Getting around
There's nothing like alternative forms of locomotion to visit the Baie de Somme, classified as one of the most beautiful bays in the world. By bicycle, on foot, in a horse drawn carriage or by train, you can get around at your own pace while enjoying the vistas, light, colors, salt air and bird songs to the fullest… Don't wait any longer! Leave your car behind for a few hours or a few days and live life at nature’s pace.
Carte des pistes et circuits cyclables
Cycling
With its 40 kilometers of bicycle paths and 210 kilometers of loops to be explored, the Baie de Somme is sure to please any cyclist, whether a novice or an old hand.
Discover the peace and quiet of the cliffs of Ault, the long stretches of Picardy's pebble beaches, Cayeux-sur-Mer's Bas Champs (lowlands), the dales and groves of the plateau of Vimeu, the forest of Crécy and its century-old trees, the historical villages of Ponthieu-Marquenterre, the largest dune massif in Europe… Immerse yourself in the distinctive atmosphere of this unique territory and gaze upon its extraordinary landscapes.
Discover cycling routes in Baie de Somme (pdf 2,1Mo).
For more information, www.baiecyclette.com.
On foot
Take one of the 45 marked walking trails and plunge into the heart of the Baie de Somme area, from the coast to the backcountry of Picardy.
From valleys to forests, dunes to cliffs, marshes to salt marshes, traditional farmhouses to windmills, and points to capes, enjoy the serenity of nature's omnipresence and set off to encounter a unique fauna and flora.
Download the files of the main tour trails:
Valloires tour (PDF / 337.5 ko)
Les Crocs, around the Parc du Marquenterre (PDF / 321.6 ko)
400 coups tour (PDF / 315.2 ko)
Le Hourdel, around the Maison de l’Oiseau et de la Baie de Somme (PDF / 362.8 ko)
La Dune du Royon, around the Belle Dune golf course and the ’Belle Dune Aquaclub (PDF / 776.5 ko)
For more information, also consult the itineraries recommended by the Conseil Général de la Somme.
Map of the railroad
By train
At the start of the 20th Century, a little train took vacationers to the Picardy coast's beaches.
This authentic steam locomotive is still running between Crotoy, Noyelles-sur-Mer, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme and Cayeux-sur-Mer. So climb on board one of its Turn-of-the-Century cars and set off to discover the verdant charms of the Baie de Somme. A true trip back in time, one that you can also make on your bicycle at no extra charge.
For more information, www.chemin-fer-baie-somme.asso.fr.
In a horse drawn carriage
From April to October, climb on board a carriage drawn by typical Baie de Somme draft horses for a different perspective on the Nature Reserve. Spend the afternoon being pulled across the dry dunes or along the polder by placid horses and admire the unique terrain at your leisure. When the tide is right, you can also venture out onto the Bay itself for up to six hours. An unforgettable experience…
For more information and to reserve your place, contact the Parc du Marquenterre.
Take a kayak
The Baie des Phoques Sea Kayak and Va'a Club, based in Saint Valery sur Somme, offers a whole host of excursions in the Bay of Somme and other water sports activities. Kayaks and equipment available to rent.
Row against the current into the labyrinth of channels which work their way out into the heart of the bay. As you navigate a bend in the river, maybe you will be lucky enough to see a grey heron or an immaculate white egret.
Club de Kayak de Mer et de Va'a de la Baie des Phoques website
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