Nature: The house is just across the meadow from the historic Chateau de Condette which has now been fully restored (at vast expense) to be the local cultural centre, with regular concerts & events. The Castle itself looks over the Lac des Mirroirs, which is now a nature reserve and pleasant place to walk.
The house is also just a 5 minute walk to the entrance to the Foret d'Ecault. Wild and for the most part empty, this beautiful forest area has tracks and circuits of varying lengths for those who want to walk or run. Half an hour will take you down to the sand dunes, with their spectacular views of the coast line. Carry on a few minutes to the beach and you have 12 kilometers of flat sand, stretching as far as the eye can see, all to yourself!
Those interested in history (and this includes little boys, both young and adult) will be fascinated by the remains of the World War 2 Atlantic Wall fortifications scattered throughout the dune area
Horse riding, Tennis & Sailing: The Centre Equestre is 10 minutes walk away. They offer riding for all levels, from tiny children who can borrow a Shetland pony to be led out and around the grounds of the castle next door, to more advanced lessons for riding skill, dressage, show jumping and rides out in the forest or on the beach. Superb indoor facilities, a relaxed team and regular regional & national competions make this a real hit with riders of all ages.
Tennis & Sailing: The tennis clubs is open to all comers. They have a selection of clay courts, all weather outdoor courts and 2 indoor courts. . Booking is rarely a problem - they have loads of spare capacity! During the school holidays they run a series of tennis courses for children.
The Base Nautique at the southern end of the esplanade has facilities for sailing, windsurfing and sand sailing.
Golf:
Hardelot has 2 magnificent golf courses.
Les Pins - The original fairways, tees and greens were laid out through ancient forest, and the magnificent trees remain to provide the perfect surroundings for a course re-designed by the famous Tom Simpson in 1931. The Pines has hosted many championship events since then. The generous fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and well-guarded greens of the 6,498 yard, par 72 parkland course require accurate stroke play. Five short holes and five long holes make for a unique par 72-championship course. Watch out for the 6th, which is considered to be one of the hardest par 5s in Europe! 18 holes. Par 72. 5,926 yds. Woodland. Handicap certificates required.
Les Dunes - Les Dunes is quite different. Built in the early '90s by the well-known Belgian architect Paul Rolin, the 6,634 yard, par 73 course takes full advantage of the natural shapes and undulations of the land. Though the fairways are again wide and inviting the line not the length is all-important as there are blind shots and many doglegs to negotiate. The green side bunkers are cunningly sited and be wary of the subtle borrows on the greens. 18 holes. Par 73. 6,634 yds. Woodland.
Other Activities:
Kite surfing, sand sailing, forest walking, beach walking, running.
