Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
The first thing you notice is the width. At low tide, Plage de Stella unfolds like a rumpled linen sheet, striped with tidal channels that mirror the sky. Children wade shin-deep a hundred meters from the dune line, dragging nets for shrimp, while kites snap overhead in the reliable onshore wind. Behind you, a slender band of villas and low-rise apartments presses against the Forêt de Stella-Plage, where the scent of resin hangs thick on humid mornings. This is not Le Touquet. There are no polo fields or casino lights bleeding into the dusk. Instead, you find a procession of seasonal beach clubs—wood-planked terraces serving moules-frites under blue awnings—and a modest promenade lined with rental bicycles and ice-cream kiosks that shut down promptly at six. Families claim the same striped tents each August, spreading tartan blankets and thermoses of coffee while the tide creeps in. Come for the sunsets, when the sky bruises pink over the receding waterline and dog-walkers appear in silhouette. The beach empties early here, leaving you the sound of gulls and the rhythmic suck of waves pulling gravel. In winter, the wind scours everything clean, and you understand why locals bundle into windbreakers and walk it anyway.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Plage de Stella.
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Plage de Stella is generally safe for families, offering a calmer, less crowded alternative to nearby Le Touquet. The beach features lifeguard supervision during summer months (typically July-August). Like all northern French beaches, be mindful of tides which can be significant along the Pas-de-Calais coast. The gently sloping sands make it suitable for children, though always supervise young swimmers. Check local tide times and weather conditions before visiting, and swim only in designated supervised areas when lifeguards are present for optimal safety.
Plage de Stella is enjoyable year-round, with each season offering something different. Summer (June-September) provides the warmest weather for swimming and sunbathing, with temperatures averaging 18-22°C. Spring and autumn attract walkers and sunset enthusiasts with fewer crowds and dramatic skies. Winter offers peaceful beach strolls and storm-watching opportunities. The beach is particularly renowned for spectacular sunsets throughout the year. For swimming and full beach amenities, visit between June and early September when lifeguards are on duty and temperatures are most comfortable.
Plage de Stella is located in Cucq, adjacent to Le Touquet-Paris-Plage. By car, take the A16 motorway, exit at junction 25 toward Étaples/Le Touquet, then follow signs to Stella-Plage. Free parking is available near the beach at several locations along Avenue de la Mer and surrounding streets, though spaces fill quickly in summer. The beach is approximately 2 hours from Calais and Lille. If staying in Le Touquet, the beach is easily accessible by bike or a short drive north.
The Stella-Plage resort area offers several beachfront cafés and restaurants serving fresh seafood, crêpes, and French coastal cuisine, particularly along Avenue de la Mer. Nearby Le Touquet (2km south) provides extensive dining options from casual bistros to fine dining. Accommodation ranges from family-friendly campsites and holiday apartments to vacation rentals in Stella-Plage itself. Le Touquet offers hotels and upscale resorts. Several bakeries and small shops provide essentials for beach picnics. The area caters well to families seeking quieter lodging than bustling Le Touquet.
Plage de Stella offers a quieter, more residential beach experience compared to the upscale resort atmosphere of Le Touquet. While Le Touquet attracts jet-setters with its casino, designer boutiques, and buzzing beach clubs, Stella-Plage maintains a traditional, family-oriented seaside character with a more relaxed pace. The beach itself is less crowded, making it ideal for peaceful walks and sunset viewing. The resort village has a modest, authentic feel with local shops and eateries rather than luxury establishments, appealing to visitors seeking genuine coastal relaxation without Le Touquet's premium prices.
