What to do in the Bay of the Somme? Must-see attractions in the Picardy river estuary

Go horse riding on the beaches of Marquenterre

In Le Crotoy, the La Cavalcade equestrian centre offers horse rides on the beach. For one to two hours, you can ride along the shore between the dunes and the sea, at a leisurely walk or a more lively gallop. The salty air, the thump of hooves on the wet sand and the vast open landscape give you a feeling of freedom like no other. Departures are early in the morning or late in the afternoon, depending on the tides.

Ride a pirogue to discover the bay

From the Saint-Valery nautical centre, take a new perspective by gliding along the water aboard a Polynesian pirogue for an excursion on the estuary’s canals. The Baie des Phoques club can take you up close to seals and birds without disturbing the animals. The outing lasts about three hours, briefing and launch included.

Explore the beaches of Quend and Fort-Mahon via sand yacht

On the beaches of Quend and Fort-Mahon, the constant wind and vast stretches of sand are perfect for learning how to ride a sand yacht. Under the Ozone team’s guidance, you’ll know how to steer your craft within the first half hour. The fun part comes quickly: the ground flies by, the hull sings and the turns and bends come one after another. Between sessions, you can relax on the beach, your feet in the warm golden sand, facing the shallow sea. A perfect activity for the whole family!

Saint-Valery-sur-Somme

On the south bank, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme combines medieval heritage with a marine theme. Start in the Courtgain district, a former sailors’ neighbourhood, where low, whitewashed houses line flower-filled streets. The upper town, meanwhile, features the remains of old fortifications: when you arrive at the neo-Gothic sailors’ chapel, you can enjoy a wide panorama over the estuary, the salt marshes and the beaches of Marquenterre.

Cayeux-sur-Mer

To the west, Cayeux-sur-Mer offers a completely different experience. The beach is made up of round, white pebbles, and over 400 wooden cabins line the boardwalk, the largest in Europe. Here, you can stroll along the seafront at a steady pace, your eyes fixed on the horizon. Behind the sea wall, the paths of Brighton Forest offer a more shaded walk among pine and deciduous trees.

Noyelles-sur-Mer

In Noyelles-sur-Mer, beyond its vast stretches of sand, an astonishing heritage awaits you: a Chinese cemetery, the largest in France, where nearly 800 Asian workers recruited during the World War One to support the logistical effort were laid to rest. You can stroll among the gravestones engraved with Chinese characters and French names, in calm and verdant surroundings.

 Le Crotoy

Up north, Le Crotoy stretches out like a south-facing amphitheatre – a rarity in the region. In this small town on the English Channel, you can stroll among the Belle Époque villas that line the seawall and enjoy the long, lazy beach shielded from the wind. At high tide, the port still caters to fishing boats. Here you will find the Auberge de la Marine, a nice restaurant where you can enjoy local produce from the bay, between land and sea.

The Somme Estuary is home to a colony of several hundred seals. To be able to see these marine mammals, simply head to Pointe du Hourdel three hours before low tide, or two hours after. From the edge of the dyke, you can see their round heads and shiny backs as they yawn in the sun. Binoculars allow you to better follow the movements of the groups, often lying on the sandbanks.

At the Marquenterre Park, in the nature reserve, you can walk through hedges, marshes and ponds. The trail features two loops (2 or 4 km) and 13 observation points. You can follow guides to help you spot specific migratory species such as Siberian sandpipers, African spoonbills and Arctic geese. Each habitat attracts its own wildlife: clearings for sparrows, reeds for herons and lagoons for wading birds. Walk slowly through the underbrush, ears perked for the slightest rustle.

Between walks, the bay is a great place to savour local specialities. In Noyelles-sur-Mer, step inside La Ferme des Prés Salés, which features a shop with a selection of locally made products. The cheese is made on site and the vegetables come from the garden. On the shelves, you will find salt meadow lamb, gâteau battu (a type of cake), jarred salicornia, and cider from Picardy, fry and lively.

In Le Crotoy, head to the Digue Mercier early in the morning as the fishermen are unloading their catch. At the fish market, the stalls are stacked with bouchot mussels, grey shrimp, sole or eels, depending on the tide. The market in Cayeux-sur-Mer is held every Sunday, perfect to find your dream meal and discover local products.