Le Touquet Elizabeth Ii Airport (LFAT)

Aerodrome used in the off-season; a bit intimidating at first for fear of arriving at an expensive field with complex procedures, but ultimately very accessible with fair fees.

The GA airfield on the French Channel coast. For GA flying it remains an absolute top address, with everything you could wish for; for the Brits in particular with permanently staffed Customs, which you won’t find at any other GA field in northern France anymore (according to the AIP, non-Schengen flights should still be notified 2 h in advance, but many don’t and it doesn’t seem to be an issue).

ATC always takes a lunch break—during the summer season from 13:30 to 15:00 local, in winter from 13:30 to 14:30 local. During that time the aerodrome is uncontrolled and you must self-announce in French on the air-to-air frequency. That’s a bit adventurous, because the often crib-sheet-read calls from arriving Brits are largely unintelligible. On the other hand, not many dare to fly during that period, so it’s usually rather quiet; between about 12:00 and 13:00 it’s typically absolute rush hour. Aside from that, VFR and IFR are straightforward. However, there is often crosswind (above certain values the field closes; see AIP) and of course there’s always the risk of sea fog or generally low stratus. The runway is a bit battered. Fueling is either self-serve at the pump (TOTAL-Card or regular credit card, 100LL approx. 2,50€/l) or by bowser at your parking position (approx. 2,80€/l plus 8€). The apron has a few holes/uneven spots and loose stones here and there; in particular along the parking row where the old rails run. High-vis vests are now mandatory. After entering the terminal, be sure to actively report to the Customs desk, no matter where you arrived from. There are lots of rental bicycles (electric and classic); on very nice days they can all be gone from around midday. Landing fee has been unchanged for years at 36€ for international arrivals; it includes parking for the remainder of the day. Handling mandatory from 2 t MTOW.

There is an airport restaurant, the brasserie "L'Escale" (closed Mondays); most visitors, however, go into town. A taxi costs only about 15€, but depending on season and luck can sometimes be unavailable. You can also walk (a good half-hour, but through very nice green villa neighborhoods). Or take a bicycle. Europcar is available at the field.

The town is a mixed bag... The seafront is really not pretty from an architectural standpoint. The main street (Rue Saint Jean) is just a fairground. The rest of Le Touquet, however, is charming, green, and quiet, especially the back part (parks, churches, casino, racecourse, etc.). From the field you can also head the other way to the town of Étaples. It lacks Le Touquet’s flair, but has good fish restaurants on the banks of the river Canche, where the fish is also landed. From there you can also watch operations at the field.

On departure, after paying, briefly report to Customs again. And a small operational tip: when taxiing from parking to holding point for 31 (or if, after landing on 13, you take the last exit), taxi slowly where you cross the old, closed runway; there’s a short but noticeable dip—otherwise, with limited prop clearance, it could get tight.

Tech stop in France to refuel and clear customs/Schengen back to the UK. Sent an email as per AIP to douane-aeroportletouquet@douane.finances.gouv.fr & CCd - contact@aeroport-letouquet.com the very day before due to EDDR direct to the UK not being a safe bet with TSRA in UK forecast and needing more reserve fuel.IFR flight in, and IFR flight out and no major issues whatsoever. Landed about 40 minutes late into LFAT, but had a SLOT of 40 minutes or so into the London TMA so worked out pretty well.

Great Airport for those coming from the UK as one of the only GA friendly airport with custom always present during field hours. Very friendly ATC, easy parking, lots of restaurants in town, you can rent a bike at the airport, pleasant walk to town (30min) or take a taxi.