Disconnection, rest and slow tourism
More and more in search of 100% nature tourism, the traveler will find his happiness here! Just look at the landscape: stretches of sand and pebbles, chalk cliffs overlooking a blue Channel, but also magnificent dunes among which you want to get lost. Colorful fields of wild roses, sea buckthorn, blackthorn, oyats and hawthorn. The region is committed to protecting this nature; several nature reserves allow thousands of birds to stop over without risk while being discreetly observed by curious visitors.
Tourism in the region is developing a wellness economy. When preparing his stay in the Baie de Somme, the traveler is looking for disconnection, rest, far from the stress of the city. More and more, vacations are also associated with the idea of slow tourism: we enjoy the landscapes by taking our time. We hike while breathing the iodized air and soaking up nature. We exchange around a meal with a view on the Bay.
It must be said that the Baie de Somme has everything to please. Since 1998, this maritime territory has been part of the Club of the most beautiful bays in the world, alongside the bays of Francisco or Pemba in Mozambique... Out of 72 km of coastline, only 15% is urbanized. This protected nature is a real opportunity for all those who wish to observe and enjoy it. The association Baie de Somme Zéro Carbone undertakes to preserve these unique landscapes. Created by tourism professionals, the association starts with a question: how to implement a responsible tourism activity that would limit its impact on the ecosystem of the Bay? With about forty members, it advocates an ecotourism, centered on the discovery and the respect of nature. Among the good gestures of the ecotourist: choose outdoor activities that do not consume energy, do not throw your waste in nature, use the trails that have been developed so as not to degrade the fauna and flora, or favor soft modes of transportation. And for this, nothing is better than the bicycle! A true institution in the region, the bicycle is king here. Numerous developments have been implemented in order to offer 77 km of bicycle paths in the Baie de Somme with 9 discovery circuits. Every year, no less than 190,000 cyclists pedal along EuroVelo 4 - La Vélomaritime®, making the Baie de Somme a true reference in terms of ecomobility. On your bike, you can navigate among the seven seaside resorts of the coast. From north to south, discover : Fort-Mathon-Plage, Quend-Plage, Le Crotoy, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, Cayeux-sur-Mer, Ault-Onival and Mers-les-Bains. All of them have an exceptional view on the Channel and sometimes, when the weather is clear, on the English coast. Each one is distinguished with a particular charm making each stop unique.
Of course, the Bay of the Somme would not be what it is without the presence of exceptional wildlife. As you approach the coast, you will be delighted to observe the unique breeding of nearly 5,500 sheep, ewes, lambs and rams enjoying the iodized air on 1,200 hectares. One is also surprised to see some long curved horns that are none other than Highland Cattle: Scottish cows with long coats.
Finally, on the sandbanks of some resorts, you can certainly observe some seals basking. With time, they have even become a real tourist attraction! It must be said that the Baie de Somme is home to the largest colony: nearly 500 calf seals and 200 seals have been counted. Please note that this is a protected species and that it is necessary to keep a distance of 300 meters in order not to disturb them.
And if you want to get off your bike and try some maritime activities for a maximum of exhilarating sensations, you are in the right place: sand yachting, paddle, kitesurfing, longe-côte (walking in the sea), surfing, trimaran... many clubs are waiting for you.
The Maison de la Baie de Somme and the Parc du Marquenterre: two sites not to be missed
Thanks to its tourist appeal, the Bay of the Somme has also been built around several sites, including the Maison de la Baie de Somme. Formerly known as La Maison de l'Oiseau, it has been completely redesigned. It is an essential educational gateway to understand the territory in all its aspects. In 2021, the House welcomed 23 412 visitors. From a local museum, it has become a house dedicated to welcoming and informing all travelers. The tour, which is fun, interactive, family-oriented and poetic, offers visitors the opportunity to travel between different themes: the projects carried out in the area and those who are behind them, climate change, local fauna, flood risks, etc. The scenic dioramas allow visitors to take a real stroll around the Baie de Somme.
The Parc du Marquenterre, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year, has become a must-see in the region. With its 200 ha of marshes, dunes and reedbeds, the park is a privileged stopover for many animal species. In the heart of the Baie de Somme Nature Reserve, you can enjoy a 6 km walking trail (with two loops of 2 or 4 km) and 13 observation posts from which you will have the chance to see birds coming from all over Europe or back from Africa. You can take a walk and let yourself be carried away by the route or take advantage of the many activities offered. Among the must-see activities: the "Nature Encounter", during which you will be accompanied by a guide, the "Twilight Walk" to immerse yourself in a unique sound atmosphere or "The Extraordinary World of Birds" and its puzzle trail perfect for families. The Parc du Marquenterre also offers photo and ornithology courses, conferences and evenings, as well as the Bird and Nature Festival which takes place every year in spring for 9 days and raises awareness about the protection of species. Moreover, to celebrate its 50th anniversary, the park will propose a varied program of animations with the objective to make people know, love, come and return by creating strong times on the site and more globally on the whole territory of Marquenterre. Since it is a protected natural site, the program will be spread out throughout the year in order to favor a smooth and reasonable attendance.
Local products and short circuits: gastronomy in the Baie de Somme
Ecotourism is naturally linked to the pleasure of consuming and eating better. And this is easy in the Baie de Somme! Favoring local products and short circuits has become the credo of many restaurateurs in the region. This is the case, for example, at La Table du Jardinier in Argoules, aptly named because the chef draws from the tastes and flavors of the Jardins de Valloires. A delight! And if you want an address close to the coast, go to La Table du Cap in Saint-Valery-sur-Somme. The chef, Olivier Provost, works with local products with inventiveness and passion. The restaurant owners also work closely with local producers, starting with the mussel farmers. Bouchot mussels are raised on 100,000 wooden stakes between Quend and Saint-Quentin-en-Tourmont. Hand-picked from February to November, the production amounts to 2,500 tons per year and they are delivered directly to the chefs' kitchens! The coast is also home to many seafood and herbs. The most famous is surely the samphire. This sea aster can be eaten in soup or salad and is excellent for the health! Further offshore, fishermen can find shrimps, sole, plaice or mackerel. Something to delight our taste buds!
FUTURE INFO
When is it open?
All year round, the Baie de Somme offers many possibilities. During the summer, you can enjoy some swimming, but if you decide to go during the low season, you won't have to deal with the influx of tourists, not to mention that the region offers magical landscapes and colors.
-The Parc du Marquenterre is open every day. Details of opening hours on the website.
-The Maison de la Baie de Somme is open every day until November 5th. Details of opening hours on the website.
Duration
The possibilities of visits are so numerous that you will need a minimum stay of one week to try to do it all! However, weekends and short stays will allow you to enjoy the fresh air and simply relax!
Budget
- PARC DU MARQUENTERRE : adult rate : 11,50 € ; child rate (from 6 to 16 years old
included) : 8,60 € ; free for children under 6 years old ; Family package (2 adults + 2 children) at 34,20 € (additional child : 7,30 €).
- MAISON DE LA BAIE DE SOMME : adult entrance : 9,50 € ; child entrance : (6 to 18 years old) : 7,10 € ; Family package (2 adults + 2 children) : 28 € ; free entrance for children
under 6 years old.
- The many restaurants and accommodations offer prices for all budgets.
Public
Perfect for families, the Baie de Somme can also be enjoyed by couples or individuals.
The pluses
- The se aside and the sea air.
- The varied activities.
- The typical gastronomy.
- The possibility to travel exclusively by bike.
- You will love to watch the seals basking in the sun!
The minuses
- The weather can sometimes be changeable.
How to get there
By car, A16 Paris-Calais freeway (2h30 from Lille and Paris); by train, Paris-Boulogne line (Abbeville - Le Tréport - Mers, Noyelles-sur-Mer and Rue stations). By bike, by the Eurovélo 4 (from Roscoff to Kiev passing by the coast) and by the Véloroute 30 (from Ham to Saint-Valery-sur-Somme).
Useful
- OFFICIAL SITE OF THE SOMME - More information on the site
Sleep
- CAP HORNU HÔTEL*** & RESTAURANT - More information and reservations on the site
Phone : 03 22 60 24 24
Located in Saint-Valery-sur-Somme in a 15-hectare park with a view of the Bay, the Cap Hornu is an ideal place to recharge your batteries and relax. With its 90 comfortable rooms, you will be able to fully enjoy your vacations with your family or friends.
