Samphire can be harvested in the Baie de Somme during a specific period and under certain conditions. Before going, the most important thing is to check the dates, the allowed quantity, the areas concerned, and the way to cut the plant.
The general rule to remember for recreational gathering is simple: a small quantity, cut with a knife, and no uprooting. The rules can also change depending on the areas, particularly in the National Nature Reserve of the Baie de Somme.
Information checked in June 2026: The official decree 091/2026 authorizes the harvest of samphire from June 1, 2026, at 00:00 to August 31, 2026, at 23:59, under conditions. Before going out, always check the current decrees, tide schedules, and the limits of protected areas.
When to harvest samphire in the Baie de Somme in 2026?
For 2026, the period indicated in the official decree runs from June 1 to August 31. This period concerns samphire and annual sea-blite on the public maritime domain of Somme and Pas-de-Calais, with specific rules depending on the zones.
Knowing the authorized period is not enough. The harvesting must also respect quantities, authorized tools, and restrictions specific to protected areas. Tourist offices also recommend checking tide times before any outing on the foreshore.
| Point to check | Practical reference | Why it’s important |
|---|---|---|
| Period 2026 | From June 1 to August 31 | The harvest is not open all year round. |
| Leisure quantity | 500 g per day per person | This limit is stated by local practical sources. |
| Tool | Knife | Cutting preserves the root and regrowth. |
| Forbidden gesture | Pulling out | Pulling out the plant damages the resource. |
| Before leaving | Decrees, tide, area | The rules change depending on the sector and season. |
Where can one harvest samphire?
Decree 091/2026 regulates harvesting on the maritime public domain of the Somme and Pas-de-Calais. In the Baie de Somme, pay attention to protected areas. In national nature reserves, the harvesting of marine plants is generally prohibited, with an exception for samphire in the National Nature Reserve of the Baie de Somme.
Annual sea-blite does not have exactly the same rules. The decree states that its harvesting is prohibited in the Baie de Somme National Nature Reserve. If you are not sure you can identify salt marsh plants or locate the boundary of a protected area, it is better not to harvest.
The rules for recreational harvesting
For recreational picking, the Baie de Somme Tourist Office indicates a limit of 500 g per day and per person. This quantity corresponds to a small personal harvest, not a harvest intended for sale.
Samphire is harvested by cutting the stems with a knife. It must not be torn off. This gesture allows the plant and its regrowth to be preserved in a particularly fragile environment.
What to plan before you go
Before an outing, check the tide times and the weather. An area accessible at low tide can become less safe when the water rises. Also avoid going alone if you don’t know the area.
Plan to bring a knife, a small container, shoes suitable for mud, and something to wash your hands with upon return. Do not go with the idea of collecting large quantities: the recreational limit remains low and the resource must be preserved.
To do Cut cleanly with a knife, stick to a small quantity, check the tide, and respect protected areas.
To avoid Pulling up the plants, exceeding the recreational limit, crossing a forbidden area, or picking a plant you do not recognize.
And for professional harvesting?
Professional harvesting is a different setting. It concerns licensed individuals and official concessions. The article from Courrier picard recalled the economic importance of this plant for shore fishermen and local canneries. For a visitor, it mainly serves as a reminder that samphire is a regulated resource and that its harvesting follows specific rules.
Where to buy samphire if you don’t harvest it?
If you do not want to harvest, the simplest option is to look at local produce stalls, fishmongers, markets, or canneries. In season, you can find fresh or prepared samphire. To organize your purchases, you can also consult our guide to markets in the Baie de Somme.
How to prepare samphire simply?
Before cooking it, rinse the samphire in clear water to remove sand and some of the salt. Taste it before seasoning: it is already naturally salty, so it is better not to add salt.
For a simple preparation, blanch it for one to two minutes in unsalted simmering water, then drain it. Serve it with warm potatoes, a hard-boiled egg, a drizzle of oil, a bit of pepper, and aromatic herbs like parsley, chives, or dill. It also goes well with white fish or shrimp.
If you picked it yourself, keep only a small amount and consume it quickly. In case of doubt about the picking area or the quality of the harvest, it is better to refrain from consuming it.
FAQ: harvesting samphire in the Baie de Somme
Can you pick samphire everywhere in the Baie de Somme?
No. Harvesting depends on the period, the area, and the rules in force. In a nature reserve, the restrictions are stricter. Before going, check the decrees and local information.
How much samphire can be picked for leisure?
Local practical sources indicate a limit of 500 g per day per person for recreational harvesting. This quantity does not correspond to a harvest intended for sale.
Should samphire be cut or pulled out?
Samphire is cut with a knife. Pulling it out should be avoided and local sources remind that it is prohibited, as it damages the plant and the resource.
What is the harvesting period in 2026?
Official decree 091/2026 indicates a period from June 1, 2026 at 00:00 to August 31, 2026 at 23:59, under conditions. The rules may change, so check before going out.
Useful sources before your outing: Official collection of May 28, 2026, Baie de Somme Tourist Office – sea fishing, Marine Natural Park – recreational shellfishing, Radio 6 – samphire harvesting 2026, Academy of Taste – samphire.