Authie (river)
The Authie (French pronunciation: [o.ti] ⓘ; Picard: Eutie; (West Flemish: Otie)) is a river in northern France whose 108-kilometre (67 mi) course crosses the departement of the Pas-de-Calais and the Somme. Its source is near the village of Coigneux. It flows through the towns of Doullens, Auxi-le-Château, Nempont-Saint-Firmin and Nampont, finally flowing out into the Channel near Berck.
| Authie | |
|---|---|
The Authie at Frohen-sur-Authie | |
| Native name | Eutie (French) |
| Location | |
| Country | France |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | |
| • location | Picardie |
| • elevation | 131 m (430 ft) |
| Mouth | |
• location | English Channel |
• coordinates | 50°23′30″N 1°33′40″E |
| Length | 108 km (67 mi) |
| Basin size | 1,304 km2 (503 sq mi) |
| Discharge | |
| • average | 10.8 m3/s (380 cu ft/s) |
Its steady flow has attracted mankind for many centuries, developing an agricultural environment that is still dominant today. The valley of the Authie, with many towns, villages, abbeys and chateaux, holds a rich architectural heritage alongside the banks of the river, while the river mouth forms a sizeable bay between Fort-Mahon-Plage and Berck, typical of Picardy estuaries. The area is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.