Horse riding on the beach at Le Touquet-Paris-Plage is one of the best-known outdoor activities on the Côte d'Opale in the Hauts-de-France region of northern France. Le Touquet is an upmarket seaside resort with a very wide sandy beach and dunes, and riding along the water's edge at low tide is a long-standing local tradition. Rides combine woodland tracks with open beach, with opportunities for a gallop on firm sand for those with experience.
The activity is run by the Centre Équestre du Touquet on Chemin du Stade, which supplies the horses, riding helmets and a guide. A beach ride with a guide costs about €35 to €60 per hour, and outings generally last between one and two hours. Riders should bring long trousers and boots with a small heel, or sturdy closed shoes; the centre recommends riding boots, and gloves and a light waterproof layer are useful. Longer or faster rides depend on the group's level.
Beginners are usually welcome on walking rides, while gallops are reserved for riders who can control their horse at faster paces. Instructors assign horses according to ability, and there are usually minimum age and weight limits, so families should confirm when booking. A safety briefing covers mounting, rein control, group spacing and behaviour near waves and other beach users. The guide leads the ride and monitors the tide and the condition of the sand, and the centre is in contact with local emergency services if a rider is hurt.
The riding season runs from April to October, with May to September the most comfortable. The tide is the main constraint, since the best gallops happen at low tide when the sand is firm and wide. Rides can be cancelled or modified in strong wind, storms or high tide, and the beach is sometimes restricted at peak summer hours. Visitors should avoid riding with unsuitable footwear or without a helmet.
| Price | €35–€60 / ~$38–$65 per hour (beach gallop with guide) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1–2 hours |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Season | May–September (low tide for best beach gallops) |
| Address | Centre Équestre du Touquet, Chemin du Stade, 62520 Le Touquet |
Activity facts
- Where
- Le Touquet-Paris-Plage
Equipment
- Helmet provided; riding boots recommended
Location
Centre Équestre du Touquet, Chemin du Stade, 62520 Le Touquet
50.5214, 1.5920 View on map
Highlights
- Guided rides along the wide sandy beach of Le Touquet
- Beach gallops at low tide for experienced riders
- Helmet and horse provided by the Centre Équestre du Touquet
- Rides suited to beginners as well as confident riders
Tips for visiting
- Book ahead in July and August and during school holidays, when rides fill up.
- Check the tide times, since the best gallops happen at low tide.
- Wear long trousers and boots or sturdy closed shoes, not sandals.
- Mention riding experience honestly when booking so the horse and pace are matched.
- Ask about the cancellation policy for bad weather before paying.
When to visit
May to September at low tide gives the best conditions, with early morning or evening rides cooler and less busy on the beach.
Accessibility
Riders need to mount and balance on a horse, so the activity requires reasonable mobility. Visitors with limited mobility should ask the centre whether adapted arrangements are available.
Frequently asked questions
Do riders need experience for a beach ride at Le Touquet?
Not for walking rides, as the centre matches horses to ability. Galloping on the sand is reserved for experienced riders.
How much does a guided beach ride cost?
Rides cost about €35 to €60 per hour and typically last one to two hours.
What should riders wear?
Long trousers and riding boots or sturdy closed shoes are recommended. A helmet is provided.
When is the best time for beach riding?
May to September is best, with low tide offering the firmest and widest sand.