What to do in the Baie de Somme: must-sees
A member of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World club and Grand Site de France, the Baie de Somme offers much more than just beautiful beaches. Seals, steam trains, crossing the bay, historic villages and seaside resorts : here are the must-see places and activities to do on your camping vacation in the Baie de Somme? Follow the guide!
The most beautiful natural sites in the Bay of the Somme
Between foreshore, dunes and protected wetlands, the Baie de Somme is one of the richest natural areas on the French coast. Year-round sightings of calf seals, over 300 species of birds in the Parc du Marquenterre, and tide-guided walks across the bay. Three unique nature experiences in France.
See seals in the Bay of the Somme
The Baie de Somme is home to one of France’s largest colonies of calf seals, with several hundred individuals present year-round.
Grey seals join them from April to October. There are three options for observing them without disturbing them:
- the Polynesian pirogue trip from Saint-Valery-sur-Somme (the most immersive, around €40 per person),
- guided walks in the bay, or observation from Cape Hornu at low tide.
The minimum regulatory distance is 300 metres.
Parc du Marquenterre: a bird paradise
The Parc du Marquenterre lies to the north of the Bay of the Somme, between Saint-Quentin-en-Tourmont and Fort-Mahon-Plage, some fifteen kilometers from Le Crotoy.
Nearly 200 hectares of protected dunes, marshes and forests are home to over 300 species of birds. Ashy herons, white spoonbills, Belon shelducks, storks: the spectacle varies according to the season.
Three signposted trails and a dozen observatories allow you to explore the site at your own pace. A visit with a naturalist guide is highly recommended, to make sure you don’t miss a thing.
- Address: Saint-Quentin-en-Tourmont, parcdumarquenterre.fr
- Period: year-round, migrations from March to May and August to October
- Price: approximately €10.50 per person
Cross the Bay of the Somme on foot
One of the region’s most exciting experiences: cross the 14 kilometers of sand and mud flats between Le Crotoy and Saint-Valery-sur-Somme on foot, accompanied by a nature guide who knows the tides down to the minute.
The crossing of the bay is for walkers, nature enthusiasts and those who want to experience a unique, physical adventure with a change of scenery. Reservations required. Departure times depend on tides.
- Period: May to October
- Information and reservations: tourisme-baiedesomme.fr
Practical tip: check the tide tables before each trip into the bay. Tides can reach up to 9 meters in amplitude, making certain access points impassable in a matter of minutes.
Activities and sports in the Baie de Somme
The Bay of the Somme is also a destination for outdoor activities and sensations. Cycling along the estuary between Le Crotoy and Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, sand yachting on the beaches of Quend-Plage and Cayeux-sur-Mer, galloping through the Marquenterre dunes on horseback: there’s no shortage of outdoor activities for all levels.
Cycling around the Bay of the Somme
The cycle paths of the Baie de Somme are just as suitable for families as they are for more experienced cyclists: between the Vélomaritime, the V30 and the signposted loops, the area is easy to discover by bike.
The Le Crotoy – Saint-Valery-sur-Somme circuit (14 km on safe roads) is the classic.
Bike rentals are available at both ports. The terrain is flat, the scenery constantly changing between dunes, marshes and salt meadows.
- Recommended period: May to September
- Rental rate: from €14 per day
- Departure : Le Crotoy or Saint-Valery-sur-Somme
More ambitious: the Véloroute V30 follows the Somme valley to Amiens for 70 kilometers.
In the Bay of the Somme, the Vélomaritime follows a stretch between Cayeux-sur-Mer, Le Hourdel, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme and Le Crotoy, with 44 km of cycle paths between the dunes, pebbles and marshes that give the bay its identity.
Windsurfing, kitesurfing and beach sports
Quend-Plage, Fort-Mahon and Cayeux-sur-Mer are essential spots for sand yachting, thanks to their wide beaches and steady winds.
Other activities include kitesurfing, longe-côte (walking in the water at sea) and paddleboarding. Several sailing schools and yacht clubs offer full-day or half-day introductory courses, open to beginners.
- Period: year-round
- Locations: Quend-Plage, Fort-Mahon, Cayeux-sur-Mer
Horseback riding in the dunes (Henson horses)
Locally bred from a cross between Anglo-Arab and Fjord, the Henson horse is the living symbol of Marquenterre.
Docile and robust, it’s perfect for galloping through pine forests, dunes and beaches.
Espace Equestre Henson offers rides starting at one hour, open to beginners, right up to a 24-hour bivouac in a tent on the estate: a nature micro-adventure in its own right.
- Period: year-round
- Price: from €46 – bivouac from €124 per person
- Reservations: henson.fr
What to visit in the Bay of the Somme: towns, villages and seaside resorts
Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, the historic steam train, the Belle Époque villas of Mers-les-Bains, the cliffs of Ault: the Picardy coastline boasts a cultural and architectural heritage that is often overlooked. These four stages form an itinerary of discovery between medieval villages, seaside nostalgia and wild coastal landscapes.
Saint-Valery-sur-Somme
Saint-Valery-sur-Somme lies on the southeastern shore of the Bay of the Somme, around ten kilometers from Le Crotoy, facing the estuary.
Appreciated for its medieval town, its port and its open views over the bay, the town blends heritage, promenade and maritime atmosphere. It’s perfect for lovers of old stones, quiet strolls and holidays combining culture and nature.
The medieval quarter can be explored via the Porte de Nevers, the two Guillaume towers, the ramparts, the Chapelle des Marins and its panoramic views over the bay.
Below, the marina and the Courtgain district, with its colorful fishermen’s houses, offer a picture-postcard atmosphere. It’s also the departure point for the steam train and seal trips by pirogue.
Le Crotoy
On the north shore of the Bay of the Somme, opposite Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, Le Crotoy can be identified by its large, south-facing sandy beach, a rarity on the Picardy coast.
People come here for the waterfront, the port, the Quai Courbet promenade and the open view over the whole bay.
The resort has preserved some of the hallmarks of its seaside past, notably its holiday villas and the villa known as Pierre Guerlain’s, recognizable by its silhouette of a small red castle on the heights of the town.
Le Crotoy can also be visited through its famous figures: the house of Jules Verne, at 9 rue Jules-Verne, and the memory of Colette’s summers in the Belle Plage villa.
Cayeux-sur-Mer
À Cayeux-sur-Merthe main attraction is the “chemin de planches “, with its 400 colorful cabins facing the pebble beach: this is the lively heart of the resort, with 14 km of beach.
The center of the town is easy to get around; most of it is on the seafront, then on to Brighton, the old seaside district of villas and Pine Wood, which is pleasant in strong winds. You can also go sand yachting and kitesurfing here.
To round off the day, head for Le Hourdel, just a few kilometers away, to watch the seals from the headland, then for Hâble d’Ault, to the south, for a wilder walk through marshes, pebbles and birds.
Cayeux appeals to those who like simple resorts, sea air and unspoilt landscapes. The atmosphere is calm and family-friendly all year round.
The Baie de Somme railroad
The leading tourist attraction on the Picardy coast, with almost 200,000 visitors a year. Created in 1887, this network of historic railroads links Le Crotoy to Cayeux-sur-Mer along the bay, aboard Belle Époque wagons pulled by a steam locomotive.
The journey from Le Crotoy to Saint-Valery takes around an hour. You can take your bike on board. Reservations are strongly recommended in high season.
- Period: tourist season (opening hours vary according to season)
- Price: from €8 to €14.50 per person
- Info and reservations: cfbs.eu
Baie de Somme: practical information to prepare your stay
The Bay of the Somme can be visited all year round, just a two-hour drive from Paris via the A16 motorway. A long weekend is all it takes to do most of it, while a week is enough to explore every corner. Here’s what you need to know to organize your stay according to season, budget and type of accommodation.
The best time to visit the Baie de Somme
| Season | What you’ll find |
|---|---|
| Spring (March-May) | Bird migration, budding vegetation, few people. Ideal for Marquenterre. |
| Summer (June-August) | Mild weather, water sports, steam train in full swing. More frequented. |
| Autumn (Sept.-Nov.) | Low-angled light, autumn migrations, grey seals still present. Beautiful autumn. |
| Winter (Dec.-Feb.) | Wild, deserted bay, misty landscapes, calf seals year-round. A change of scenery guaranteed. |
How to get to the Baie de Somme
By car from Paris: about 2 hours via the A16. From Lille: 1 hour and 30 minutes. By train: Paris-Boulogne line with stops in Abbeville, Noyelles-sur-Mer, and Rue. From Noyelles, the steam train serves Le Crotoy and Saint-Valery-sur-Somme. Exploring the Baie de Somme in a campervan is also a great option for traveling freely, provided you plan ahead for parking areas during peak season. A car or personal vehicle is still essential for getting around freely between the various sites.
How much time to allow
A weekend in the Baie de Somme lets you see the highlights: Saint-Valery, Le Crotoy, a seal-watching trip, the Marquenterre, and the beaches of Quend and Fort-Mahon. A full week is ideal for combining hiking, water sports, visits to southern villages (Ault, Mers-les-Bains), and bike rides. Camping in the Baie de Somme is the best way to keep track of the tides and be ready for nature outings at the right time of day.
Choosing the Right Accommodation for Your Budget
Accommodation costs vary depending on the season and proximity to Le Crotoy, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, or Cayeux-sur-Mer. For a more budget-friendly trip, choosing an affordable campground in the Baie de Somme remains one of the most economical and convenient options: you’ll be close to nature, the tides, and the starting points for walks. Expect to pay around €20 to €40 per night for a campsite, and €30 to €150 for a mobile home. Expect to pay between €80 and €180 for a hotel or bed-and-breakfast.
What to do in the Bay of the Somme when it rains
When it’s raining, opt for real fallback solutions: the Maison de la Baie de Somme in Lanchères, to understand the fauna and landscapes indoors, the Musée Picarvie in Saint-Valery-sur-Somme for an immersive tour of Picardy trades and life. In Abbeville, you can also take advantage of the Aqu’ABB swimming pool, the cinema or the belfry, depending on your schedule. These options keep the day interesting, even in the rain.
The Baie de Somme for families with children
Yes, absolutely—and not just for Le Crotoy Beach or the steam train. Families can also visit the Maison de la Baie de Somme for a fun introduction to local wildlife, the Cayeux Vélorail for a unique outing, easy guided walks to spot seals, bike rentals with trailers and child seats, or eventhe Cayeux sailing school, which even offers a “Jardin des Mers” program for 4- to 8-year-olds. All of these options are well-suited for children because the activities are varied, hands-on, and accessible, combining nature, animals, and experiences to enjoy during a family vacation or weekend in the Baie de Somme.
What to eat in the Baie de Somme
The Picardy table has its own stars.Salt-meadow lamb, raised on the iodized herbs of the coast, is incomparably tender. Bouchot mussels, samphire (served as a salad or side dish) and fresh cockles are a must. Sweet treats include gâteau battu and ficelle picarde. The markets of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme and Le Crotoy are the best places to stock up in the morning. Port restaurants serve seafood platters all year round.
