Let's discover Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, a charming little medieval town in the heart of Picardie maritime in the Hauts-de-France region. Situated on the southern mouth of the Somme, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme is a town of art and history, with an exceptional architectural heritage and a prestigious maritime past. A must-see on your camping vacation in Saint-Valery!!
Explore the medieval city of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme
Follow in the footsteps of William the Conqueror and Joan of Arc in this unspoilt town with its rich historical past. Stroll through the cobbled, flower-filled streets of Saint-Valery's quarters, and be charmed by its ramparts, Guillaume towers and Saint-Martin church. Don't miss the quays of the marina and the colorful houses of the sailors' quarter. This small town steeped in history inspired Jules Verne, Colette and the famous perfumer Pierre Guerlain.
Discover the Baie de Somme's historic heritage
Take advantage of your stopover in Saint Valery sur Somme to admire the historical and cultural heritage of this remarkable medieval town. Here you'll find the porte de Nevers or “Porte du Bas”, whose facade still bears the two bays where the drawbridge folded down. Among Saint Valery's oldest remains, the Porte Guillaume, flanked by its two medieval towers, dates back to the 11th century. It was from here that William the Conqueror set out to conquer England in 1066. If you have time, linger over the église Saint Martin with its checkerboard pebble walls typical of the “Picard” style. Continue your tour through the narrow streets of the old fortified town to the former fortress, now transformed into a gentleman's residence.
Follow in the footsteps of William the Conqueror and Joan of Arc
The Saint-Valery region saw William the Conqueror pass through in 1066, during his conquest of England. The remains of Harold's Tower can still be seen, where Harold, Earl of Kent, was imprisoned in 1053 after coming to announce to William his claim to the English throne. In 1066, Harold perished at the Battle of Hastings. As for Jeanne d'Arc, she was briefly imprisoned in the “Tour de pierre” at Saint-Valery-sur-Somme. Despite the harsh conditions of her imprisonment, she retained her hope and showed remarkable courage. She was later transferred to the fortified castle of Le Crotoy, where she spent several weeks before being sold to the English.
Walk through Saint-Valery's seafarers' quarter
Following the narrow, colorful houses with blue shutters down to the harbor, you come to the “Courtgain”, the sailors' quarter. A picturesque place whose origins date back to the late 18th century. As you climb to the chapelle des Marins, enjoy a breathtaking view over the Baie de Somme. Don't miss the Calvaire des Marins on the heights of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme. This is where fishermen's wives used to come to wait for their boats to return to port. Not far from the sailors' quarter, you can see the statue de la roche Madone, patron saint of fishermen. In summer, the district becomes the setting for the Fête de la Mer, a tribute to sailors lost at sea. For the occasion, the facades of the houses are decorated and numerous events await visitors to the port.
To find out more about the Baie de Somme's other ports, visit our pages on Le Crotoy and Cayeux-sur-Mer (Le Hourdel), two gems of the region.
