The presidential seal of approval
Where do presidents go to relax and unwind? Leah Rottier reveals some of the magnificent retreats where the great and the good have put their feet up
S
ome of us may dream of a second home in glorious Antibes, waking up to fresh
croissants with a view of the glistening Mediterranean on the horizon… or of curling up in front of a crackling fire in a chalet in Courchevel after
an energetic day of skiing on the finest slopes. But where do French presidents go to relax and escape the stress of running the country? And which part of France do they call their ‘second home’? Since 1968, the Fort of
Brégançon has been one of two official retreats at the disposal of the French president. This magnificent home on an islet off the Mediterranean coast is a sun-worshipper’s dream and an idyllic haven of beauty and nature. But it has long been targeted by paparazzi eager to catch a glimpse of a French president and his family basking in the Riviera sun, so many presidents choose to have another option up their sleeve when they want to escape the bustle of Paris and the headaches of the Elysée.
LE TOUQUET- PARIS-PLAGE (Emmanuel Macron) At just one hour’s drive from Calais along the Côte d’Opale (Opal Coast), it’s easy to see
why this small town is such a big draw for both English and French tourists alike. With a population of around 4,500, it’s astonishing to think that in summer, this lively town welcomes over 250,000 visitors to its chic boutiques and busy markets. This includes the current president Emmanuel Macron and his wife, who have a spectacular second home (Villa Monéjan) here. Le Touquet is a throwback to an era of glorious seaside
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Belle Époque Le Touquet: keep a look out for Emmanuel Macron if you’re ever visiting. He has a second home here
weekend breaks with its vast expanse of soft, golden sands and Belle Époque houses. You can stroll through the narrow streets of upmarket boutiques, wander through outdoor markets sampling the fresh produce and hot crêpes, or experience the splendour of an indoor market every Saturday in an amazing Art Deco- inspired building. For those who prefer a
more energetic break, there are tennis courts, mini golf and 18-hole golf courses in Le Touquet and its surrounding area. Two centres along the beach rent out everything from kayaks and canoes to paddleboards and sailing dinghies, so you can try every water sport imaginable. For those with energy left
to spare, there are always the 274 steps of the magnificent La Canche lighthouse to climb. On a bright day, you can see England from the top of this 57m structure. Le Touquet is also a great
spot for everything cultural, giving you lots of options for days and nights out on your
44 FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: September/October 2023
sunny holidays here. In June, sway along to the magnificent pianists at Les Pianos Folies Festival, and in August, head to the golden sands for the annual Music Beach Festival. The activities here are year- round, with Les Nuits Baroques entertaining the residents throughout winter with delights such as opera, ballet and theatre pieces, including Molière’s beloved plays. Unfortunately, the small
town with everything comes at a price. Buying a second
home in Le Touquet is not for bargain hunters! Expect to pay around €300,000 for a very small one-bedroom apartment (approximately 30m2
) in the
centre of town, with prices rising to over €500,000 for an apartment of the same size with a balcony and sea view. Anne-Frédérique Lemesre
of AFTim Immobilier in Le Touquet credits the mild climate and proximity to Paris and Lille for the town’s popularity. She adds that most house purchases are by
On the market: Le Touquet
€250,000: Located in the centre of Le Touquet, near the beach, this one-bedroom apartment has a fitted kitchen and bright lounge (Somaprim)
€498,750: Renovated four- bedroom house in Cucq-Trépied with three bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen, enclosed garden and terrace (Somaprim)
© SHUTTERSTOCK
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