West of the Somme, in the Hauts-de-France region, halfway between Lille and Paris, the natural jewel of the Baie de Somme is a Grand Site de France, a regional nature park (Baie de Somme Picardie Maritime) and, in its coastal part, part of the Parc naturel marin des estuaires picards et de la mer d'Opale. The site is also listed as one of the most beautiful bays in the world. All of which goes to show the richness and splendor of this destination, located less than two hours from Paris, Brussels or London. This remarkable wetland is particularly well known as an ornithological mecca. The mouth of the Somme and the marshes are natural refuges.
Take time to explore the region by steam train or pedal along the Somme cycle route. The Maison des Marais is the ideal starting point for discovering the ecosystem of Longpré-les-Corps-Saints and the history of the marais tourbier. Go seal watching at the Pointe du Hourdel. Live to the rhythm of the tides. At low tide, salt-meadow sheep graze along the coastline, while some pick samphire to add to their local recipes. Laze on the pebble beach of the seaside resort of Cayeux-sur-Mer, watching the windsurfers take flight. For kite surfing , head for the famous spot at Le Crotoy. Sail to the marina of Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme to visit its medieval town. And don't forget Abbeville, the cultural capital of the Baie de Somme. Meditate as you admire the seascapes that have inspired painters for generations.
To observe the birds of the Bay of the Somme with your family, the best period is spring. Choose a stay between the end of March and the beginning of July. With binoculars so as not to disturb them, you can observe the seabirds nesting and hatching. Then come the hatching of the eggs, the rearing of the young birds and the first flights! So many appointments over the weeks. July and August are the most pleasant months for beach tourism. For kite surfing, it is from April to October. You should also know that during the month of December Abbeville comes alive and lights up with the Christmas festivities. And in April, it is the famous Bird and Nature Festival. During the low tourist season, during the first three months of the year and in November, the Bay of the Somme slows down, at least the tourist infrastructures.
Average temperatures in the Baie de Somme range from January, with average temperatures of 7°C, to August, with average temperatures of 22°C. Sunshine is rare, and rain is abundant in November, December and September. To take advantage of favorable weather, plan your weekend or holiday in the Bay of the Somme between May and September. The warmest bathing water on the Baie de Somme coast is in August.
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