New tour
On foot
Off the beaten tracks

2 days in the Somme bay

2 days discovering the Bay of the Somme with bird-watching and wild seals watching

Day 1
Bay of the Somme: discovering and crossing the bay
Departure from Paris.
Right on the way, pass by Amiens and get the chance to observe the largest Gothic cathedral in France, considered as a masterpieces of medieval architecture.
Being the capital of the Somme department, Amiens is exactly on the way to the 'Baie de Somme'. Incidentally, Amiens is where the current French President, Emmanuel Macron, is originated from.
On arrival to the 'Baie de Somme', stroll around the cobbled streets of the charming Saint-Valéry-en-Somme medieval town with a stunning view from its promontory heights over the bay.
Lunch time in the village.
Restaurant recommendation: Le Relais Guillaume de Normandy (Saint-Valéry-en-Somme)
In the a fternoon:
Cross the bay between Le Crotoy and Saint-Valéry-en-Somme, which is the major attraction here.
Follow your local wildlife guide through the bay and salt marshes, feet in the slit, experiencing the enchanting change of light.
Fit conditions are required. Boots or sneakers and a windbreaker are most recommended.
Overnight around the bay
Hotel Options:
4* Château Hotel de Noyelles-sur-Mer en Baie de Somme
3* Les Tourelles Hotel, Le Crotoy, overlooking the bay
- Somme map
- Amiens cathedral
- Amiens cathedral
- Saint-Valery-sur-Somme
Day 2
Baie de Somme: seal-watching and bird-watching
Second day:
Morning:
Wild seal-watching from the little town of Le Hourdel, the largest wild seal colony in France. They are visible daily during summer months on low tide. Follow your local wildlife guide who will provide you binoculars.
Lunch and visit in Le Crotoy, overlooking the bay. Restaurant recommendation: Les Tourelles.
You will have some time to walk on the town seaside, stuck in-between the sea and the salt marshes.
Depending on the tide, a walk could also be possible on the impressive 'dike of locks'.
Afternoon:
Head to the other side of the bay and experience the Marquenterre National Natural Reserve with ornithological site of interest. Walk through paths and wooden viewing platforms for bird-watching including storks, cranes, egrets, herons, spoonbills,...
Return to Paris
- Le Crotoy
- Hotel in Le Crotoy
- Seals and birds watch
- Seal swiming