On a gray day with a heavy cloud cover, I visited Cap de Hourdel in the Bay of Somme. The atmosphere was eerie, the sea seemed endless and rough, and the Le Hourdel Lighthouse stood as a dark silhouette against the sky. In this light, it appeared less as a friendly guide for sailors and more like a monument to the forces of nature and the passage of time.
At the beach, I spotted a group of Sanderlings (Calidris alba), skillfully darting between the waves. Their quick, ghost-like movements on the wet sand were fascinating. These small shorebirds travel thousands of kilometers along their migration routes, stopping here in the Bay of Somme to forage.
The History of the Le Hourdel Lighthouse
This striking lighthouse has a long and eventful history:
- 1840: The first beacon was erected at this location.
- 1852: The beacon was placed on a 10-meter-high wooden platform.
- 1905: A new lighthouse was built on a 10.2-meter-high metal column.
- 1944: The lighthouse was destroyed during World War II.
- 1950: A new 18-meter-high reinforced concrete lighthouse was constructed.
A service building for lighthouse keepers was also added.
Today, the lighthouse remains a key navigational point for ships entering the Somme estuary. On clear days, its red-and-white structure stands out against the landscape – but on this gloomy day, it had an almost menacing presence.
The Sunken Bunker – A Relic of War
Not far from the lighthouse lies an old bunker, built during World War II as part of the Atlantic Wall, designed to protect the Somme estuary. Today, the bunker is partially buried in the sand and often surrounded by water during high tide.
Time and tides have taken their toll, yet it remains a silent witness to history. Its sight is impressive – a mix of decay and resilience. It serves as a reminder of the turbulent past of this coastline and the relentless power of nature, which slowly reclaims even the most solid structures.
An Unforgettable Visit
My visit to Cap de Hourdel was a journey through contrasts – between untamed nature and historical landmarks, past and present. The gloomy atmosphere intensified the impressions of this unique place, making the trip an unforgettable experience.
