Anchorage

Canche

4.1FranceOpal Coast and Bay of Somme

Open in BoatMap DirectionsSave

View full map

Shelter: W, SW, S, SE
Seabed: sand
Anchoring: Allowed

Tidal anchorage in the Canche estuary between Le Touquet and Étaples, on the Côte d'Opale.

Water
Pontoon
Beach

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Entry channel shifts with sand movement. Cross the bar only on a rising tide near high water, in daylight and moderate weather. The buoyed channel leads past Pointe du Touquet, with a strong cross-tide at the entrance and a fast flood once inside. The estuary dries out completely and boats take the ground for the night. Anchor on the flat soft sand beside the buoyed channel rather than in the mooring field, where boats may be moved on, and keep off the uneven ground by the restaurant, which is hard and full of shells. The strong stream makes turning awkward.

Practical

Sand bottom, water available ashore. Shelter from W through S to SE when inside the estuary. Refuges at Étaples 2 NM SE and Club nautique Stellien 3.7 NM S. The estuary dries widely at low water, time the visit by the tide.

Ashore

Seals are often seen in the bay. The Baie de Canche nature reserve covers the north bank, classified in 1987 for dunes and salt marsh birdlife. Le Touquet-Paris-Plage town centre is about 2 km from the south bank with full shops. Étaples fish market on the quayside sells the local catch daily.