Located not far from Le Touquet, Berck-sur-Mer is the other major seaside resort in the south of the Opal Coast. Ideal for a sporting and family getaway, the town of Pas-de-Calais is especially famous for the extent of its beaches which allow the practice of sand yachting About twenty kilometres away, Fort-Mahon-Plage is also a very popular spot in the area when it comes to putting your towel on the beach. Focus on the two northern pearls.
A little history
Set on the Bay of Authie, Berck was until the middle of the 19th century only a modest village that depended essentially on seafaring trades. Soon deprived of ports by the progressive silting up of the estuary, the sailors adapted with flat-bottomed grounding boats. It was also in the 19th century that Berck discovered and exploited the benefits of marine air. Marianne Brillard, who was called Marianne-toute seul, had the idea of giving sea baths to the children of the public assistance service who were entrusted to her. She is now considered the inventor of thalassotherapy! The first hospital was opened by Empress Eugenie in 1869. Since then, the city has maintained its reputation as a therapeutic city. People come from all over France to treat bone and joint diseases, but also road accident victims
Some visits..
The religious traditions linked to the maritime and hospital world have left Berck with a significant religious heritage. Two churches: Notre-Dame-des-Sables and Saint-Jean-Baptiste, chapels, hospitals: Cazin-Perrochaud and the maritime hospital, calvaries, oratories, niches, and other statues complete the collection. The tourist office has published a guide to discover these 90 monuments which can be discovered through a walk from the funnel square.
Another emblematic monument of the city is the Berck lighthouse. It is a modern construction from 1950, which replaced the one built in 1836 and destroyed during the Second World War. 44 meters high, nicknamed "the sock" by the inhabitants of the city, it is no longer visited to this day. But at its feet, you will find La Maison du Patrimoine where you will discover the interior of a Berck house from the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. It can be visited thanks to the volunteers of the Berck Patrimoine association and promises an interesting moment.
As for the museum, you shouldn't miss the visit to the Musée de France Opale Sud. This museum exhibits the many artists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries from Berck and its surroundings. The works relate for the most part scenes of sea or fishing, without forgetting the portraits of the Berckois. This museum also has a collection of Gallo-Roman and Merovingian objects collected at the bottom of the river beds around Berck. Weapons, jewellery, chalices, the history of the Opal Coast is displayed in this exceptional and essential ensemble to better understand the history of the city.
The beach of Berck-sur-Mer is one of the most famous on the Opal Coast. Its twelve kilometres of fine sand encourage long walks at low tide, at any time of the day and in any season, because its iodized air is excellent for health. It feels like you're breathing better after walking in this invigorating breeze. If you push the walk further up, you can reach the station of Le Touquet. It should be noted that there are four beaches in Berck. Dobin Beach, the most central beach, is the only supervised and authorized for swimming in summer. The beach of Les Sables d'Opale, in the north, is reserved for naturists.
Fort-Mahon-Plage, nature in its purest form
About twenty kilometres away, between the Baie de Somme and the Baie d'Authie, the immense beach of Fort-Mahon extends into the heart of an exceptionally preserved natural environment and offers a splendid space where peace and tranquility reign. Children will have a great time between swimming, sliding on the dunes, walking, horse riding or mountain biking! Not surprisingly, this seaside resort is very busy in summer (up to 50,000 people on busy weekends!), so be patient in traffic jams or in line in front of restaurants...
Do not pass by the dunes if you are passing through Fort Mahon, as they constitute a magnificent and unique landscape. This is one of the most beautiful walks to take in the area. Their fixation dates from the early 17th century and was intended to prevent the movement of sand towards inhabited areas. You will discover a dense vegetation, which allows you to fix the sand. Trails have been built, which allow you to discover the place in complete peace of mind. To your shoes and cameras!
Smart info
When? When? In spring and until the end of the Indian summer, Berck beach has everything you need to offer an ideal weekend
Getting there. The Côte d'Opale is 230 km north of Paris. By car, Berck is served by the A16 motorway and the 939 departmental road. By train, direction Rang-du-Fliers station, then by bus to Berck.
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Useful. To prepare your escapade as well as possible.
BERCK-SUR-MER TOURISM OFFICE - More information on the website
FORT-MAHON-PLAGE TOURISM OFFICE - More information on the website
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