Berck began as a small fishing village in the Middle Ages and became an important Fishing town by the end of the 19th century. With the town not having a harbour boats had to anchor on the beach. By 1900, the fishing fleet has increased to around 100. At the end of the 19th century, Berck discover its medical vocation due to its superb quality of air and light, it opened its first hospital in 1870.

In 1880, the painter Edouard Manet stayed in Berck and painted superb scenes of the coastline. Numerous painters followed Manet’s example and the famous "School of Berck" was established.