As one who makes regular trips to France, I'd certainly recommend Le Touquet for your first one, assuming it's in the right part of France. If you're going from Cornwall, you might prefer somewhere nearer that end of the world.
Le Touquet is quintessentially French, but is extremely used to British pilots. The airport restaurant is excellent (and open every day, these days). There are usually taxis waiting to take you into town, or you can rent a bike. If you're really keen you could probably walk (I've done that, but not lately).
Don't try talking to Lille Info this year; use Manston Approach for the channel crossing, and change straight to Le Touq Tower when you get to mid-channel.