★ 4 · last edited Jul 1, 2020
Bay of Somme
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This nature reserve offers stunning landscapes and a haven for numerous birds and even seals. The area is tourist-friendly, with activities like hiking and canoeing. In season, the site can be explored via the Bay of Somme tourist train, which runs from Le Crotoy to Cayeux. It’s also where the traditional "hut hunting" activity takes place.
Overview of the Bay
This nature reserve and its surroundings offer stunning landscapes and a haven for numerous birds and even an increasing number of seals. The area is quite tourist-friendly, with activities like hiking and canoeing. In season, the site can also be explored via the Bay of Somme tourist train, which connects Le Crotoy to Cayeux-sur-Mer. It’s also where the traditional "hut hunting" activity takes place.
Key Details
- Tourist interest: (must-see or highly recommended).
- Features:
- Location:
- Area: 70 km².
- Altitude: sea level.
- Website: http://www.baiedesomme.fr
Environment
Wildlife and Flora
Precautions
What to See in the Bay of Somme
Baie de Somme Steam Railway
This small tourist steam train runs seasonally between Le Crotoy and Cayeux via Saint-Valéry, offering a unique way to explore the Baie de Somme.
This small tourist steam train runs seasonally between Le Crotoy and Cayeux via Saint-Valéry, offering a unique way to explore the Baie de Somme.

Le Crotoy
This former fishing port is a rather pretty seaside resort with a variety of water-based activities that visitors quite enjoy. It’s from here that the Somme Bay little train departs.
This former fishing port is a rather pretty seaside resort with a variety of water-based activities that visitors quite enjoy. It’s from here that the Somme Bay little train departs.
The Hourdel
This pleasure-boat harbour hamlet in Cayeux, at the entrance to the Bay of Somme, is known for seal watching in the surrounding area.
This pleasure-boat harbour hamlet in Cayeux, at the entrance to the Bay of Somme, is known for seal watching in the surrounding area.

Noyelles-sur-Mer
This town is home to France’s largest Chinese cemetery, where 849 Chinese nationals are buried after dying of disease during the First World War.
This town is home to France’s largest Chinese cemetery, where 849 Chinese nationals are buried after dying of disease during the First World War.

Marquenterre Park
A stunning coastal ornithological park, part of the Baie de Somme Nature Reserve. Visitors can observe numerous migratory birds and enjoy short hikes on foot or horseback.
A stunning coastal ornithological park, part of the Baie de Somme Nature Reserve. Visitors can observe numerous migratory birds and enjoy short hikes on foot or horseback.

Saint-Valery-sur-Somme
This charming small town in the Baie de Somme boasts several historic buildings, some dating back to the Middle Ages. From here, you can also explore the bay or, in season, take the Baie de Somme tourist train that connects Le Crotoy to Cayeux.
This charming small town in the Baie de Somme boasts several historic buildings, some dating back to the Middle Ages. From here, you can also explore the bay or, in season, take the Baie de Somme tourist train that connects Le Crotoy to Cayeux.
What to Do in the Bay of Somme
Climate and Weather
The bay has a "changeable" oceanic climate—mild and humid—with relatively low temperature variation, neither too cold in winter nor too hot in summer. Rainfall is spread throughout the year. Late May to mid-September is the best time to visit.
Transport
Getting There
Getting Around
Accommodation
Food
Nearby
Additional Information
Recommended
Marquenterre Park
★★★ A stunning coastal ornithological park, part of the Baie de Somme Nature Reserve. Visitors can observe numerous migratory birds and enjoy…
Worth a look / Other
Baie de Somme Steam Railway
★★ This small tourist steam train runs seasonally between Le Crotoy and Cayeux via Saint-Valéry, offering a unique way to explore the Baie de…
Saint-Valery-sur-Somme
★★ This charming small town in the Baie de Somme boasts several historic buildings, some dating back to the Middle Ages. From here, you can…
Le Crotoy
★ This former fishing port is a rather pretty seaside resort with a variety of water-based activities that visitors quite enjoy. It’s…
The Hourdel
★ This pleasure-boat harbour hamlet in Cayeux, at the entrance to the Bay of Somme, is known for seal watching in the surrounding area.
Noyelles-sur-Mer
★ This town is home to France’s largest Chinese cemetery, where 849 Chinese nationals are buried after dying of disease during the…