Entre sable et feuillus

Entre sable et feuillus Overview

You know those places that make you pause when you first pull up? Entre sable et feuillus is exactly that kind of spot – tucked away on Route d’Etaples in Camiers, it’s honestly one of those discoveries that feels almost accidental. The name literally means “between sand and trees,” which is pretty much perfect because that’s exactly where you are. I mean, you’re close enough to smell the sea air from the Côte d’Opale, but surrounded by this lovely wooded area that makes everything feel surprisingly secluded.

The thing about this place is that it doesn’t try to fit into any official star category, and honestly, that works in its favor. It’s got this boutique personality that feels more like staying at someone’s incredibly stylish home than a typical hotel. The owners clearly put thought into every detail – I’m talking about the kind of place where you notice the texture of the linens and actually want to ask where they got that lamp. The common areas have this warm, lived-in elegance that somehow manages to be both sophisticated and completely comfortable. You’ll find yourself lingering over coffee longer than planned, especially if you snag one of the spots near the windows that look out into the trees.

What really sold me on this place, though, is how it sits in relation to everything else. You’re basically positioned perfectly between Étaples and Le Touquet – Étaples with its working harbor and fantastic seafood markets is just a few minutes away, while Le Touquet’s beaches and that whole resort town vibe is equally close. The parking situation is actually pretty straightforward (which, let’s be real, matters when you’re trying to explore this part of northern France), and the check-in process was refreshingly personal. The staff knows the area inside and out – they’ll point you toward the best spots for fresh fish in Étaples or tell you which beaches are less crowded depending on the tide and time of day.

Sure, with a 7.6 rating, it’s not going to be perfect for everyone, and I suspect some of that comes down to expectations. If you’re looking for a massive hotel with every amenity under the sun, this isn’t your place. But if you want somewhere that feels authentic to this beautiful stretch of French coast – somewhere that actually captures what makes Camiers special rather than just providing a bed near it – then you’ll get why people keep coming back here. The morning sounds are particularly lovely, actually, with birds from the surrounding trees mixing with distant ocean noise. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to plan your next trip before you’ve even finished this one.