 By Eve Hartridge, follow Eve on Twitter
Located around an hour from Calais the resort was established in the late nineteenth century by Hippolyte De Villemessant the owner of the Parisian newspaper Le Figaro. The services of the most modern architects of the time were retained to create the effortlessly chic Le Touquet, also known as "Paris by the Sea". Today, Le Touquet remains stylish, full of boutique hotels and exquisite restaurants. The vast sandy beach is complemented by the promenade reminiscent of a bygone age which hints at the glamour and exuberance of the Art Deco movement.
The only place to stay is the stunning Westminster Hotel, conveniently located for both the beach and Hippodrome. Stepping inside the hotel you are transported back in time, many of the original design features remain, including the central lift which could be part of the set for Bugsy Malone. In all honestly the central atrium is so magical that I was half expecting to see Marlene Dietrich stride past me in a fox fur. I was once told that the reason the hotel remained authentic and so well maintained was that during the French occupation in the second World War it became the Nazi Headquarters for the region, however I have never been able to find clarification of this.
The Hotel has 115 rooms and suites, on-site spa complete with indoor pool and two divine restaurants including Le Pavillion which has recently been awarded a Michelin Star. The hotel bar is the perfect place to meet for pre and post dinner drinks. Both the bar and Le Pavillion lead onto the terrace and hotel grounds which makes both venues incredibly popular in the summer months, booking for Le Pavillion is generally advised especially for those wanting to sample the chef's tasting menu.
To compliment the fine food and wine a trip to the Nuxe Spa is a must. The spa has 5 treatment rooms (Including one double room ideal for couples or mother and daughter spa days), Jacuzzi, sauna, Hammam and pool. The spa team offer a variety of beauty treatments and massages, but once again booking is strongly advised if you are looking to indulge further than just enjoying the serene spa ambiance . Robes and slippers are provided along with fresh fruit, herbal teas and mineral water. If you are feeling a little more energetic the hotel concierge will happily help to organise a round of golf or an afternoon of horse riding at nearby facilities.
Le Touquet was one of Noel Cowards' favourite places, it remains popular with Parisians today and is somewhere that you would hope to visit more than just once.
http://www.westminster.fr/en/hotel-spa-Touquet
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