What to see and do while camping in the Baie de Somme: family visits and activities
Explore the Bay of the Somme
Do you know what the Baie de Somme in Picardy, Halong Bay in Vietnam and San Francisco Bay have in common? Answer: all three belong to the exclusive club of the world’s most beautiful bays ! There’s no need to travel to the other side of the planet: the escape is close to home, next to Le Walric campsite. Follow the guide!
How to visit the Baie de Somme
Your vacation in the Baie de Somme
If you’re wondering what’s the best way to visit the Baie de Somme, you’re spoilt for choice! You can discover it on foot or by bike, on horseback or in a horse-drawn carriage, on a boat trip, aboard the Baie de Somme steam train, or even in the air, by microlight or hot-air balloon. The Baie de Somme National Nature Reserve, which has been awarded the “Grand Site de France” label, covers almost 12,000 ha of preserved natural areas between the Baie d’Authie to the north and the cliffs of Ault to the south. It is the largest estuary in northern France.
Cultural heritage: Terres et Merveilles
In the 11th century, it was from the Bay of the Somme, at Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, that William the Conqueror set out to conquer England. Eight centuries later, it was the turn of Impressionist painters such as Boudin, Degas and Braquaval, and great writers such as Jules Vernes, Victor Hugo and Colette, to drop anchor on the bay to find peace and inspiration. Today, the Baie de Somme, awarded the Grand Site de France label in 2011, attracts almost a million visitors every year.
Guided nature outing: crossing the Baie de Somme
Crossing the Bay of the Somme with a guide is a great family activity, particularly popular with children. From Crotoy to Saint-Valery (or the other way round), a 3-hour hike takes you through a unique, preserved environment classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Grand Site de France. The guide will share his knowledge of the bay’s flora and fauna, halophilous plants, tidal phenomena and shifting sands.
Read also: Discover the Baie de Somme by steam train!
Birdwatching in the Baie de Somme
The Baie de Somme is renowned as one of Europe’s birding hotspots. Thousands of sedentary and migratory birds find ideal conditions here, thanks to the great diversity of natural environments that make up the bay. In fact , the Baie de Somme is home to almost 2/3 of all birds observed in Europe ! Birdwatchers, whether experts or amateurs, will be able to observe a host of birds: ducks, geese, swans, coots, grebes, gannets, egrets, herons, oystercatchers, avocets, woodcocks, white spoonbills, grey cranes, kingfishers… Several pairs of white storks also nest in the Baie de Somme.
Meet the seals of the Baie de Somme
The Baie de Somme is home to France’s largest colony of harbor seals. You’ll also come across grey seals, recognizable by their straight, horse-head-shaped snout. While it may be difficult, if not impossible, to pet them, it’s important to keep your distance. They are protected wild animals. Observing them through binoculars is an experience in itself! In the Baie de Somme, several guides offer seal-watching outings in complete safety, on the sandbanks of Plage de la Maye or Pointe du Hourdel.
If you come across a seal in difficulty, don’t try to touch it, as this could cause it further stress or even injury. Contact the Association Picardie Nature or the Syndicat mixte Baie de Somme-Grand Littoral Picard. Despite their friendly appearance, seals can be aggressive if they feel threatened. They could inflict a serious bite.