What to do in the Bay of the Somme: Camping’s visit tips
The Baie de Somme by nature
Situated between the Pointe du Hourdel to the south and the Pointe de Saint-Quentin-en-Tourmont to the north, the Baie de Somme is one of the most emblematic landscapes in the Hauts-de-France region. This listed natural site, a member of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World club, attracts thousands of visitors every year in search of nature, adventure and authenticity.
Slow tourism in the Bay Area
Over the past 20 years, soft mobility has become a major issue for the region. The Baie de Somme boasts 50 kilometers of bike paths, eight discovery loops, numerous hiking trails and a railway line serving four stations (Noyelles-sur-Mer, Le Crotoy, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme and Cayeux-sur-Mer).
Before visiting the Baie de Somme, we recommend a stop at the Maison de la Baie, located in Lanchères near Saint-Valery-sur-Somme. Here you’ll find museographic spaces, animated dioramas, interactive terminalsand a ticket office for guided tours.
Crossing the bay with a nature guide
The Baie de Somme Nature Reserve, created 30 years ago, covers 3,000 hectares of lagoons, dunes, mudflats and salt meadows. Awarded the“Grand site de France” label in 2011, this territory of land and water is a major ecosystem on the Somme coastline. The site is home to France’s largest seal colony, nearly 300 bird species and 275 plant species.
All year round, naturalist guides offer guided walks, themed workshops and family events . The guide will explain the history of the bay and its evolution, the behavior and lifestyle of seals, bird migration and tidal phenomena.
Local wildlife
See the seals of the Baie de Somme: Pointe du Hourdel
In the south of the Bay of the Somme, between Cayeux-sur-Mer and Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, the Pointe du Hourdel is a prime site for observing the Bay of the Somme‘s famous harbor seals, as well as a few gray seals.
At low tide, seals haul themselves out of the water to warm up on the sandbanks. They can be observed 2 hours before and after low tide. It’s important to respect their tranquility. Keep a distance of at least 300 meters from them, so as not to disturb them.
The sea calf has a different head from other seals. Its round head and distinct snout give it a “dog-like” appearance. Some specimens can measure up to 1.80 m in length and weigh close to 100 kg.
Birdwatching in the Parc du Marquenterre
Located in the heart of the Baie de Somme National Nature Reserve, near Saint-Quentin-en-Tourmont, the Parc du Marquenterre is an important migration corridor for thousands ofmigratory birds. Over 300 species have been recorded here. Observatories and discovery trails have been created to facilitate their observation.
Themed events, outings and workshops are offered during the school vacations. At the end of your visit, the park’s Maison du Parc, with its gift store, awaits you to complete your experience.
Parc du Marquenterre: 25 bis chemin des Garennes, 80120 Saint-Quentin-en-Tourmont. Further information on our“How to visit the Parc du Marquenterre” page.
Looking for nature? Book your camping holiday in the Baie de Somme now! Our 4-star Les Roses campsite offers comfortable mobile homes for 2, 4 or 6 people, an aquatic area with heated indoor pool, services, activities and entertainment all season long.