Papa Pique et Maman Coud: A Stopover in Northern France

PPMC Lille is located at 60 Rue Pierre Mauroy, right in the heart of the city, opposite the cathedral. Patricia welcomed us warmly that day. She’s been part of the PPMC adventure for 10 years now and knows our products inside out—she even uses them daily.

Her favorite? The Sac Compagnon, PPMC’s famous Sac&Zip bag that lets you change styles with just one zip. She shared her tips for customizing the bag to match her mood, outfit, or the occasion. This compact, go-anywhere bag is perfect for everyday use. Each month, a new whimsical collection is released perfect for refreshing your flap collection regularly.

Patricia also showed us some matching bag accessories to pair with your Sac Compagnon: the wallet and the card holder. Her secret? Attach the wallet to your bag using the strap loop found on most PPMC products, along with a small removable lanyard.

All PPMC bag accessories are made from coated fabric. Coating is a process where the cotton fabric is covered with a protective PVC layer (phthalate-free), making it more resistant, water-repellent, and waterproof. This coating significantly extends the life of our products.

A must for food lovers: the Lille institution Méert. Founded in 1850, this legendary patisserie is famous for its iconic vanilla-filled waffles. Since the opening of the store, neither the waffle’s shape nor its packaging has changed they remain sacred. Visiting Lille? Don’t miss this treat!

Where to have lunch? After indulging in morning waffles, head to Bernard et Léon for fresh, colorful, and delicious bowls. With vegan and vegetarian-friendly options and a lovely staff, it’s a must-try spot.

Dinner suggestion: Tiger Milk. While it’s not a local specialty it’s Mexican-inspired this restaurant is part of a group known for dishes that make your mouth water just from the photos. The warm ambiance and friendly team make it worth the visit.

Arriving in Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, we were amazed by the Christmas lights adorning the seaside town. The festive spirit sparkled through the decorated streets and trees.

Opposite the Hôtel Barrière Le Westminster, we discovered a magical gazebo decorated with glowing white Christmas trees.

The next morning, Caroline and Catherine welcomed us to the PPMC boutique at 85 Rue Saint-Jean, a lively shopping street leading straight to the sea.

Caroline has been part of the PPMC family for over 12 years, opening first the Lille store, then the Le Touquet store. Her favorite product? The pompom scarf, which she always matches with her outfits to add a pop of style.

She also introduced us to the small fabric suitcase, launched in December 2021. It makes the perfect gift whether as a treasure chest for children, a baby kit, or a beginner’s sewing kit. The possibilities are endless!

For a breath of fresh air, Caroline took us to the stunning Baie de la Canche nature reserve. The area offers walking trails, observation decks, and lookouts designed to raise awareness about local biodiversity.

Climb up to the observatory for a panoramic view that will take your breath away. If you’re lucky, you might even spot seals, either up close or in the distance.

After our outdoor adventure, we headed to the Hôtel Westminster to warm up and enjoy a delicious homemade Viennese hot chocolate. The setting is grand and full of memories from famous cinema names who have stayed here.

A Warm Welcome in Northern France

Known for its chilly temperatures, Northern France is also home to warm people, places, and experiences. Lille and Le Touquet may be very different, but they’re equally charming.

Practical Info

• Lille Boutique – 60 Rue Pierre Mauroy: open Tuesday to Saturday, 10:30 am to 7:00 pm

• Le Touquet-Paris-Plage Boutique – 85 Rue Saint-Jean: open Monday to Saturday, 10:30 am to 1:00 pm & 2:30 pm to 7:00 pm, and Sunday, 10:30 am to 1:00 pm & 2:00 pm to 6:30 pm