Here, the sea is alive, it rises and falls, shaping the landscape.

Here are a few explanations to help you get the most out of the coastline of La Terre des 2 Caps! 

Understand the tides

Think of the Earth as a big balloon filled with water.

The Moon pulls the water towards it with its gravity, causing the water level to rise, which is what we call high tide. The gravity of the Sun, on the other hand, pulls the water away from the Moon, causing the water level to fall, which is known as low tide.

Tides are a daily cycle and their height changes according to the position of the Moon, Sun and Earth in space. The more aligned they are, the higher the tide will be.

Added to this is the centrifugal force caused by the Earth’s rotation. This centrifugal force explains why there are two tides per day.

For an explanation in pictures

If you are following the Sentier du Littoral coastal walkway, the GR®120, do not walk on the beaches for two hours before and after high tide. Parts of this walkway are on the beach and are inaccessible at high tide. You can also see the tide tables at https://maree.info

Protect the dunes

Dunes form at the edge of the high sea.

Grains of sand blown by the wind settle on the slightest obstacle (plants, rocks) and build up to form an initial mound on which plants adapted to the environment, such as Euphorbia or marram grass, will grow. This vegetation helps to stabilise the sand and allows the dune to develop.

Why save the dunes:

  • They provide natural protection against the risk of flooding by preventing flooding in inland areas. For example, the dunes protect the Tardinghen marsh.                                                                        
  • They tell the story of tens, hundreds, even thousands of years of natural and geological history.
  • They are home to specific flora and fauna, providing refuge for hundreds of plant and animal species. 
  • They also contain many remnants of the Second World War (blockhouses, barbed wire). For your own safety, please keep your distance.

 

 Simple ways to protect the dunes:

  • Keep to the marked paths: The paths allow you to enjoy the landscape and discover this environment without damaging it, and to respect biodiversity.
  • Admire the vegetation, but do not pick anything: These fragile plants play an essential role in holding the sand and keeping it in the dunes. 
  • Keep an eye on your pets: The birds, amphibians and insects that live here need peace and quiet to reproduce and thrive.
  • Take your rubbish with you: Protect this environment by keeping it clean. When you go for a walk, remember to take your food waste, cigarette butts, etc. with you.

Check the flags to ensure safe swimming.

The beaches have lifeguards on duty every day in July and August in Ambleteuse (10am to 7pm) and Wissant (12pm to 7pm). Before swimming, check the colour of the flag:

Green flag: Lifeguard present, swimming permitted

Yellow flag (replaces the orange flag): Lifeguard present, swimming permitted but dangerous

Red flag: No swimming

Purple flag: Water pollution or dangerous aquatic species present (e.g. jellyfish)

Black and white flag: Indicates a water sports area where swimming is prohibited

Red and yellow flag: Indicates the boundaries of the supervised swimming area