French airport to be renamed in honour of Queen Elizabeth II

The airport has had strong links with the British monarchy since the 1920s

Aéroport International Le Touquet-Côte d’Opale in northern France will be renamed from 14 October 2022 to pay tribute Queen Elizabeth II. The airport will be called Aéroport international Le Touquet-Paris-Plage Elizabeth II.

The seaside town of Le Touquet-Paris-Plage has had strong links with Britain since the 1920s.

In 1930, a landing strip was created to receive the first tourist planes and passengers, including King Edward VIII, who was Prince of Wales at the time. It was used by Walcot Airlines, which provided a daily service to London.

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A larger airport was built in the 1930s. By the 1950s, it was the third largest airport in France in terms of passengers.

In a statement, the airport said the renaming would “affirm and reinforce its status as the most British of French airports”.

“In order to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, and in memory of her visit to Le Touquet with her uncle Edward VIII, during which she practised both horse riding and sand yachting, the town of Le Touquet-Paris-Plage wishes to name its airport after her who, for 70 years, served her country with commitment, respect and constancy.”