Visiting the Bay of the Authie

Spending a weekend in the Bay of the Authie: the must-do activities

Fancy a weekend getaway? In the mood for adventure and contact with nature? Then a weekend in the Bay of the Authie should tick all the boxes. Yes, really! Little corners of paradise do exist north of Paris. This spot, steeped in raw, unspoiled nature, leaves no one indifferent. To combine calm and escapism, nothing beats a few days' holiday in the Bay of the Authie!

Locating the Bay of the Authie

Straddling two départements, the Pas-de-Calais and the Somme, the Bay of the Authie is home to diverse flora and fauna. In short, a truly enchanting natural setting. A source of pride for the Opal Coast and its sister the Bay of the Somme, the Bay of the Authie stretches over more than 100 km, from Fort-Mahon to Berck-sur-Mer. Beaches, dune areas and estuaries share this colourful territory.

Popular with European tourists, especially Belgians, Dutch and Germans, the Bay of the Authie is the perfect place to recharge. Lovers of nature and wide open spaces are sure to fall for its charm!

Just 2.5 hours from Paris by car, 2 hours from Lille and 1 hour from Calais via the A16, the Bay of the Authie guarantees a change of scenery within easy reach! By train, the nearest station is Rang-du-Fliers, served by the Lille-Calais-Boulogne-Amiens-Paris line.

Fancy spending a weekend in the Bay of the Authie? There are plenty of hotels, campsites, gîtes, brasseries and restaurants in this area. For accommodation and food, you're spoilt for choice.

Also worth reading: Visiting the Opal Coast in 3 days

Getting some fresh air amid the dunes

Keep your eyes peeled, the wildlife might surprise you! You may cross paths with a frog or a great tit. Temporary pools form within the dune massifs, which is why you can spot dragonflies skimming over the water. Roe deer also like to drink at the edge of the marshes.

To discover the dune trail, it's worth following the educational route starting from Berck-sur-Mer. This signposted path, fitted with information boards, helps you understand what's at stake for the Authie dune. What's more, thanks to the markers, the route is clearly defined: you'll know where to put your feet without trampling the surrounding vegetation! The same goes for your dog — remember to keep them on a lead. So, ready for a 2.5 km walk along the Authie dune trail?

Hiking and tasting new flavours during your holiday in the Bay of the Authie

When you travel, do you enjoy discovering local culinary specialities? What if Wimereux-Tourisme told you that you can combine a walk in nature with tasting new flavours?

Many visitors to the Bay of the Authie are big fans of "gourmet hikes". No, that's not a mistake — we really are talking about "gourmet hikes". So what does that involve? Well, it's a classic hike, but with a little extra: tasting what Mother Nature has to offer. In the Bay of the Authie, you'll treat your tastebuds in an idyllic setting. Accompanied by a nature guide or naturopath, sample a wide variety of edible wild plants and discover all their secrets! Below, Wimereux-Tourisme introduces a few species you might come across during your stay:

• Sea buckthorn berries. Generally speaking, their tangy taste is a hit with most people. Careful though, don't get too greedy: picking them is prohibited.
• Sea aster. Nicknamed "pig's ear" because of its shape, sea aster has leaves that are often cooked, notably pan-fried. This "sea spinach" pairs just as well with meat as with fish.
• Evening primrose. The oil from this plant is used just as much in cooking as in cosmetics.
• Samphire. Do you like gherkins with your aperitif? Then your tastebuds should love this too. You can also try countryside terrines with samphire, sold in specialist shops.
• Shrubby sea-blite (obione). Perfect with an aperitif, this plant has won over more than one visitor! Our tip? Warm it in the oven for a few minutes. Why? Thanks to the heat, it easily stands in for a packet of shop-bought crisps! With its crunchy texture and salty taste, you'll be fooled.

Spending a weekend in the Bay of the Authie to watch the local seals

As any good visitor to the Opal Coast knows, there's no skipping the seals of Berck-sur-Mer!

The sea recedes and the sandbanks finally appear. For the seal colony, it's the perfect time for a nap! To be sure of spotting them, head to the Berck-sur-Mer water sports base, also known as Plage des Phoques (Seal Beach), 2.5 hours before low tide. Check the tide times.

During your stay, you may spot:

Sometimes, the influx of tourists causes considerable disturbance to these wild animals. So, when seals are present, a few essential rules need to be followed.

For seals, summer marks the arrival of pupping season. Failing to follow these basic rules can have dramatic consequences, notably:

Thinking of exploring the Bay of the Authie in autumn or winter? Pull on your boots and your oilskin and bring a pair of binoculars: the seals will be there too!

Want to learn more about the marine world? Discover Nausicaá in Boulogne-sur-Mer.

• grey seals, twice the size of common seals.
• Children and adults must not approach them.
• Stay at least 200 metres from the colony.
• separation of the mother from her pup, caused by a gathering of tourists;
• rejection of the pup by its mother, due to an unfamiliar scent;
• a decline in their health as a result of regular disturbance to their rest periods.

Discovering the Bay of the Authie in unusual ways

Not everyone enjoys, or is able to do, mile after mile of walking. But that doesn't mean your stay has to stop there. In the Bay of the Authie, there are fun and original alternatives. These can, of course, also be combined with hiking and nature walks! Either way, you'll discover a new side to the bay.

So, in the Bay of the Authie, there's something for everyone. Feel free to explore this authentic natural area in whichever way suits you:

Once you come to the Opal Coast, you always come back. The Pas-de-Calais coastline, a victim of its own success, satisfies those seeking both a change of scenery and authenticity. Spending a weekend in the Bay of the Authie is an excellent way to recharge and enjoy time with family or friends! Fancy feasting your eyes? This corner, devoted to communion with nature, stands out for its multitude of landscapes with a hint of escapism: dunes, seashore, fields, estuaries, salt marshes… A holiday in the Bay of the Authie is just waiting for you.

See places to stay near the Bay of the Authie

Beautiful spot where you can see the seals at low tide

Visit to the Bay of the Authie, we were lucky enough to see the seals

• By sea. Head to the Berck-sur-Mer sailing club! Set off to explore the Bay of the Authie. For an hour, a guide accompanies you and reveals all its mysteries. As the waves roll by, wonder takes hold.
• By air. Fancy your first flight? Good news! You can fly over the Bay of the Authie in a plane or a microlight. Keep your eyes wide open: don't miss a single second of this unusual experience! Want to find out more? Contact the Berck-sur-Mer flying club.
• On an all-terrain electric scooter. Scooter fans aren't only found in Paris or Lyon! This outing often delights the whole family. Choose your package (taster, discovery or adventure) and take in the seafront, the dunes and the beautiful colours of the Opal Coast. Enjoy!