Practical information

» Tides



icône application/pdfDownload the 2012 tide tables
icône application/pdfDownload the 2013 tide tables
icône application/pdfDownload the  Booklet on the prevention of risks due to the tides
 
www.shom.fr © SHOM n° 500/2012
Reproduction des prédictions de marées du SHOM pour Cayeux-sur-Mer - non vérifiée par le SHOM et réalisée sous la seule responsabilité de l'éditeur
  

At low tide, the sea seems to blend with the horizon, and the windswept sand is criss-crossed with wavelets that form strange landscapes.

Harbour seals then take over this huge area and appear to observers' eyes. The Baie de Somme has the highest tidal spring tides in the Chanel. The tidal range can reach 10 metres during the spring and autumn equinoxes. The salt-marshes flood with water that reaches the defences.
This is a unique sight, but is also dangerous. For your own safety, don't go out into the Bay by yourself, check the tides and make sure you have a watch.

Before going out into the Bay, check the tide tables, a document you must have when you live near or visit the Bay. It gives the times and height of tides, as well as whether they are spring or neap tides (tide coefficient >70 = spring tide, <70 = neap tide). The coefficient, which ranges from 20 to 120, is an indication of the difference between low water levels and high water levels. When the coefficient is above 100, it means a very high tide.