The New Year has arrived, and those of you wishing for a quick getaway are in luck. If, like me, you're keen to take an exciting short break, Le Touquet-Paris-Plage is just a short drive from Calais, and each February the area plays host to the Enduropale du Touquet. Join the thousands of visitors and racers as they flock to the coast to witness one of enduro racing's most impressive events.
Where in France: Le Touquet, Pas-de-Calais
Distance from Calais: 70.2km / 55m
The race focuses around the 1,200 motorbikes that hit the sands, as well as the additional sand quad riders. Those taking part face extreme conditions and difficult off-road courses that have been shaped from France's northern coastal sands. Set in beautiful surroundings and with a rich history, Le Touquet is widely known as one of France's most luxurious and chic destinations, and is the perfect place to take the family for a weekend adventure.
Over 1,000 motorbikes and quad bikes take part in the race.
40 Years in the Running
The Enduropale du Touquet was first held 40 years ago, in 1975, and over time has gained a reputation for its tricky courses and exciting atmosphere. The race stands out from the rest, because it gives novice riders the opportunity to race against leading professionals in the sport. It's free to watch, free to enter, and is open to anyone. If you're not interested in donning a racing helmet yourself, the event makes for a fascinating spectacle, and in previous years almost half a million people have gathered to watch. The course spans almost 20 kilometres of sandy beach, the majority of which is made up of tracks that have been carved into the area's hilly sand dunes.
The competition begins on a flat wide beach, with over 1,000 motorbikes lining up along the straight starting line in anticipation, engines humming. As the race begins, the motorbikes roar over the starting line in the hope of winning the three-hour extreme race. The circuit is created to give riders a variety of off-road challenges and obstacles, and participants must often race in extreme conditions.
With so many visitors coming to see the race, the area of Le Touquet is transformed from an elegant tourist destination to a bustling hub of activity, and the free camping that surrounds the competition boasts a friendly atmosphere with activities that the whole family can enjoy.
The course spans almost 20 kilometres along Le Touquet's sandy beach and dunes.
If you've been inspired to hop in the car and take the family away for a weekend, Le Touquet is under an hour's drive from Calais, so you've got no excuse not to go! Eurotunnel Le Shuttle takes you across the channel in just 35 minutes, so there has never been a better time to start your adventure.