Bay of Somme (Saint-Valery), France

Bay of Somme Saint-Valery

A vast tidal bay with seals, salt meadows and a little steam railway.

  • All year
  • 1 night
Explore on the map
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Things to do

2 days in Bay of Somme

Day 1

  1. MorningWalk along the bay to the Pointe du Hourdel at low tide to see the colony of seals.
  2. AfternoonRide the old steam train around the bay from Saint-Valery to Le Crotoy.
  3. EveningHave dinner in Saint-Valery-sur-Somme's sailors' quarter.

Day 2

Cross the bay on foot with a licensed guide, never alone because of the fast tides.

What to eat

Salt meadow lamb, agneau de pré-salé, and grey shrimp.

Local tips

Make the most of Bay of Somme

Beat the crowds

Summer weekends are busy in Saint-Valery. Weekdays and winter are calm.

Best photo spot

Seals resting on the sandbanks at low tide, and the bay at sunset.

Getting there

Trains run to Noyelles-sur-Mer, then the steam railway to Saint-Valery in season.

Don't miss nearby

Le Crotoy across the bay, and the bird reserve of Le Marquenterre.

Good to know

Never cross the bay alone at low tide: the tide comes in very fast. Join a guided crossing instead.

Plan your visit

Getting to Bay of Somme

Getting there

  • Beauvais-Tillé airport (BVA)90 km away
  • Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)145 km away
  • Rouen90 km away
  • Lille110 km away

Reachable by car or public transport; a car gives you more freedom to explore the area. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypeNature spot
Good forNature, Coast
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountryFrance

Questions

Bay of Somme: good to know

Is Bay of Somme worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like nature and the coast. A vast tidal bay with seals, salt meadows and a little steam railway.

How many days do you need in Bay of Somme?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Bay of Somme?

You can visit all year. Summer weekends are busy in Saint-Valery. Weekdays and winter are calm.

How do you get to Bay of Somme?

The nearest airport is Beauvais-Tillé airport (BVA), about 90 km away. Trains run to Noyelles-sur-Mer, then the steam railway to Saint-Valery in season.

What is there to see near Bay of Somme?

Nearby hidden places include Rouen (91 km), Rye (106 km) and Lille (112 km).

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