grand site de france
The Baie de Somme, a wild sanctuary
An estuary of ever-changing light, France’s largest seal colony and reserves full of migrating birds.
Where the river meets the Channel lies a magical estuary of ever-changing light: an endless landscape of water, sand and migrating birds.
One of the most beautiful bays in the world
The Bay of the Somme changes face twice a day. At low tide the foreshore reveals kilometres of sand and salt marsh; at high tide the water returns right up to the quays of Saint-Valery and Le Crotoy.
It is one of the largest natural sites on the French coast, and the biggest colony of harbour seals in mainland France has made its home here. They are watched from the beach, at a distance and without disturbance.
The steam train of the Chemin de fer de la Baie de Somme links the villages of the bay from April to October — the most enjoyable way to cross it.
what to see in the Baie de Somme
The essentials
The Marquenterre park
A major bird reserve, 40 minutes away.
The Baie de Somme railway
The historic steam train, 30 minutes away.
The Maison de la Baie de Somme
To understand the estuary and its habitats, 30 minutes away.
Valloires Abbey and Gardens
A Cistercian abbey and remarkable gardens, 50 minutes away.
The Picarvie museum
Picardy life of times past, 25 minutes away.
La Canoterie nature outings
Kayak, pirogue and seal watching.
good to know
Market in Saint-Valery-sur-Somme on Sunday mornings.
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