Twin Town Challenge 2022 Witney Le Touquet

Twin Town Challenge 2020

What is the Twin Town Challenge?

29th April – 2nd May 2022

Established in 2014, the Twin Town Challenge takes place every two years. To date the event has raised over £850,000 for Special Effect. The delayed Twin Town 2022 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

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. Next year’s 35th  RICV event hopefully will take place in April 2021. The dates are still to be announced due to Covid 19 restrictions.
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.

Trail Des Deux Baies – Le Touquet Trail of 2 Bays Marathon

Trail des deux baies - Le Touquet

Trail Des Deux Baies (Trail D2B)

Trail Des Deux Baies on the 26th January 2020 marks the 13th year of the event.  The D2B Trail is a nature run along the coastline of the Opal Coast. Its special features include sand dunes and harsh weather.  Its a challenging course made for adventurers. You can pick your race depending on distance and ability, there are 4 races.

  • A 42km marathon for seasoned competitors, a great preparation for
    the marathon des sables or the ultra-trails on a demanding course.
    Departure from Le Touquet: 8h00 on the beach to the north €27.
  • A trail of 23.5km accessible to as many people as possible.
    Departure from Le Touquet, South Aqualud: 10:30 a.m. Arrival at Le Touquet Paris-Plage, Hippodrome €20
  • An 11.5km short trail as well as a golf course.
    Departure from Stella Plage: 10:30 am on the beach €14
  • A 3km short trail for the young competitors.
    Departure from Le Touquet: 11h30 on the beach €5

For your convenience, shuttle buses are available for € 3  available betweeen Le Touquet -> Stella. 

For the 11.5km: RDV from 10:00 am to the right of the Aqualud near the Skate park (Bd Thierry Sabine) for a departure at 10:30 AM MAXIMUM

 Le Touquet Parking Plan.

Last year over  2,200 participants came to let off steam on the Opal Coast. With over 1200 runners already registered time is running out if you want to book your place on this great run. There two mythical bays of the region which offer the participants and the numerous spectators breathtaking landscapes!

Accommodation - Trail Des Deaux Baies

If you have not booked your accommodation in Le Touquet then take a look at our website. We still have  some larger properties that are ideal if you are a group of friends entering the race.

You can register online for the 2020 Trail Des Deaux Baies by visiting the organisers website.

Driving In France – Tips

Driving In France Le Touquet Road Crossing

Driving In France

With the recent introduction of the first 3D road crossing in France pedestrians enter a new era. The 3D crossing in Cysoing Northern France is being used to persuade motorist to slow down.
In France waiting on the pavement by a crossing is a waste of time. In order to get drivers to stop you have to put at least 1 or maybe even 2 steps into the road to secure your safe passage.
Zebra crossings in France are rarely marked or illuminated. They often do not have a central island.

In a recent visit to Le Touquet I was impressed with the novel way in which many crossings are being marked. A reflective Red and Blue person is resident stepping onto the crossing on each side of the road. In the dark these cheerful figures show up in your headlights and give drivers a better chance to stop. With the installation of these figures motorists have advanced warning of a crossing.
Drivers who fail to observe pedestrian crossings can expect to have six points added to their driving licence.

Driving In France Le Touquet Road Crossing Blue Man

Driving In France - General Tips

Drivers often don’t stop – so don’t start walking – unless you’re feeling very brave. French pedestrians often cross at odd points along the road with no zebra crossing so be wary. Often you will find crossings at the exit from roundabouts, exactly where drivers are looking to speed up, so take extra care.

What Does Rappel on a French road sign mean?

Rappel is a reminder that speed restrictions are still in place, stick to the specified limit until you see a different speed sign.

Drive on the right

This should be obvious but many accidents are caused this way every year. Pay particular attention if you are doing a U turn close to a junction. It sounds silly put stick a post it note on your dashboard “Drive on the Right!

Priority on the right

In France when you enter an urban area you will need to give priority to the right. This is a strange rule that we all just have to remember. You must give way to motorists turning onto the road you are on, and in the direction you are travelling.

What driving equipment do I need in France?

You’ll need a full driving licence, insurance and car registration documents. You also need to have with you a warning triangle, headlight adaptors to drive on the right, and a sticker showing your country of origin. With Brexit on the horizon it may also be advisable to obtain an international driving licence from your local post office.

What is the national speed limit in France?

On French motorways the limit is 130km/h,  on certain sections of road this reduces to 110km/h. When it’s raining speed limits are lowered and a 130km/h limit will be reduced to 110km/h.

Do I need a GB sticker to drive in France?

Yes unless you have a GB logo as part of an EU number plate.

Pedestrian Crossing France

Do I need my v5 Registration Document to drive in France?

Yes you will need your V5 UK certificate of registration.

Do I need to change my headlights when driving in France?

It is important to deflect your headlight beams right to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic. Stick on adaptor kits are readily available for all makes of cars. The fitting instructions are sometimes difficult to understand so it’s worth reading these in advance. By reading in advance you’ll find it much easier if you have to fit them whilst on the car deck of a cross channel ferry. If you do need to buy headlight beam adaptors then order them in advance from online retailers. You will be charged around £10 on the ferry – online prices are around £3.50.
Many modern cars allow you to adjust the direction of your headlights by flipping a switch.

Do I need spare bulbs to drive in France?

Whilst this is a good idea it is not a legal requirement.

Do I need to carry a breathalyser in France?

Yes and No, this was for a short period a legal requirement but the law has changed. You are still required to carry them but you cannot be fined for not having them. Obviously it’s a useful thing to have in your car if you are in any doubt about the alcohol levels in your system. Single use items are readily available online – but if you have them for a while be sure to regularly check the expiry date. You are allowed a maximum of 0.5mg/ml of alcohol per litre in your blood, compared to 0.8mg/ml in the UK.

European Break Down Cover.

Check your current cover is valid for France. You can often upgrade or take another policy. There are many deals available depending on the level of cover required, shop around for the best deal.

Are Sat Navs illegal in France?

Using a Sat Nav in France is completely legal but check the speed camera notifications. French law dictates that motorists must not use sat navs which can actively warn of speed camera locations. Garmin has official statements on their website describing exactly the steps required to make your device legal in France. The Tom Tom radar service is not available in France. Google have confirmed that speed camera warnings will not be available to users in France.

Can I use dash cam in France?

Yes but, recorded evidence must only be sent directly to the police.

If you are planning on staying at our holiday homes in Le Touquet then please visit our Parking In Le Touquet page.

zebra-crossing-road-sign

Le Touquet Christmas Markets

Le Touquet Christmas Parade

Christmas Market Le Touquet

Le Touquet Christmas Markets take place mainly in the Village Noel. With, great food, and music it’s a French Weekend Break not to be missed. The town takes on a magical feel as the sky twinkles with fairy lights as Santa skates between the trees. So why not go along and get into the Christmas spirit, drink some wine and listen to the Harmonie Jazz Band du Touquet
The Christmas village and other activities go on every weekend until the 5th January.
You won’t want to miss the Le Touquet Christmas Parade on the 14th December.

More details and the full program of events may be found below…..
We have some great Christmas Markets accommodation deals.
Check Availability and Pricing

Le Touquet Christmas Markets

The Christmas Village – Avenue Du Verger

Le Touquet Christmas Markets

Chalets for shopkeepers, crafts and delicacies, swing merry-go-round.
Open every weekend from 29 Nov. then every day from 21 Dec. to 5 Jan., from 14H30 to 20H.

Special  closing time at 6 pm on 24 and 31 Dec.
Special opening times from 3 pm to 7 pm on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1

THE ICE RINK – YPRES GARDEN

Open on Wednesday afternoons and weekends from Nov. 30, then every day from Dec. 21 to Jan. 5.

From 10am to 1pm and from 2.30pm to 7pm – Closed at 6pm on Dec 24 and 31.

Special  opening hours from 3pm to 7pm on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1

Rates: €5 for young children (8 years old and under) and €8 for adults – 10 tickets: € 60.

Free skates for toddlers.

THE ENCHANTED FOREST – PINE PARK

Meet Santa Claus and drop off your letter every weekend from Nov. 29 to Dec. 24 from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Food Chalets filled with Christmas delicacies. Horse-drawn carriage rides from the Place de l’Hermitage.

Le Touquet Christmas Parade

29 NOV. – 17H30 – PINE PARK

Christmas lights switch on with the Harmonie Jazz Band du Touquet.
Opening of the Christmas village (17H30-20H) with  enchanted rides. Food and drink available.

Saturday 30th NOV. – 6:30 PM – PINE PARK

Santa Claus’ arrival in the resort, accompanied by the Harmonie Jazz Band.
Followed by a firework display in on the waterfront around 7pm.
Opening of the Ice rink.

1ST DEC. – FROM 16H30 TO 18H30 – Le Touquet Christmas Markets.

4th DEC. – 3PM – CITY HALL

The Zelfies
Musical entertainment with the Zelfies.

Meeting with Saint Nicolas (Santa Cluase0 and Le Père Fouettard, organized by the youth centre and led by the Harmonie Jazz Band du Touquet-Paris-Plage.
For those that don’t know the tradition of x Père Fouettard  (French for “Father Whipper” or “Old Man Whipper”) he is a character who accompanies Santa Clause  on his rounds during St. Nicholas’ Day (6 December) dispensing lumps of coal or beatings to naughty children while Santa  gives gifts to the well behaved.

6th  & 7th  December
Telethon and Christmas Market Weekend

Christmas Village activities as part of the Telethon charity fund raising.

Musical entertainment with the Zelfies.

SAM. 7 DEC. (6PM-22PM) AND SUNDAY 8 DEC. (9AM-7PM) – Covered Market

Le Touquet Christmas market organised by the Amicale du personnel communal et paracommunal du Touquet.

Christmas Parade

Saturday. 14 DEC. – 18H
by the Association Le Touquet. Decorated music floats and light parade.

Departure from the Bascoulergue Room and finishes in the covered market.

Saturday  14 DEC. – From  16H30 TO 18H30 – Christmas Shopping.

Sunday 15th  DEC. – COVERED MARKET PLACE
Le Touquet Christmas Markets

Le Touquet Christmas Shopping

To download the full listings for Le Touquet Christmas Markets.

Visiting a Brocante or Flea Market

Le Touquet Flea Market

Visiting a Brocante or Flea Market can be the hi-light of any trip to Le Touquet and the Pas de Calais area. The street markets are great places to pick up a bargain or find that rare collectable. Visiting a brocante will give you a unique insight into French culture and can be an exciting way to spend a few hours.

There are around 15,000 Brocantes or “vide-greniers” (literally “emptying the attics”) that take place in communities across France.

In Le Touquet there is a regular Flea Market that takes place most Sundays in the covered market area of the town

Le Touquet Flea Market Dates 2019

Sunday, August 11
Sunday, September 8
Sunday, October 13
Sunday, November 10
Sunday, December 15 

If you prefer a more general market then there is a weekly market in Le Touquet  This offers all general goods plus some amazingly fresh fish and locally grown  produce. General Market

There are also many more Brocante’s in the surrounding towns such as Merlimont, Stella Plage, Cucqu, Etaples and Berck. There is even a specialist flea market for the children in Berck on the 23rd  August  2019.
Place de l’Funnel 
62600 Berck

Le-Touquet-Brocante-Childrens-Toys

Merlimont Brocante:

Beach Flee Market.
Sunday 18 August 2019, flea market on Beach avenue.

Cucq Brocante

15th August – 35th Cucq Brocante.
Flea market of Cucq
Sports Avenue and Town Hall Square.

Stella-Plage Brocante

Flea market August 24th. 14h-20h Boulevard Labrasse Stration

Etaples Brocante

Flea market at the gare or station. This is personal favorite of mine as it tends to have more variety and is generally less expensive than Le Touquet.
Etaples-sur-Mer 
train station Place de la Gare 
62630 Etaples

From July 26, 2019 to September 25, 2019

If you are planning on visiting a brocante or flea market then keep up to date with all the latest news on Antique Fairs, Brocantes and Street markets by visiting  www.vide-greniers.org  

What Shall we do in Le Touquet Today

Le Touquet Map

Le Touquet Map

Its tricky keeping the family balance whilst you are on holiday. If you have exhausted all of your ideas of where to go and what to do, then why not take a look at our recommendations on our custom Le Touquet Map. There are lots of choices from theme parks, activity days and great restaurants. Go and explore the fascinating Nord Pas de Calais region of France.

http://bit.ly/2kattractions

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

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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