A family weekend in the Baie de Somme
the perfect nature & culture getaway for young and old alike
Two hours from Paris, treat yourself to a family weekend in the Baie de Somme. A sea that recedes and recedes for miles, colonies of seals dozing on the sandbanks, swarms of migratory birds… This great natural theater, ranked among the most beautiful bays in the world, has nothing to envy of faraway destinations. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of it.
- Free-roaming seals at Pointe du Hourdel, visible at low tide.
- 300 species of birds at Parc du Marquenterre, pushchair-friendly trail.
- Historic steam train from Crotoy to Cayeux, guaranteed fun for the kids.
Where to go, what to see, how to get organized
What if your next family weekend was in the Baie de Somme?
Seals, migratory birds, colorful beach huts, steam trains… Your complete guide to two unforgettable days with the kids. Here’s how to organize the two days so that everyone goes home delighted, including the little ones. Follow the guide!
The Baie de Somme has to be earned, but it’s easy to get to. From Paris, allow 2 hours by car via the A16, or 2 hours 15 minutes by train to Abbeville, then a 30-minute drive. For this family weekend, a car is essential to link the different stages.
- The best time? May to September to enjoy the outdoors and family activities. Avoid August if you don’t like crowds – June and September are the best months.
- Where to sleep? Le Crotoy, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme and Quend-Plage are perfect anchor points for exploring the bay.
- Our program is organized into two complementary days: Saturday with nature and wide-open spaces, Sunday with villages and riverside walks. Each stage is accessible to young children, and designed to alternate discovery and breathing space.
Day 1 – Saturday morning: Parc du Marquenterre
When nature is your guide
Start with one of the bay’s most emblematic sites: the Parc du Marquenterre. Arrive as soon as it opens to avoid the crowds and enjoy the morning’s active birds.
located near Saint-Quentin-en-Tourmont, this 200-hectare protected area is part of the Baie de Somme national nature reserve. It is home to over 300 species of birds.
Opt for the 2-hour long trail through dunes, ponds, reedbeds and observation posts (6 km, entirely stroller-friendly), where you’ll come across storks, white spoonbills, little egrets, Belon shelducks and – if you’re lucky – thousands of migrating greylag geese.
For children : ask for the treasure hunt at the park entrance. It turns a stroll into an adventure and encourages children to observe the flora and fauna.
It’s possible to take a ride on Hensons, the emblematic horses of the Baie de Somme, or on a pony for younger riders.
- Closed January 1 and December 25; weekends only from November to February, except during school vacations.
Afternoon: Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme, the medieval city
Ramparts, alleys and quaysides in bloom
A 15-minute drive away, Saint-Valéry is a picture-postcard medieval town. William the Conqueror stayed here before the Battle of Hastings to become King of England.
Stroll along the ramparts, stroll through the cobbled streets with their flower-filled facades, then head down to the quays to walk along the bay to the beach.
The Courtgain district reveals a labyrinth of narrow streets and colorful houses. Fishermen’s families used to repaint their houses with surplus paint from their boats.
For dinner, stay in town: the restaurants on the quayside offer all the Bay’s star products – salt-meadow lamb, Bay mussels, fresh fish.
Things to do with children in Saint-Valery
The little steam train of the Baie de Somme: not to be missed. Tickets on sale at Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, Le Crotoy, Noyelles-sur-Mer and Cayeux-sur-Mer stations. Return fares: adults €15, children €11, family pass €46.50, free for children under 4. At Noyelles-sur-Mer, the locomotive changes direction – a magical moment for the little ones.
Seal-watching in a zodiac: Les Petits Charcot offers seal-watching trips in a semi-rigid boat in the bay, recommended for children aged 4 and over (8 from October to February, depending on weather conditions). Bring warm clothing and a change of pants.
Day 2 – Sunday morning: seals at Pointe du Hourdel
The Baie de Somme mascots
It’s the activity that most impresses children – and adults. The Baie de Somme is home to France’s largest colony of harbor seals and gray seals.. They gather on the sandbanks at low tide.
Check the tide tables before you leave: they can be seen 3 hours before and up to 2h30 after low tide.
Meet at Pointe du Hourdel, north of Cayeux-sur-Mer. Park in the Dunes parking lot (fee payable). The pebble beach is quite steep – bring a baby carrier for toddlers, as strollers won’t fit.
Important: Keep a distance of at least 300 metres from seals. A disturbed seal dives into the water. In summer, females may abandon their pups if they feel threatened.
Afternoon: Cayeux-sur-Mer and its beach cabins
Europe’s longest boardwalk and an immense pebble beach
5 minutes from Le Hourdel, Cayeux-sur-Mer is famous for its long pebble beach lined with almost 400 colorful cabins, the longest boardwalk in Europe.
With children, there are several options depending on age and energy.
Cayeux beach : you can go fishing with the kids, or simply enjoy a family picnic while admiring the scenery. The pebbles quickly become a playground in their own right – for collecting, building and throwing into the waves.
For sporty families, the Cayeux nautical base offers catamaran, sea kayak and kitesurfing.
A few minutes to the south, the cliffs of Ault offer a spectacular backdrop reminiscent of the Côte d’Albâtre.
Focus on the little train of the Baie de Somme
The Chemin de fer de la baie de Somme is a family favorite. The line dates back to 1887. From February to December, this vintage steam train runs between Le Crotoy and Cayeux-sur-Mer, passing through four main stations. The scenery of salt meadows and flocks of sheep is well worth seeing.
Stops at Le Crotoy, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme and Cayeux-sur-Mer provide easy access to the quays, waterfront and iconic sites of some of the best-known seaside resorts on the Picardy coast.
To do: The 1-hour Saint-Valéry / Le Crotoy route, with a stop at Noyelles-sur-Mer. A fun experience for children, who love to watch the locomotive maneuver.
Tip: opt for 1st class if available – the wooden benches of 3rd class quickly become a nuisance.
Crossing the Bay of the Somme on foot with children
Guided crossings of the Bay of the Somme are generally recommended for children aged 6-8 and over, depending on the service provider and the season – some accept children as young as 6 in summer, but require 8 from October to February due to more difficult weather conditions.
This is a hike on wet and sometimes shifting sands, requiring a certain physical stamina and the ability to follow the guide’s instructions in complete safety.
Practical tips for your family weekend
Everything you need to know before you leave
Bring warm, waterproof clothing whatever the season. The wind blows almost constantly across the bay. Always add an extra layer for children.
For babies and toddlers, the Cayeux boardwalk is accessible by baby carriage. The Pointe du Hourdel pebble beach, on the other hand, is not. A baby carrier is preferable.
Consult the tide times before planning your program: they determine whether you can observe seals, go kayaking or go fishing. The maree.info website is a reference.
Bring binoculars – essential at Le Hourdel to observe seals without disturbing them, and at Le Marquenterre for birdwatching.
Bring a change of pants for the kids: between the wet pebbles, the mud and the zodiac rides, they always end up soaked.
Finally, book the steam train and guided tours in advance in July and August – they sell out weeks in advance.
For accommodation, Camping Les Roses, a family campsite in Quend-Plage, ticks all the family boxes: well located, well equipped and run by a team who know every corner of the bay. All the stages of this program can be reached in less than 20 minutes.