Best attractions and places to see around Groffliers include a blend of natural beauty and historical landmarks situated at the mouth of the Authie River on the Côte d'Opale. The area features diverse landscapes, from dunes and beaches to wetlands and salt meadows. Groffliers offers opportunities for exploring preserved natural spaces and discovering sites with historical significance. This region provides a setting for outdoor activities and observing local wildlife.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
Highlight • Bridge
Showing Translation
Tip by
Highlight • Beach
Showing Translation
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • River
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Other
Tip by
Highlight • Beach
Showing Translation
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Groffliers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
The port of La Madelon is a marina located on the Authie, near its mouth at the bottom of the Bay of Authie[1]; the location of the port, in the place called "La Madelon", is shared between the communes of Waben and Groffliers, in the department of Pas-de-Calais.
0
0
From the beautiful restaurant on the Bay of Authie, a narrow footpath leads past the small harbor of Madelon - and if the water is not too high, it even takes you the three kilometers to the bridge for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders towards the Baie de la Somme.
1
0
Very beautiful nature reserve, can be easily explored by gravel bike or MTB
2
0
The seals are there from two hours before low tide until two hours after. It's practically the only place to see them up close without disturbing them. They feel protected by the Authie River, which flows between you and them. Elsewhere, you must maintain a distance of 300 meters.
1
0
Hike with the difficulty of the dunes but very nice and beautiful.
0
0
Those who love nature and seals should come here during low tide. It's worth it. Those who want to find out about tide times will find them here: https://de.tideschart.com/France/Hauts--de--France/Pas--de--Calais/Berck--Plage/
3
1
Groffliers offers a rich variety of natural landscapes. You can visit Seal Beach (Plage des Phoques), Berck-sur-Mer, known for its seal colonies. Explore the preserved natural spaces and rich biodiversity of Baie d'Authie, or walk along L'Allée des Roses, a path transitioning from white dunes to wetlands. The Foraine d'Authie, with its series of lakes, is another thriving natural habitat.
Yes, Groffliers is excellent for wildlife observation. Seal Beach (Plage des Phoques), Berck-sur-Mer is home to colonies of gray seals and sea calves, visible at low tide. The Foraine d'Authie, a site of former sand and gravel quarries, has been developed for ornithological purposes and is teeming with various bird species like Spoonbills, Cormorants, and Avocets.
Groffliers features several historical points of interest. The Port of La Madelon, once a flourishing medieval fishing port, offers a glimpse into the area's past. You can also admire the 14th-century western façade of Église Saint-Martin, a key historical site. While private, the impressive Château de la Mollière showcases 19th-century coastal architecture.
Families can enjoy various activities in Groffliers. Seal Beach (Plage des Phoques), Berck-sur-Mer is a popular spot for observing seals and enjoying the beach. The Pebble Bridge provides a safe and scenic route for walking and cycling. The diverse natural environments, including dunes and salt meadows, offer opportunities for leisurely strolls and nature exploration.
Groffliers and its surroundings are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find various trails for walking and cycling, such as 'Le Tour de Groffliers' and routes along L'Allée des Roses. For cycling, explore routes like 'Berck Beach – Seal Beach loop from Groffliers' or 'The Pebble Bridge – Cycle path loop from Berck'. You can find more details on these and other cycling routes in the Cycling around Groffliers guide.
Absolutely. The area around Groffliers is well-suited for cycling. The Pebble Bridge is a dedicated pedestrian and cycling structure, part of the Eurocyclo project to enhance coastal cycling routes. You can explore various routes, including those mentioned in the Cycling around Groffliers, Road Cycling Routes around Groffliers, and MTB Trails around Groffliers guides.
The Côte d'Opale region, including Groffliers, is generally pleasant for outdoor activities from spring through early autumn. These seasons offer milder weather, making it ideal for exploring beaches, dunes, and trails. Birdwatching at Foraine d'Authie is particularly rewarding during migration seasons.
The primary location for observing seals near Groffliers is Seal Beach (Plage des Phoques), Berck-sur-Mer. Here, colonies of gray seals and sea calves can be seen resting on the sandbanks at low tide. They are typically visible about fifty meters away, across the Authie River, where they feel safe.
The Pebble Bridge, also known as the Authie footbridge, is a 52-meter-long pedestrian and cycling structure inaugurated in April 2022. Its significance lies in providing a safe crossing over the Authie River, connecting the departments of Somme and Pas-de-Calais. It is an integral part of the Eurocyclo project, which aims to enhance coastal cycling routes.
The Port of La Madelon was historically a flourishing medieval fishing port, once under the protection of Waben Castle and hosting the Berck fishing fleet. Due to the silting of Authie Bay over time, it transformed into a marina. Today, it is a simple pontoon near a parking area, but it remains a pleasant site reflecting its rich past.
While not widely publicized, the L'Allée des Roses path offers a tranquil and diverse landscape, transitioning through different dune types and wetlands, and is home to nineteen species of butterflies. The Foraine d'Authie, with its ornithological developments, is another peaceful spot for nature lovers and birdwatchers, offering a unique natural habitat.
Visitors to Groffliers particularly enjoy the blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The opportunity to observe seals at Seal Beach (Plage des Phoques), Berck-sur-Mer is a highlight. Many appreciate the scenic views from the Pebble Bridge and the pleasant setting of the Port of La Madelon. The diverse landscapes, from beaches and dunes to wetlands, also receive high praise for their natural appeal.
Yes, Groffliers offers several easy walking trails. The L'Allée des Roses features a 1.5 km loop that is suitable for leisurely strolls. Many paths along the dunes and mollières (salt meadows) are relatively flat and offer gentle walks, allowing visitors to appreciate the unique ecosystems without significant difficulty. The Pebble Bridge also provides an easy and scenic pedestrian route.


Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions: