Dating in the Somme, in the bay and along the Picardy coast

Le Crotoy and Saint-Valery-sur-Somme

Facing each other at the mouth of the bay, Le Crotoy is the only resort on the Picardy coast with full south exposure. Saint-Valery-sur-Somme lines up its colourful fishermen’s houses in the lower town and its fine medieval gate in the upper town. You meet for herring at noon, then walk to Cap Hornu as the boats come back with the tide. A moment outside time.

Seals and the Marquenterre

At low tide, the largest harbour seal colonies in France gather at Pointe du Hourdel for a collective nap. Guided nature walks let you approach the groups, at a respectful distance. Northwards, the Marquenterre Park, part of the Somme Bay nature reserve, reveals a landscape of pines and lagoons where over 350 bird species stop over. A rare setting for a date with binoculars around your neck.

Cayeux and the Bay railway

Cayeux-sur-Mer and its pebble foreshore, lined with colourful beach huts, is one of the great postcards of maritime Picardy. To link the bay villages, nothing beats the steam train of the Somme Bay Railway. On Lyad, residents of the Somme share their favourite beaches: it is up to you to find someone to catch the next gulls’ train with.