Pointe du Hourdel is one of the best-known places for watching seals in Baie de Somme. It is also an easy stop to add to a day out: a small harbour, a pebble sea wall, the Somme channel and the Route Blanche nearby.
Depending on the tide and weather, you may see many seals, only a few shapes in the water, or none close enough to identify clearly. The right plan is simple: come at the right tide, stay on safe ground and bring binoculars.
Before you go: check low tide times, keep at least 300 metres from the seals, stay near the official observation area and return to dry land as soon as the water starts coming in.
Why visit Pointe du Hourdel?
Le Hourdel is north of Cayeux-sur-Mer, on the south side of Baie de Somme. The area is small, but it brings together several useful landmarks for a first visit: the harbour, lighthouse, pebble sea wall, blockhouse, channel and sandbanks opposite.
It is also a relatively accessible viewpoint. You do not need to cross the bay or walk across mudflats to enjoy it. The safest option is to stay on the observation side, respect distances and use binoculars or a telescope.
If you are planning a wider stay, this outing works well with our general guide to seeing seals in Baie de Somme. This article focuses more on the exact place, tide window and practical details for Le Hourdel.
Where should you stand to watch the seals?
The simplest place is the pebble sea wall near the blockhouse, along the edge of the channel. The tourist office also mentions two parking options: the harbour near the lighthouse, or the car park at the entrance to the Route Blanche, shared with campervans.
From this area, seals are often visible on sandbanks on the other side of the channel. The town of Cayeux-sur-Mer explains that they frequently rest on the right bank of the Somme channel, visible from the left bank. That means watching from a distance, towards the sandbanks opposite.
Binoculars make a real difference. Without them, you may only distinguish shapes. With binoculars, you can see a seal resting, another lifting its head, or a few animals moving in the water. A telescope is even more useful, especially with children.
Which tide is best?
The main reference is low tide. The tourist office indicates that seals are usually present from about 3 hours before low tide until around 2 hours 30 after low tide. It is not a guarantee minute by minute, but it is the most useful window for planning.
| Timing | What to expect | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
| Around 3 hours before low tide | The bay gradually reveals its sandbanks. | Arrive calmly and choose your viewing spot. |
| Around low tide | Sandbanks are more visible and seals may rest out of the water. | Bring binoculars, a windproof layer and patience. |
| After low tide | The water rises again and conditions change quickly. | Stay close to dry land and do not walk into the bay alone. |
Before leaving, check the tide times for Cayeux. Also check the weather: at Le Hourdel, wind can make a short observation feel much colder than expected.
How to behave around the seals
Two seal species can be seen in Baie de Somme: harbour seals and grey seals. From a distance, they are not always easy to tell apart. The important point is to watch without trying to move closer.
Seals rest on sandbanks to recover energy, moult, reproduce and nurse their young. If they go back into the water because a walker, dog, drone or boat comes too close, their rest is disturbed.
Picardie Nature recommends keeping at least 300 metres from the animals. If a seal lifts its head or seems to monitor your presence, you are already too close. Move back rather than trying to get a better photo.
- keep at least 300 metres away;
- keep dogs on a lead;
- use binoculars or a telescope;
- avoid drones;
- do not walk into the bay to get closer;
- leave immediately if the water starts rising.
Access and parking at Le Hourdel
Le Hourdel is reached from Cayeux-sur-Mer. The area is small, and in busy periods it is better to arrive with a clear idea of where you are going. The harbour parking area is practical for the lighthouse and sea wall. The Route Blanche car park is another option, especially if you also want to walk towards the coast.
Do not rely on improvising with a large vehicle in the most crowded part of the day. The roads are narrow in places, and the area is popular when the tide window is good.
How much time should you allow?
45 minutes Enough for a short stop if the tide window is right and you already have binoculars.
1.5 to 2 hours More comfortable for watching, walking a little and adapting to wind or visibility.
Half a day Useful if you also want to include Cayeux, the Route Blanche or a guided nature outing.
For a first visit, allow around 1.5 to 2 hours. That gives you time to park, walk to the observation point, watch properly and leave without rushing when conditions change.
What to do around Pointe du Hourdel
Cayeux-sur-Mer is the easiest addition: the seafront, beach huts and boardwalk give another view of the coast. The Route Blanche is also close, with a more open, windy landscape between dunes and pebbles.
For a broader nature day, connect this outing with our guide to nature in Baie de Somme or our page about villages around the bay.
Free watching or guided outing?
Free watching works well if you stay on the sea wall, bring binoculars and choose the right tide window. It is the simplest format for a short visit.
A guided outing is useful if you want to understand the species, tides, areas to avoid and good practice on site. The tourist office lists nature outings of around 2.5 hours, with prices depending on the provider. Check the price, meeting point and conditions directly before booking.
FAQ: Pointe du Hourdel and seals
Can you see seals all year round at Pointe du Hourdel?
Yes, seals can be seen all year round in Baie de Somme, but visibility depends on tide, weather and where the animals are resting. Le Hourdel remains one of the best-known places to watch them from land.
What is the best time to see seals at Le Hourdel?
Low tide is the best reference. The tourist office indicates a useful window from about 3 hours before low tide until around 2 hours 30 after low tide. Check Cayeux tide times before leaving.
Do you need a guide to watch seals?
No, not if you stay at the observation point and respect distances. A nature guide is useful if you want to understand the species, tides and landscape in more detail.
Can you get closer to the seals?
No. Stay at least 300 metres away, as recommended by Picardie Nature. Seals are protected wild animals. Approaching them can disturb them and put you at risk.
Is this outing suitable with children?
Yes, if you keep the visit simple: park, walk a short distance, use binoculars and plan a short observation stop. Bring windproof clothing and avoid making the outing too long.
What should you do if the tide comes in?
Return to dry land without waiting. The bay can be dangerous, with currents and fast-rising water. Do not walk alone into the bay.