Hiking in the Bay of the Somme: 10 must-do tours

baie de somme, hiking

The Bay of the Somme is one of the most beautiful bays in the world, located on the Picardy coastlineThis is an exceptional place, very popular with hikers. By the way, here is 10 must-see tours to do in Somme Bay

Crocs : 

Embark on this tour of 16 km, of 5h30, from Saint-Quentin en Tourmont. You follow the path leading down to the sea, which plunges you into the middle of the dunes, known as crocs in Picardy, hence the name of the trail. It's a hike through wild, unexplored landscapes, where you'll see beautiful dune strips that hug the sea. You'll see millions and millions of Corsican laricio pines planted there to fix the dunes. dunes of Marquenterre. You will also see long wooden piles used to support the breeding of bouchot mussels.

The Authie dunes

This is a loop of an hour, a distance of 2.5 km which offers walkers the opportunity to discover the pannes. The dune is home to fiveThey are home to many species that find the resources they need to live and reproduce. You'll see frogs, tiny daphnia, birds, dragonflies and more. You'll also be able to watch wildlife such as a deer drinking, or an Ash Heron on the lookout for a Natterjack toad.

At the crossing of the bay

Take advantage of this mythical walk in the Bay of the SommeSince the Crotoy to Saint-Valery-Sur-Sommethrough the channels and molières. A course of 6 kmThe tour lasts 3 hours and returns by train or bike. Discover every aspect of the bay on this walk, which is shaped by the rhythm of the tide. Experience unforgettable adventures as you contemplate the captivating lights and beautiful landscapes of the bay. It's also the perfect opportunity to take a closer look at the different species of flora and fauna that live here. 

Le Crotoy

Discover this 3h20 min journey, a distance of 10kmof the Place Jeanne d'Arc at Crotoy. A walk through nature and along the seashore, along the Bay of the Somme and the swamp. A freshwater marsh with over 80 varieties of plants, including the mysterious wild orchid. It is also home to wildfowl and deer, birds, lapwing herons, and the Henson, a small, light-coloured, hardy horse, one of the bay's emblems.

Saint-Valery-Sur-Somme at Cap Hornu


Enjoy this pleasant walk from 6kmwhere you can enjoy a 3-hour walk from the beach of Saint-Valery-Sur-Somme. A magnificent place with exceptional landscapes, where you can contemplate the bay with its palette of colours and lights changing according to the tides. On the way up to the church of Saint Valeryyou will see the Hourdel point and le Crotoy. The return to Cape Hornu will then take place on a boat channel, with a breathtaking view of the bay and its salt meadows.


Le Hourdel in Cayeux-Sur-Mer

This course of approximately 11 km represents an average of 3.5 hours of walking, starting of course from the Port Le HourdelYou can then walk to the pebble beach or take the white road. On the beach side, you will be dazzled by the Hourdel blockhouseone of the most famous blockhouses on the Picardy coast. You will also witness the spectacle of the flood that suddenly invades the port or the ebb that unveils it.

This is the best observation point for resting seals on the sandbanks after their romp in the waves. Arriving at Cayeux-Sur-MerAt the beach you will see several cabins lined up along the beach, perfect for resting after the walk. 


The Hâble d'Ault bird sanctuary


This walk of 5kmThe 1 hour 45 minute tour will take you through many natural environments in the heart of the Lower Fields. Moreover, the loop takes you through the Hâble d' Ault marshesThis is a wetland area protected by a pebble beach, where no less than 270 species of birds can be found. It is a short trip for the whole family, starting from the Bitter Monument in Cayeux sur Mer in the direction ofAult. Your eyes will be dazzled by the small, playful gravels and the great crested grebes that pass between the reeds.

The cliff of Ault

This circuit of 2.9 kmThe 1-hour walk is perfect for nature lovers. The walk begins in the Cise WoodA small wooded valley between two cliffs opening onto the sea. Enjoy a pleasant walk on the rocky foreshore of this chalk cliff of 80 mAt its foot lies a huge beach of pebbles and sand, with variations in colour at low tide. At its foot lies a huge beach of pebbles and sand, at low tide and with variations in colour

The coastal path from Ault to Mers les Bains

From Cise Wood at the Lily of the ValleyEnjoy this walk of 4.7km1.5 hour walk, where you can reach Our Lady of the Cliff on the heights of Mers Les Bains. Discover its breathtaking landscapes that reveal the infinite horizon, and enjoy a beautiful walk in the open air. Arriving at Mers les BainsYou'll see a charming seaside resort with Belle Époque and Art Nouveau villas lining the esplanade, facing the beach. 

baie de somme, hiking

The Royon Dune

Discover this trail of 4kmwhich begins in Fort-Mahon-Plage. You will discover a natural dune environment that is extremely sensitive and the presence of the Oyat, a plant that stabilises it. Then you will cross the shrubby dune composed of thorny thickets of sea buckthorn and privet. As you move away from the shore, you will discover the pannes which are home to a whole range of remarkable flora as well as amphibians.

At the exit of the pine forest is the commune Quend-Plage where you can observe the fields of mussels and various species of sea birds. You finish the journey by walking up the beach avenue which will take you back to the starting point. 


To complete this article we invite you to read : nature activities in the somme bay.

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