A small village of about a hundred fishermen in 1725, Le Portel saw its population grow rapidly during the 18th and 19th centuries. Its history remains visible through the remains of two buildings: the fort de l'Heurt and the fort d'Alprech. The first was wanted by Napoleon Bonaparte to defend the preparations for a landing in England. Fort Alprech was built in 1875 and housed radars of the German occupation troops during the Second World War. Fishing has always been the Portel's main economic activity. In 1850, 35 to 40 fishing boats left the Portel every day. The Portel beach, protected by the West Dike, sank over the years. It has become one of the most beautiful beaches of the Opal Coast, frequented by many summer visitors. Today, this town of about 10,000 inhabitants doubles its population in the summer. The town holds the Tourism and Handicap label for its beach and the Parc de la Falaise.On the other hand, Equihen-Plage, a neighbouring commune, has not experienced such development and has managed to preserve its unspoilt and wild natural area. This commune has several accesses to the beaches. Tourists in search of an authentic environment will be particularly charmed by its wild and little frequented creeks - accessible only on foot, it is not easy to get there - such as those of Ningles or La Crevasse. Equihen-Plage is known for its many "keels in the air", old fishing boats that were once returned to the coast to make cheap houses. Some of them have been rebuilt, like at the municipal campsite, to be used as second homes or to accommodate holidaymakers.

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