Berck-sur-Mer is a little gem of a seaside resort on the Opal Coast in Pas-de-Calais in the North of France.
The sandy beaches run for 12 kilometres and it’s an idea location for sand yachters, kite flyers, walker and those who like to lie on the beach, breath in the wonderful fresh sea air and relax. It’s labelled a “KID” resort – the French tag which denotes a safe beach for families with children, as well as “Pavillon Bleu Européan” which confirms its status as clean beach and sea. On top of this the town has been awarded “Three Flowers” confirming its place as a ville fleurie – a flower bedecked town.
It’s a really charming place, slightly old-fashioned but there’s plenty to do and see for everyone.
There are boat cruises around the bay; you can hire a beach hut to relax next to, try kite-flying, sand-yachting, fishing, jet-skiing or go exploring the dunes. The high street, just back from the seafront, contains a wide-ranging collection of restaurants and shops including many delightful bakeries and exquisite chocolatiers selling hand-made, local delicacies. There’s even a municipal museum where you can see painting from artists including Manet, Boudin, Lavezzari, Tattegrain, Trigoule, Lepic, depicting the basic existence of the mariners of days gone by in Berck-sur- Mer.
For children there is plenty to do with an old-fashioned carousel on the sea front, a children’s club (to give parents a break), mini-golf, mini-cars and the Agora leisure complex with swimming pool, soft play, bowling and more. The Bagatelle theme park is less than 10 minutes’ drive away and provides a fun day out with lots of rides and attractions if you fancy a day away from the beach.
Berck-sur-Mer is a very friendly place with welcoming locals, attractive architecture and a pedestrianized high street in the summer that also plays host to the annual brocante (street fair and market). Some of the older villas which date back to the 19th Century remain. Amongst those who had villas in the town was La Baronne James de Rothschild who became a great benefactor.
The tourist season opens in Easter at Berck-sur-Mer heralded by the International Meeting of Kite Flying, the Festival de la Côte d’Opale, Beach Volley in summer and the ‘Six Hours Sailing Boat Race’ in the autumn and the “Giants Parade” in winter. In the spring you can also visit the wonderful fields of tulips, hyacinths and gladioli.
Every year more and more people discover Berck-sur-Mer – thanks to the efficient network of autoroutes. From the UK it’s a an easy journey – in fact if you live in London or the South-East then Berck is quicker to get to than Cornwall, Devon or Wales and for a relaxing break and a taste of real France it’s hard to beat a stay in this pretty seaside town.
Things to do in Berck-sur-Mer
Fly a kite and emulate the great kite-flyers of the world at the Festival de la Côte d’Opale
Take a boat cruise around the bay and learn about the history of the town
Enjoy a stay in the beautiful Beach House, just minutes from the sandy beaches and the colourful town centre
Feel French in the high street where you can buy a fresh baguette, chocolate and local beer
Enjoy a day trip to nearby Le Touquet, the walled town of Montreuil-sur-Mer or the beautiful St valery-sur-Somme
