Groffliers: Coastal Trails and Local History

Groffliers combines trails through coastal landscapes with the history of the Eglise Saint-Martin. For planning your trip, several routes of different lengths are available: a short walk at the Observatoire de la Baie, the 1.5-kilometre Allée des Roses loop and the 12-kilometre Le Tour de Groffliers route. You can first choose according to the distance you want to cover; the landscape and local history offer further points of interest.

Dunes, Salt Marshes and Routes

The Baie d'Authie includes salt marshes, tidal flats exposed by the changing tides and dune systems. Several walking and horse-riding trails are also part of this landscape. The tidal flats are shaped by the changing tides, while the salt marshes and dunes add further coastal landscapes to the bay.

At the Observatoire de la Baie, a short walk runs between pine-covered dunes and salt marshes. The Allée des Roses is a 1.5-kilometre loop through white and grey dunes, as well as dunes covered with shrubs. The two routes therefore differ both in their stated length and in the landscapes described: the walk runs between dunes and salt marshes, while the loop passes through several types of dunes. The Allée des Roses is owned by the Conservatoire de l’Espace Littoral et des Rivages Lacustres. Trail conditions may vary seasonally; check them before your walk.

Starting Point for the 12-Kilometre Route

Le Tour de Groffliers is a 12-kilometre route. It starts next to the lookout hut opposite the Auberge de La Madelon and passes through plots of land belonging to the Conservatoire du Littoral. The starting point is described using two named landmarks. It is advisable to check local conditions before setting out.

A different starting point is given for the discovery trail at the Observatoire de la Baie: it starts at a car park. From there, the path heads towards the Baie d'Authie and then passes through a barrier. This sequence helps you understand the route described without implying that the car park is at a specific point on the bay.

Eglise Saint-Martin and Local History

The Eglise Saint-Martin was built in the 12th century; its portal was listed as a historic monument in 1926. A storm surge devastated the church in 1748. Afterwards, its three naves were joined into one. The building's history thus links a specific natural event with a change to the church's architecture. The construction date, the listing of the portal and the alterations made after the storm surge are distinct historical aspects of the area.

Another point of cultural and historical interest is the statues of Notre Dame de la Salette. They have stood at a former bunker in Les Morieux since 1960. Together with the Eglise Saint-Martin, they offer a range of points of interest for travellers interested in local history as well as the landscapes.

When choosing Groffliers as a destination, you can focus on specific interests: trails of different lengths and through varied landscapes, or the history of the church and the statues in Les Morieux. This provides a straightforward guide to what you want your stay to centre on before you look for a hotel.

Discover more destinations: Labroye, Saint-Martin-Boulogne, Ficheux, Liévin, Condette, Landrethun-lès-Ardres, Merlimont, Mont-Saint-Éloi.

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