Exploration of the Somme Bay and Its Wildlife

The "Pointe du Hourdel" is the best place for seeing the seals. You will need binocular to spot them, resting on sandbanks. Be aware that the seals are protected species. Maintain a safety distance to preserve their wellness and serenity.
Warning: if you want to venture on the bay at low tide, don't go without a guide. The best thing is to remain near the blockhouse on the edge of the channel. If you want to book a guided tour, check on this website. You will have to schedule it accordingly to tides times.

You have arrived in St-Valery-sur-Somme, a very charming pocket-size walled city along the seafront. There are some free parking at the entrance of the town, but you will have to walk a lot. If possible, park your car there, right in the center.

Start your visit of St-Valery-sur-Somme with the Fishermen's quarter. Don't miss the lovely streets "rue des bateliers" and "rue des pilotes", with colorful flowered houses.
Walk up to the beautiful lookout "Calvaire des Marins". It was there that fishermen wives and children used to come for watching the return of the boats. There is a lovely and tiny chapel, dedicated to sailors lost at sea.

Then wander along this nice "Promenade" along the Somme. Head towards the beach and its typical wood bath cabins. It is named after Joan of Arc, who was held captive in the local prison before being taken to Rouen to be burned alive in 1431.

Have lunch at this tiny local restaurant. You will enjoy fresh and local products of the season.
Open Hours: Closed on Monday and Tuesday Wednesday - Sunday: 12:00 - 18:00

Located on the outskirts of town, the Sailor's Chapel is worth the 15-minutes walk. You will enjoy a very beautiful view over the Somme Bay. In addition, you will cross the medieval quarter of Saint-Valéry, which is a wonderful area with cobblestone streets and timbered houses.

It is time to leave St-Valery-sur-Somme and to drive towards another amazing landmark.

Welcome to one of the most remarkable bird sanctuary of France. The Marquenterre ornithological park is a large migratory stopover between Northern Europe and Western Africa. Birds can be seen all-year, depending on the species behaviour, such as white storks, cattle egrets, grey herons, pied avocets...
Three marked walking paths (from 2km to 6km) will take you to different observations points. Small wooden cabins will allow you to observe wildlife and nature in a hidden manner. If you don't have binoculars, you can rent some at the entrance.
Open Hours: From April 1 to September 30: every day 10:00-19:00 February, March and October: every day 10:00-18:00 November and December: Saturday-Sunday 10:00 - 17:00

Fort-Mahon Beach is a nice place to end your road trip along the Somme river and bay. It is a magnificent beach of fine sand. It offers many beach activities, but you can also just walk along, relax or have a fresh swim if you are up to!

Before driving back to Lille, enjoy an early dinner nearby the Fort-Mahon beach. Try the local specialty: fries and mussels!
Open Hours: Monday - Sunday: 11:30 - 21:30