Le2K ATC get shirty if you enter their Class D without permission or have not got the ATIS and rightly so. Lille Info can be a little late to hand you over which creates a problem if you cannot then get a word in on the approach frequency. Better to go direct from London Info (or whoever) to Le Touquet approach (via Le Touquet ATIS).
Le Touquet is nothing like Southend. There's no pier, for a start! I normally get a cab into town and then walk back to the airport later.
I second the above recomendation for Cafe des Arts. Interesting menu and very well prepared.