Nature and adventure in the Bay of the Authie

Smaller than the Bay of the Somme, the Bay of the Authie is no less spectacular and authentic, showcasing a striking variety of unspoilt landscapes between land and sea. An ideal destination for a weekend or a week, the bay and its surroundings offer plenty of tourist activities as well as quality places to stay.

A wild estuary where plants and animals thrive

The Bay of the Authie is a unique spot on the Opal Coast, lying between Berck-sur-Mer and Fort-Mahon-Plage. Made up of tidal flats, salt marshes and numerous dune systems crossed by walking trails, it forms an exceptional natural site that draws large numbers of visitors every year.

The estuary of the Authie, a coastal river, is known for its exceptional wildlife and plant life. Specific plant species grow there, some of them edible, such as sea purslane, sea aster, samphire, water mint and scurvy grass. On the wildlife side, the bay is home to birds such as terns, pied avocets, oystercatchers and curlews.

Like its big sister the Bay of the Somme, the Bay of the Authie is rich in biodiversity and home to numerous birds such as the little egret, the pied avocet, the ringed plover, the Eurasian spoonbill and many species of duck. Protecting these water birds depends largely on the behaviour of onlooking walkers. It's therefore important to keep a reasonable distance from the animals so as not to disturb them.

This rule also applies to the colony of seals and common seals that has settled in the Bay of the Authie. The best place to watch them is at the foot of the Berck-sur-Mer water sports centre. Just get there around 2 hours before low tide: the seals rest on the sandbanks on the other side of the Authie.

Berck-sur-Mer: a seaside resort loved by families

North of the bay, Berck-sur-Mer is a charming seaside resort popular with families, known for its lovely fine sand beach, its pure sea air and its relaxed atmosphere.

The history of Berck-sur-Mer goes back to the Middle Ages, when the town was a small fishing and trading port. During the second half of the 19th century, the town boomed thanks to seaside tourism. It was during this period that many villas and Belle Époque-style buildings were built.

Today, Berck-sur-Mer is a popular destination for holidaymakers and visitors, particularly families with children. Awarded the Famille Plus label, the resort offers plenty of activities and entertainment for children.

Plenty of leisure activities

Parents and seniors will also enjoy the region's many sporting, cultural and nature-based leisure activities. Discover our pick of 7 activities on the spot or nearby:

• Sand yachting: glide along the beach at the wheel of a sand yacht, a wind-powered vehicle that delivers unique thrills.
• Kitesurfing: let yourself be carried by the wind and the waves with a kitesurfing kite, an extreme board sport for thrill-seekers.
• Horse riding: discover the Henson horse breed and enjoy a ride between land and sea, an ideal activity to recharge and reconnect with nature.
• Hiking: set off to discover the coastal trails and dunes of the Bay of the Authie, an ideal activity for nature lovers and walking enthusiasts.
• Golf: perfect your swing on the region's golf courses, with spectacular views over the sea and surrounding countryside.
• Leisure park: cool off and have fun as a family at the region's water parks, with slides and rides for all ages, or at the Bagatelle theme park in Merlimont – the village next to Berck
• Kite festival: attend Berck-sur-Mer's famous kite festival, held every year in April, and discover kites of every shape and size from all over the world.

Campsites, B&Bs, gîtes and flats: something for every traveller

Finally, there are plenty of accommodation options for visiting Berck-sur-Mer and the Bay of the Authie, to suit every taste and every budget.

Travellers can choose between the hotels of Berck, several campsites nearby, holiday flats let by private owners in Berck and Fort-Mahon, gîtes set further out in the greener countryside, and B&B rooms in villas or châteaux.

Tourists looking for a self-catering gîte holiday will find a quality range, from small cosy studios for two to large group gîtes on a farm.

Note that la propriété des Merlettes, located in Groffliers, offers, for example, two gîte flats for families of 6 and a studio for couples with a private jacuzzi bath.

As for campsites, they're very popular in the region and offer a great outdoor holiday experience. Most offer a range of accommodation options, from tent pitches to mobile homes equipped with every modern comfort. Campers can enjoy the sea air and nature while still having access to modern facilities such as swimming pools, playgrounds and small shops.