Etaples combines the charm of a traditional French fishing village with a picturesque setting on the Canche River. Visit nautical-themed museums, shop at the weekly market and take a scenic cruise around the estuary. The neighbouring town of Le Touquet invites you to bask on sandy beaches and enjoy the upscale resort atmosphere.
Things to do in Étaples
Learn about the importance of the local fishing industry at Musée de la Marine. Housed in a historic fish market from the 1800s, the museum features exhibits on shipbuilding, fishing techniques and search and rescue operations. Climbing onto the footbridge of a historic fishing trawler is a highlight.
Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Canche River and around the estuary. From the water, you’ll get fantastic views of the postcard-perfect fishermen’s houses that dot the shoreline. Look for seals basking on the sandy banks and spot birds like oystercatchers, spoonbills and nightjars.
Visit the famous Friday morning market, one of the biggest in the region. It’s held in the main square and attracts vendors from across the region. Fill your bags with everything from farm-fresh fruit and vegetables to artisan cheeses, meats and baked goods. Fish stalls are piled high with salmon, herring, halibut and mackerel.
Cross the rose-coloured granite bridge and spend the day in Le Touquet. Set at the river mouth and fringed by a gold-sand beach, the seaside town has a cosmopolitan vibe. Dine at chic brasseries, visit the contemporary art museum and enjoy the lively nightlife. Phare Le Touquet, a 57-metre-tall red-brick lighthouse, soars over the town and commands sweeping views of the English Channel and surrounding countryside.
Getting around Étaples
Etaples is compact and easy to get around on foot. The village is in the Pas-de-Calais department, a 40-minute drive from Calais. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit Etaples and explore surrounding sights and attractions at your own pace. Etaples Train Station is a 10-minute walk from the village centre and offers direct connections to Paris in 2.5 hours. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is a 2.5-hour drive away.