PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Day trip to Le Touquet: Advice/recommendations requested
Old 19th Nov 2008, 19:27
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Fuji Abound
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: UK
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Here are my top tips:

Flying

1. If you are to the east of L2K you will get a radar service from Lille if you want it - no bad thing if it is busy,

2. The ATIS is in English and French so dont worry if you get the French version first, the English version will follow,

3. There is a telephone number which I dont have to hand if you want to check the ATIS before you go, there are no TAFS for L2K (there were many years ago),

4. If it is very windy both approaches are known for a few lumps and bumps, but it does have to be blowing,

5. No problems what so ever with ATC - you will always be asked to join downwind for the 32 and will nearly always get a direct for 14 if you want it.

On the ground

1. Worth watching for the bumps before and after the railway lines - easy to ding a prop,

2. Sadly the resteraunt at the airport is poor these days (it was very good). Dont bother,

3. You can hire bikes at the airport. Unless you have something against cycling you should do so. It is 15 minutes into town on the level and a really pleasant cycle,

4. Taxis can be a pain on busy weekends, be prepared to wait, otherwise very good,

5. If you want wine cheese etc it is well worth walking to the Supermarche. Out the main door and follow the road to the gap in the fence. There is a path that crosses the old east west runway, second left and its on the right - 10 minutes walk. You can take a trolley with you from the airport.

6. As Bose says Perard is probably the best resteraunt in town if you like fish - again not as good as it was,

7. If you want something to do the golf course is very good (18 x 2). Play the links course = its better), fun to book some sand yachting at weekends and once a year they have a wine festival in the Casino - monumental if you like wine.

8. Expect to allow no more than 15 minutes between filing and leaving and expect the French to get shot of you as quick as they can.

Other places to go not too far from Blitey:

1. Calais - for wine, better than L2K - try EastEnders wharehouse, still significantly cheaper than the UK despite the politicians allowing sterling to go to the dogs. A couple of very good resteraunts in town (better than Perard) and help yourself to as many IAs as you want to fill your boots with for not a lot if in need of a bit of practise,

2. Lille - big airport for big boys - no, not at all, helpful and welcoming AT and as to the landing fee - not a lot - cheaper than L2K. Bus into town every 30 minutes or a taxi if you prefer. Can be a bit slow through security but that is the only real issue. Interesting town, some sight seeing, good resteraunts and some shopping,

3. Rouen - said to be one of the very best Cathedrals in Europe - if that is your thing - nothing better than lunch in the square in front of the Cathedral - the resteraunt in the airport is scheduled to reopen amazingly I had one of the best meals in my life in that resteraunt!. Actually the Cathedral's not bad either,

4. Lognes - a gem for trips to Paris, maybe a bit further a field but I can give you some information if you want it.
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