there is entertainment for all ages. Children can learn how to make and fly kites in a safe environment. Marine life, astonishing flying creatures, giant octopuses, even memorable cartoon characters drift across the sky. A colourful festival where you have your feet in the sand and your head in the sky. 

Every Spring, the skies above the beach of Berck-sur-Mer explode with colour. Kites line up in well orchestrated displays for the crowds.  Berck-sur-Mer is pretty seaside town 40 minutes from Calais. Is is also a short 25 mins drive from our holiday rental accommodation in Le Touquet. The Kite Festival takes place on the beautiful sandy beach, its a great thing to do for all members of the family young and old. If you can’t make it to the event then why not peek at the Live Webcam on the beach.

Things to See

One of the favourite things to see at the Berck sur Mer kite festival are the flying battles between experts. International teams from all over the world come to take part in this colourful spectacular. On the last evening there is a night time flying display backed up with a firework show. There are many stalls at the event with Kites from many countries. Learn the history of kites or feast on the explosion of colour.
 
There are fantastic activities for kids. You not only make kites but get to have a go at flying some of the more exotic designs yourself.  .  For more information about the event visit the organisers website.
Kites Berck Plage

Le Touquet is a great base for visiting the Kite Festival and local attractions. Go swimming in the Aqualud, visit the Aquarium in Boulogne (Nausica)  try some Sand yachting in Le Touquet, visit the maze at Laby’Parc.

Berck sur Mer Kite Festival Accommodation

If you are coming to the kite festival we currently have plenty of accommodation in Le Touquet just 25 minutes drive away.

Air Bnb in Le Touquet

Aqualud Water Park Outside

Air Bnb in Le Touquet has many holiday villas and apartments to rent. Started 10 years ago Air BnB has become a major player in the private room and holiday rental market.  With novel ideas and practices they have changed the way in which we all book our holiday accommodation. Instead of owners paying a flat fee to advertise most Online Travel Agencies (OTA’s) now charge a percentage to the owner for every booking plus a service charge to the guest.

How Much Am I Really Paying For My Air BnB Rental

If you enquire about an Air BnB in Le Touquet the breakdown of pricing when you book is very clear.  But what could you be paying by booking direct with the owner ? or maybe its cheaper via another advertiser?  The truth; its’ that pesky service fee that all the OTA’s charge to cover their costs and make profit which bumps up the cost of your holiday. Nothing wrong with that,  they are in business and need to make a profit. But how is the service fee derived for a guest? it is unclear how this is calculated.

As a holiday home owner in Le Touquet this time of year see’s us updating prices and checking our advertising for the busy holiday rental booking season. It is generally reported that most sites see around a 17% increase in the level of enquiries between Boxing day and the end of January.
Typically we check our prices across all the advertising channels.  Looking at one of our properties for a weekend in March 2019 revealed a range of service fees.

The service fee from Home Away was £68.40 and Air BnB £90.   So that’s what the holiday maker will pay as an additional charge.  But don’t forget the fee that Home Away and Air BnB charge the owner for each booking. Typically 5% for Home Away  and 3% for Air BnB. So on this £500 example rental that would be £25 for Home Away and £15 for Air BnB.  So booking via Home Away or Air BnB in Le Touquet is unlikely to be the cheapest option available. 

Avoid Paying an Air BnB Service Fee

So wouldn’t it be great if you didn’t have to pay a service fee?  In my £500 rental example above you would have paid approximately £400 for the same property booked direct on our website.
You will receive a very personal service and be able to talk to us directly before booking so that you are 100% happy. 
To check all of our prices and availability for next year please visit our booking page.

Money Le Touquet Holidays

Off to Look Elsewhere? Did you know you will pay around 15% more on Air BNB and similar sites. For the best price always.

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