Visit the Baie de Somme in a motorhome: a four-day road trip
Want to explore the Baie de Somme in a motorhome? In 3 or 4 days, you can visit Mers-les-Bains, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, Cayeux-sur-Mer, Le Crotoy, and the Marquenterre Nature Reserve. Our campground in the Baie de Somme is a convenient stopover for motorhome travelers near Saint-Valery-sur-Somme.
Day 1: Mers-les-Bains and the Ault cliffs
Start your adventure in Mers-les-Bains, gateway to the Baie de Somme. You’re immediately immersed in a colorful atmosphere, thanks to the famous Art Deco villas lining the waterfront.
A stroll along the seafront and the beach allows you to take full advantage of the seaside resort atmosphere. The800-meter-long avenue, lined with Belle Époque villas from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, adds a touch of history and authenticity to the stroll.
For RV travelers, Mers-les-Bains offers a service area just a few minutes from downtown and the beach, featuring parking spaces, water, waste disposal, electrical hookups, and access to a shopping area.
The cliffs of Ault are not far from Mers-les-Bains: the distance is about 6 to 8 km, depending on the route, south of the Baie de Somme.
The 80-metre-high chalk cliffs face the English Channel, offering an impressive sight, especially at sunrise or sunset.
A veritable balcony overlooking the sea, the small village of Ault stands watch over the English Channel. Below, you can enjoy the beaches of Ault and Onival.
Just a stone’s throw from the village, the Hâble d’Ault is well worth a visit. This vast wetland is home to an ornithological reserve frequented by over 270 species of migratory birds.
Several viewpoints are easily accessible by motorhome. Nearby, dedicated areas are available for overnight stays.
Day 2: Cayeux-sur-Mer and Hourdel Point
The second day leads to Cayeux-sur-Mera family resort on the Baie de Somme renowned for its long pebble beach and friendly atmosphere.
Cyclists can explore the Picardie maritime coastline at their own pace on the cycle path along the coast and dunes.
A stroll along the boardwalk, surrounded by white cabins and fishing nets, immediately immerses you in the local maritime tradition of the Baie de Somme.
For lunch, it’s easy to find fresh seafood between the city center and the port.
In terms of accommodation, the motorhome parks around Cayeux are well equipped, with large pitches, sanitary facilities and electric hook-ups to ensure comfort and convenience for all types of vehicle.
In the afternoon, head to the Pointe du Hourdel for a uniqueseal-watching experience. A must for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Equipped with binoculars, young and old alike can watch for colonies of grey seals and seal calves basking on the sandbanks, a fascinating spectacle accessible to all.
The seals are present 3 hours before and up to 2.5 hours after low tide, and can be seen at the foot of the blockhouse.
The end of the day invites you to contemplate the vast windswept expanses typical of the Baie de somme.
Just 400 meters from Pointe du Hourdel, there’s a free parking area—though it offers no amenities—where you can enjoy a quiet evening before hitting the road again.
Day 3: Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, Le Crotoy and Marquenterre
It’s impossible to explore the Baie de Somme without stopping off in your motorhome at Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, a medieval jewel nestled on the shores of the bay.
Its cobbled streets, ramparts, flower-decked houses and sailors’ quarter (le Courtgain) give the town a warm, picturesque atmosphere.
A stroll along the harbour and quay along the bay sets the tone for a gentle, discovery-filled escapade. Local artisans contribute to the village’s lively atmosphere (felted wool, handcrafted leather, driftwood, sculpted glass…).
Climb up to the Saint-Valery chapel for a breathtaking view of the Baie de Somme.
Caravan parks close to the port provide easy access on foot to the historic center and hiking trails.
After Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, head for Le Crotoythe only south-facing town on the Picardy coast.
In the heart of Le Crotoy, the lively streets are accompanied by a real heritage trail: Saint-Pierre church, the site of the old castle, linked to Joan of Arc, who was detained here in 1430, and the memory of Jules Verne, a faithful lover of the bay, give a historical depth to this stopover in Le Crotoy.
Board the Chemin de fer de la Baie de Somme at Le Crotoy station: the historic line links Le Crotoy, Noyelles and Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, with a round trip taking around 2 hours.
To understand the bay, choose a guided outing on foot from Le Crotoy: cross the estuary, observe the birds and, depending on the itinerary, discover the seals.
Le Crotoy is also an excellent starting point for discovering the Parc du Marquenterre and observing migratory birds. Storks, herons and hundreds of other species inhabit or pass through this nature reserve.
Day 4: Quend-Plage, Fort-Mahon and Authie Bay
The last day opens on Quend-Plage-les-Pins, one of the longest sandy beaches on the Picardy coastline, with 15 kilometers of shoreline.
The morning alternates between beach and dunes. No crowds before 10am, a wind that often reminds us that we’re in the English Channel, and a low light on the sand that makes getting up early worthwhile.
The resort lends itself well to outdoor activities: sand yachting, bike or rosalie hire, or a more playful break at Belle Dune and its Aquaclub.
At Quend-Plage, motorhome owners can take advantage of a parking area at the entrance to the resort, then easily drive to Quend beach, the Parc du Marquenterre, Fort-Mahon-Plage, the Baie d’Authie or the Valloires abbey and its gardens.
Fort-Mahon-Plage, some ten kilometers from Quend-Plage, has a different atmosphere. A livelier resort, it boasts a well-equipped motorhome service area on the seafront: water, electricity, drainage, with a direct view of the ocean.
It’s the kind of stage where you put the chairs outside, watch the kite-surfers from the awning, and have no reason to leave before sunset.
In the afternoon, the Baie d’Authie easily accessible via the D144, this transitional area between the Somme and Pas-de-Calais is much less frequented than Marquenterre, but just as rich in wildlife: terns, shelducks and sandpipers follow one another across the mudflats, depending on the season.
No entrance fee, no set route: just a dike path, binoculars and the sound of the wind in the reeds.
Practical tips for a successful motorhome trip in the Baie de Somme
Reservations and good habits
A road-trip in the Baie de somme requires a minimum of organization to optimize every moment. It’s a good idea to reserve certain motorhome pitches in advance during the high season, to ensure the availability of a spacious site suitable for your vehicle. Taking the weather into account and adapting your itinerary accordingly will make every outing safer and more enjoyable.
Choosing sites close to the city center, nature, or bike paths helps minimize unnecessary travel and allows you to make the most of each stop, especially during a short trip. Downloading a specialized mobile app to quickly locate parking areas is a handy way to make an impromptu stop whenever the mood strikes.
Managing parking and living well at night
For a peaceful night’s sleep in the Baie de Somme, choose campsites known for their quiet nights and excellent security. Many now offer individual electrical hookups, full restroom facilities, and secure access.
However, some areas remain relatively spartan, with little in the way of surrounding comfort (concrete floors, lack of shade, limited outdoor space) and sometimes high prices for basic services.
Far from town centers or beaches, they can also mean having to drive back and forth to access shops or local events.
Strict rules (such as a ban on setting up tables, chairs, or awnings) and limited parking hours can diminish the sense of freedom that comes with a motorhome vacation.
Why choose a campsite over a parking lot?
Between a simple service area and a real campsite in the Baie de Somme, the experience differs considerably.
First and foremost, staying at a campsite offers real security: enclosed site, guard present, supervised environment, clear rules – all elements that ensure serenity and rest.
In the quiet hours, the absence of traffic and noise guarantees a restful sleep, particularly sought-after by nomadic families.
Le Walric: Campsite with pitches for motorhomes
For motorhome owners, a successful stopover means setting down the vehicle with peace of mind, refueling with ease, and quickly reconnecting with the local area (walk, village, landscape) without having to worry about a thing.
This is what Le Walric campsite in Saint-Valery-sur-Somme offers, in the heart of the Baie de Somme, just a stone’s throw from shops, the port and discovery trails.
Whether you’re traveling by camper van or van, our campsite offers all the services you’d expect from a 4-star establishment:
- motorhome pitch with electricity, approx. 95 m², bounded by hedges, on flat, grassy ground
- dog allowed
- heated sanitary block, showers with hot water
- heated indoor swimming pool
- petanque courts
- high-speed wi-fi
- snack bar open all season
- on-site grocery store, bread shop
- summer traders (rotisserie, pizza…)
- laundry room with washing machines and dryers
- sale of gas bottles at reception
- playgrounds and kids’ club
- Two supermarkets within 2 km of the campground.
