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A seaside town in northern France, often dubbed "Mini England", is making a fresh push to win back British visitors. Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, on the Opal Coast in the Pas-de-Calais, has long been known as one of the most English corners of France. But local leaders say Brexit and the pandemic took a toll on British tourism, and they are now keen to see more UK holidaymakers return.

The chic resort, set between a massive pine forest and the English Channel, is staging a special French-themed week timed to coincide with the British May Bank Holiday. Activities will be offered in English, including guided cycle tours, horse riding, shrimping, cooking classes and pétanque.

Kate Landry, a British-born Touquet councillor, said the aim was to help visitors try new experiences without worrying about the language barrier.

She told Radio France the activities were designed to allow British guests to "truly make the most of it".

Daniel Fasquelle, the town's mayor, has said Brexit and Covid had a heavy impact on British tourism, with UK visitors once accounting for around 20% of the town's clientèle.

Le Touquet's links with Britain run deep. In the early 20th century, British businessman Sir John Whitley helped transform what was then known as "Paris-Plage" into a luxury playground for wealthy French and British socialites.

During the Roaring Twenties, British aristocrats, politicians and celebrities flocked to its casino and golf courses.

The Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, was a regular visitor. The town's casino later inspired Ian Fleming's setting for Casino Royale.

Its airport was renamed in 2022 in honour of Queen Elizabeth II, in memory of her visit with her uncle Edward VIII.

Tens of thousands of Britons once passed through the airport when it served as the French air terminus of the Silver Arrow rail-air link between London and Paris.

Walking through Le Touquet today, the British influence is still clear. The town is famous for its Anglo-Norman architecture, with Belle Époque and interwar villas featuring Tudor-style timber frames, red-brick façades and pointed neo-gothic arches.

Among its landmarks is the 1931 Town Hall, funded by a single year's casino profits and now protected for its distinctive design.

The casino itself, called Casino Barrière, is still one of the most popular attractions in the town.

Anyone who enjoys golf will also know that Le Touquet has one of the best golf courses in the world.

The Golf du Touquet was first inaugurated in 1904 by Arthur Balfour and is still regarded as one of continental Europe's leading golf resorts.

There is also plenty to do for nature lovers. Among many things, Le Touquet's 12-kilometre beach is popular for sand yachting. It's also a perfect place to wind down and relax, or go for a swim.

On top of that, Visitors will find 11 kilometres of cycle tracks winding through the 800-hectare pine forest surrounding the beach.

Nearby, the Canche lighthouse offers panoramic views after a climb of 274 steps, and the Baie de Canche nature reserve is famous for its dunes, birdlife and occasional seal sightings.

Le Touquet is also home to a covered market and the Rue Saint-Jean, which runs straight through town. There, visitors will find fresh seafood, regional cheeses, and many other delicious local products.

To travel to Le Touquet from the UK, you can take Le Shuttle or a ferry from Dover to Calais, followed by an easy 50-minute drive south along the A16 motorway. Alternatively, foot passengers can take the Eurostar from London to Lille and catch a direct regional train to the nearby Étaples-Le Touquet station.