The beach at Saint Valery sur Somme: a unique spot on the Picardy coast
Camping by the sea
In Saint Valery sur Somme, we often mention the ramparts, the marina and the colorful houses of the Rue des Moulins. But at the end of the quays, below the old town, a space opens up that is totally turned towards the bay: the Plage de Saint Valery sur Somme. A wild and exotic place, it surprises visitors who expect a classic seaside beach. Here, the experience is above all contemplative and natural.
A beach like no other
La Plage de Saint Valery sur Somme is an essential stopover during a stay in the Baie de Somme, just a stone’s throw from the old town and the quays. The place has a raw, ever-changing charm. Despite Saint Valery’s tourist appeal, the beach has remained unspoilt and calm. People come here not so much to swim as to contemplate, watch the seals, enjoy the light at the end of the day and take a pirogue ride.
How to get there
To reach Saint-Valery beach, follow the quays from the port: at the end of the promenade, the breakwater leads to a ribbon of pebbles and sand at the foot of the medieval town. Easy access on foot, and parking lots near the quays for those arriving by car.
Facing the Baie de Somme, a listed panorama
Your gaze wanders over the Baie de Somme, designated a Grand Site de France. The light changes with the hour: clear mist in the early morning, deep blue at high tide, endless sandy banks at low tide. Whether you’re a photographer, a painter or just a walker, you’ll often come back to capture the variations that give the place its unique character.
Bathing is forbidden and must be respected
The Plage de Saint Valery sur Somme is not a bathing beach. The sea imposes its rules here: at rising tide, the tidal bore (sudden rise in water level) makes swimming impossible. To swim, you’ll have to go further afield: Cayeux-sur-Mer and its boardwalk lined with cabins, or Fort-Mahon and its long stretches of fine sand.
What to see What to do
What can you do on the beach at Saint Valery sur Somme?
Lounging and refreshment at the water’s edge
People come here to sunbathe, play in the open air, have a drink or eat at La Buvette du Mouton, a friendly beachside restaurant with a splendid view over the Baie de Somme. Simple atmosphere, unobstructed view and slow pace: perfect for a break between two walks in St-Valery. Access: at the end of quai Jeanne d’Arc (open all year).
Walk along the dike and watch the seals
A walk along the pebble dike, which stretches towards the Pointe du Hourdel, is a must in Saint-Valery. At low tide, seals rest on the sandbanks. Bring binoculars and keep your distance: observation is the best way to enjoy wildlife without disturbing it.
Sunset over the bay
In summer, the beach becomes a balcony overlooking the bay. The sun dips behind the bay, coloring the sky orange and pink. Locals and tourists alike gather here at the end of the day. Definitely one of the most beautiful sunsets on the Baie de Somme!
Also worth reading: what to see in Saint-Valery-sur-Somme
Excursions by pirogue (va’a): seal encounters
From the Plage de Saint Valery, you can take a Polynesian pirogue (va’a) or sea kayak tour of the Baie de Somme. Aboard a 12-seater boat with guide, you glide swiftly towards the sandbanks where the seals rest. The instructor explains the history of the bay, its spectacular tides and the behavior of the seal colonies. Curious animals sometimes approach to within five meters, offering a rare experience that respects wildlife.
Departure and return depend on the tide. Allow 4h30 for a 2h30 excursion. Practical info: Base de Sport de Nature, 369 Quai Jeanne d’Arc, 80230 Saint-Valery-sur-Somme. More info at www.kayak-somme.com