Among charming villages, nature activities, cultural discoveries and gastronomic pleasures, the Baie de Somme offers a wide variety of experiences. Here are five ideas to fully enjoy its landscapes and riches.
1. Explore the towns and villages of the Baie de Somme
Saint-Valery-sur-Somme
Visit Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, a fortified medieval town that offers a glimpse into the regional history with its narrow lanes and well-preserved ramparts. The harbor, buzzing with the flow of boats, is an excellent starting point for a stroll along the bay. Do not miss the departure point of the famous Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme for a steam train journey.
Le Crotoy
Travel to Le Crotoy, the only northern port facing due south, which captivates with its fine-sand beach and its authentic fishing atmosphere. It is also an excellent starting point for boat or walking excursions, notably to observe seals.
Cayeux-sur-Mer
Take a stroll along the wooden promenade lined with colorful beach huts in Cayeux-sur-Mer. The long pebbly beaches are perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. The area is also a good starting point to explore the surroundings by bike thanks to the numerous cycling paths.
2. Discover the nature activities of the Baie de Somme
Parc du Marquenterre
Dedicate a day to exploring Parc du Marquenterre, an internationally renowned bird reserve that covers 200 hectares of dunes, forests and marshes. This site is ideal for birdwatching, whether migratory or resident. Naturalist guides are often available to enrich your visit with fascinating explanations about the local fauna.
Observation des phoques à la Pointe du Hourdel
It is one of the region’s flagship activities, where you can see these marine mammals basking in the sun or hunting in the water. Local guides often offer guided walks for a rewarding and safe experience.
3. Immersion in the cultural heritage of the Baie de Somme
Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme
Take a journey back in time aboard the Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme. This historic steam train connects the main port towns such as Saint-Valery, Le Crotoy and Cayeux-sur-Mer. The journey offers breathtaking views of the bay and provides an original way to discover the landscape.
Maison de la Baie de Somme et de l’Oiseau
Visit the Maison de la Baie de Somme et de l’Oiseau to better understand the region’s unique ecosystem. This interpretation center offers interactive exhibits on the local fauna and flora, as well as educational activities for all ages.
Abbaye et Jardins de Valloires
Take time to discover the Abbaye de Valloires, nestled in the inland countryside. This historic site, with its renowned botanical gardens, offers a peaceful escape away from the coastal bustle. It is a perfect place for a relaxed stroll amidst an incredible diversity of plants.
4. Venture into water-based activities
For water sports enthusiasts, the Baie de Somme offers many activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or pirogue. These experiences are often guided to ensure your safety and deepen your understanding of the local aquatic environment.
5. Savor Picardy gastronomy
No visit to the Baie de Somme is complete without tasting the local culinary specialties. Try the salt-meadow lamb, a meat celebrated for its tenderness, or discover the samphire, a unique marine vegetable. The bouchot mussels and other fresh seafood are also musts for any gourmet.
The Baie de Somme is a destination that offers abundant opportunities for travelers seeking nature, culture and unique discoveries. Whether you want to explore historic sites, immerse yourself in nature or simply relax, you will find a multitude of activities that capture the essence of this unique place in France. By planning your visit, you can fully enjoy everything the Baie de Somme has to offer, whatever the weather.
What to do in the Baie de Somme on a weekend? Explore one of the world’s most beautiful bays at your own pace
A weekend in the Baie de Somme allows exploring a diversity of landscapes and activities in the heart of the Somme department, ranked among the world’s most beautiful bays. At low tide, a lets you cross the bay on foot, observing the sand banks and the gray seals, sometimes visible during pirogue trips. The Parc du Marquenterre, recognized for its major role in bird migration, offers guided nature walks led by a nature guide.
The charm of towns such as or Mers-les-Bains is best appreciated in their old towns, between Belle Époque architecture, fishermen’s quarters, and strolls toward the Jeanne d’Arc Gate or the Courgain neighborhood. For a moment of relaxation, a stay in the bay, in bed and breakfasts, offers an immersion in local heritage. The Bois de Cise, the chalk cliffs and the coastal path complete this stay in the bay, between nature, culture and a panorama of the Alabaster Coast.
What to do in the Baie de Somme when it rains? Discover the bay in another light
When the weather turns unruly, the Baie de Somme offers many alternatives to enrich a stay in the bay. Rain allows exploring the coastal towns differently, starting with local museums, World War I exhibitions, or the 19th-century buildings in the upper town of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme.
In Cayeux-sur-Mer, the old beach cabins and seaside architecture reveal themselves between two showers. The marina and town center cafés welcome travelers seeking shelter. Bed and breakfasts and bay accommodations often offer cozy common areas, suitable for reading or planning future pirogue excursions or low-tide strolls. Even in the rain, the beautiful bays of the world reveal a unique atmosphere, made of mist, silence and changing light, conducive to contemplation.
What to do in the Baie de Somme, Crotoy, Ault or Abbeville when it rains? Culturally sheltered alternatives
In Abbeville, if it rains, you can visit the Saint-Vulfran Collegiate or stroll through the municipal museums dedicated to local history, particularly marked by the First World War. In Ault, the rain highlights the misty atmospheres of the Côte d’Albâtre, where the chalk cliffs overlook a often lively sea. Walks along the seawall or in the town center allow you to appreciate 19th-century architecture.
In Le Crotoy, wet weather invites you to discover the town’s heritage side, with its alleyways, fishermen’s houses and sheltered cafés. Indoor children’s games, as well as certain nature outings on foot adapted to conditions, allow staying connected to the Scottish nature even in the rain. These towns with cultural and heritage offerings thus become refuges conducive to slow exploration.
What to do in the Baie de Somme with children? A nature destination designed for the whole family
The Baie de Somme with children is perfectly suited for a stay in the bay, paced by playful and educational discoveries. The Parc du Marquenterre, with its accessible trails, is suitable for families wishing to observe birds without difficulty. Rides on Henson horses, an emblematic local breed, are also offered, as are seal-watching by pirogue, often cited in nature guides for their respectful approach.
The sand yachting on the beaches of Fort-Mahon or Quend-Plage constitutes an energetic activity ideal for youngsters, depending on age. In case of rain, museums or venues offering indoor children’s games allow maintaining a varied program. Finally, sunsets over the bay offer a calm and memorable moment to conclude a day rich in family experiences, in an environment listed among the world’s most beautiful bays.
This article was drafted with the help of artificial intelligence, then corrected, expanded and validated by the editors.
