Baie d’Authie
Berck
2 min read
A varied coastal walk near Berck, with seals, a rugged dyke, quiet pine woodland and a return along the beach
The walk
This 6-kilometre loop starts on the southern side of Berck-Plage. From the car park, it is only a short walk to the Authie estuary and Pointe du Mignot.
The route then follows the Digue Barrois towards the quieter side of the bay, continues through the Bois de Sapins and eventually returns along the beach. In just a few kilometres, open coastline, rougher paths, woodland and beach all follow one another.
Seals at Pointe du Mignot
Pointe du Mignot lies close to the start, at the mouth of the Authie.
At low tide, harbour seals and grey seals regularly rest on the sandbanks. From the Berck side, you can watch them from a good distance without disturbing them.
Binoculars or a telephoto lens are well worth bringing. Pointe du Mignot is a nice place to stop both before and after the walk.
Along the Digue Barrois
From Pointe du Mignot, the route continues along the Digue Barrois.
The dyke was built to help control the course of the Authie and protect the land behind it from erosion.
Today, it is certainly not a smooth coastal promenade. The surface is damaged and uneven in several places, making some sections feel more like a rough trail.
You will occasionally pass a fisherman, and some parts feel surprisingly quiet compared with the beaches around Berck. That slightly rugged character is what makes this section interesting.
From open coast to pine woodland
After the dyke, the surroundings change quickly.
In the Bois de Sapins, the walk becomes calmer and more sheltered. After the open bay, the wind and the rough surface of the dyke, the contrast is immediate.
There is more shade beneath the pines and birds replace much of the noise from the coast, even though the sea is still close by. This sudden change in scenery is one of the highlights of the walk.
Back along the beach
After the woodland, the route heads back towards the sea and follows the beach towards Berck.
The landscape opens up again, with wide views across the coast and the Baie d’Authie.
Keep the tides in mind here. The bay has strong currents and the estuary should never be crossed on foot.
Back at Pointe du Mignot, you can stop once more to watch the seals.
Photos from this walk
Jay’s tips
Bring binoculars or a telephoto lens if you want to watch the seals. Pointe du Mignot already gives you a good view without needing to get any closer. Check the tide times before setting off if you plan to return along the beach. Sturdy footwear is also recommended for the Digue Barrois.
Good to know
Sturdy footwear recommended
Little shade
Waterproof footwear useful
Nature observation point
Check the tide times before setting off and never attempt to cross the Baie d’Authie on foot. Sturdy footwear is strongly recommended for the Digue Barrois.
My experience
What I liked most was the variety. First the slightly rougher Digue Barrois, then the quiet pine woodland and finally the walk back along the beach.
The seals made the walk even better. It is not a long route, but the surroundings change surprisingly often over such a short distance.
Waymarking
Not waymarked
Food and drink
Friterie Chez Lu
At start/finish
1 Chem. aux Raisins, 62600 Berck, France ↗
Try the mussels here!
Website →Ready to set off?
Open the starting point in your GPS and enjoy the walk.
