Visit Berck sur Mer on the Opal Coast

Kites in Berck sur Mer

In the 1840s, many doctors noticed the therapeutic qualities of the Berck climate. The beneficial effects of Berck's iodized air were soon known in Paris. The Assistance Publique then decided to build a temporary wooden "small hospital" on the seafront in 1861. Eight years later, the wooden hospital was replaced by a larger brick hospital which was inaugurated by Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III, and which is now called the maritime hospital. A little anecdote: Today, many of the town's streets bear the names of doctors who have marked the history of the town and their profession: Calot, Perrochaud, Cazin, Calvé, Fouchet, Ménard...

The expansion of the seaside resort was encouraged by the arrival of the Paris-Boulogne Northern Railway League and the craze for sea bathing.

The second half of the 19th century was rich in great currents of thought and art, in particular the School of Naturalism. Many artists travelled along the coast of the Opal Coast in search of water, sky, light and new themes in contact with the maritime environment.

Between 1860 and 1914, Berck will experience an intense artistic activity, in the wake of Edouard Manet (July 1973), Eugène Boudin (between 1874 and 1894), Lepic, Tattegrain, Lavezzari, Trigoulet, Roussel, will set the tone for some 130 artists who will come to Berck-sur-Mer.

Admire the seaside villas

The seaside expansion of the town allowed Berck sur Mer to see beautiful and large villas, hotels and a casino flourish in the second half of the 19th century. Don't hesitate to push open the door of the tourist office to ask for advice on how to visit and discover its architectural gems.

See the Seals and discover the Authie Bay

Following the Pr Debeyre promenade, you will reach the Authie Bay, where the seals have made their home! It is at low tide that you will have the best chance to see them. The Authie Bay is an ideal place for these mammals because the sandbank gives them rest, warmth and protection and the sea offers them fish at will. The seals rest on the sandbank to recover enough energy to hunt at high tide. Their favourite activity requires a lot of energy, so it is vital for them to rest and store fat in order to be ready for the winter. Seals also need this sandbank to warm up, reproduce, give birth and feed their pups.

But how can you see the seals in Berck? 2h30 before low tide, the sandbanks are uncovered and the seals take advantage of this to warm up and rest on the sand, which are called resting places.

In Berck-sur-Mer, you can observe seals every day of the year at the junction between the Authie and the Channel, at the nautical base, by taking the Chemin aux Raisins. They can be seen about 50 metres away, on the other side of the Authie, where they feel safe.

Some advice on how to observe without disturbing: Let's not forget that seals and sea-calves are two wild and fearful species. It is imperative to respect a few instructions to ensure the health of our mascots! If you observe a young seal without its mother, don't worry, it is resting and its mother will return.

If you observe a young seal in distress, keep your distance and contact the National Stranding Network (PELAGIS) on +33 (0)5.46.44.99.10.

If you are accompanied by a dog, please keep it on a lead.

The bay of Authie has remained wild and natural and attracts visitors in search of authenticity all year round.

You wish to discover the dune paths of Berck and the surrounding area: https://www.berck-tourisme.com/fr/visiter-berck-sur-mer/la-baie-dauthie/les-sentiers-dunaires

Want to discover the bay and the seals with a nature guide? It's here: https://www.berck-tourisme.com/fr/sortir-et-se-divertir/nature/sorties-nature

In any case, this little walk in the dunes of the Authie Bay is likely to leave a lasting impression on you! 

Stroll along the esplanade and do your shopping on rue Carnot and rue de l'impératrice!

You can admire the panorama of the beach from the esplanade, which is dotted with brasseries, ice-cream and crêpe vendors and also beach souvenir shops! You can even take the opportunity to buy a kite! Parallel to the esplanade, you will find the Rue Carnot to enhance your stay and to save you some money. Rue de l'impératrice will also allow you to continue your shopping session. 

Les Cerfs-volants de Berck.... A great history!

You surely know this festival, but do you know its history? It was in 1887 that was taken one of the first aerial photos by kite on the beach of Berck. In 1987, 100 years later kite enthusiasts in love with wide open spaces gather on the beach of Berck-sur-Mer to fly their "funny birds in canvas".

Year after year there were always more fans and spectators and the Berck sur Mer Kite festival became one of the most renowned events and one of the major global events of the discipline.

Each year, in spring, Berck becomes the "place to be" of the kite, big, small, in the shape of bird or superhero, rediscover a sky and a beach without equal!

Go to the markets to fill up on good products

- Berck-Plage market: Covered market in the covered market (rue des Halles) and outside (Wednesday and Saturday mornings)

- Berck-Ville markets (place de la mairie Claude Wilquin): Tuesday and Friday mornings (food only) and Sunday mornings

- The local market - local products: from Tuesday 7 July to Tuesday 25 August from 4pm to 8pm in the Square Claude Duffit (rue de l'Impératrice)

Where to eat in Berck sur Mer ?

La Grignote : You will have to take your vehicle to go to this restaurant but you will certainly not regret it! Whether it is for its outside terrace, the richness of your plates prepared by the owner, or the smile of the owner, you will inevitably spend a pleasant moment! (Reservation recommended, meet at 25 rue Saint Pierre in Berck)

Le Sunset : Here you are with your feet in the water to enjoy a cocktail or a meal directly on the beach of Berck/Mer. The little extra: Dj set every weekend in July/August!

La Plage : Go to the esplanade to have lunch at this brasserie with a sea view.

Aux sports : A menu rich in meat and hamburgers to satisfy your appetite !

Holiday rentals near Berck-sur-Mer

If you wish to discover the town of Berck-sur-Mer we advise you to stay in the small seaside resort of Camiers-Sainte-Cécile. The latter is located in an intimate setting only a few kilometres away. Our residence Trésors d'Opale welcomes you, only a few metres from the beach. You can enjoy a fully equipped and lovely decorated accommodation.