How about going on an adventure in France?

Discovering the Bay of Somme.

The Bay of Somme by bike.

Let's head to the Bay of Somme in the Hauts de France region for a 3-4 day bicycle trip! I guarantee that you will feast your eyes on seaports, canals, hunting lodges, belfries, sea walls, or even seals. It will be a change from the all-inclusive!

Crotoy, a seaside resort full of history.

Since our itineraries will radiate from Le Crotoy, why not start our program with this seaside resort? You'll be surprised to learn how much fascinating history it holds! It was from here that the ships of William the Conqueror set sail for the conquest of England in 1066. Later, Joan of Arc was imprisoned in the Château de Crotoy before crossing the bay to be taken to her trial in Rouen.

Since our routes will radiate from Le Crotoy, why not start our program at this seaside resort?

At the end of the 19th century, the city, which had a casino and thermal baths, was fashionable. Pierre Guerlain, perfumer to Empress Eugénie, also contributed to the launch of the resort. Jules Verne wrote 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea there. Many painters were attracted to the place, like Sisley, Seurat, or Manessier, a local child. Colette lived there and set her novel The Vagabond in the city. Finally, the city was the cradle of aviation with the first flying school.

Each of the hikes I am going to describe corresponds to a day of pedaling with long breaks around a pot of mussels or a light waffle.

Heading to Valéry-sur-Somme!

 The first destination you should head to is called Saint Valéry-sur-Somme. However, what is original is that you will reach it aboard a vintage train, in the company of your little queen. This medieval city will provide you with a refreshing breath of air. For this, you might disembark because the terrain is hilly. Indeed, if you want to overlook the bay, climb up to the Marins or Courtgain district and you will enjoy a 180° panorama.

The vast green expanses where sheep graze are saturated with seawater. These salt meadow sheep consequently produce meat with a briny taste. Then you will race down the cobblestone alleys entwined with the scents of dill and mint. Along the way, you will stop at the Guillaume towers. Finally, you will follow the Somme docks before plunging into the Vimeu countryside, paced by its charming villages. Lastly, the return route, which runs alongside the canal featuring an excellent bike path, will take your breath away!

The Marquenterre Park.

I now recommend a second itinerary, this time in a regional nature reserve: the Marquenterre Park. Be sure to bring your binoculars, as it is an ideal opportunity to observe wildlife in a wetland area. Starting from the town of Crotoy, follow the dike. Soon you will see the Morettes ponds, a refuge for birds. It is best to ensure the services of a naturalist guide who will help you spot avocets or white spoonbills.

Traveling along the country roads, you will reach Rue where you will make a stop. The place prides itself on being the birthplace of the Caudron brothers. Moreover, it features a belfry, this Picard tower at the top of which is located the carillon. Villages that had this architectural element in the Middle Ages had obtained certain communal liberties from their feudal lord! Finally, you will take the charming roads of the hinterland to return to Crotoy. 

Cayeux-sur-mer.

A third path will take you to Cayeux-sur-mer where you will be dazzled. You will admire the 400 beach cabins lined up on an endless beach. In the past, pebbles composed of silica were collected here. Then, you will push on to the point of Hourdel to observe, with binoculars in hand, the colonies of seals! How is it that they venture into the bay? In 1972, their hunting, as well as that of sea calves, was made illegal. 14 years later, the first individuals appeared on the sandbanks of the Bay of Somme.

You will admire the 400 beach cabins lined up on a beach that stretches as far as the eye can see.

An alternative is to go to the Crécy forest for a day on the forest paths. This area features a unique sight: an oak tree embracing a beech tree, it's up to you to find it! As you leave the woods, you will come face to face with the 500-year-old Chartreux oak! I then suggest you head to Noyelles-sur-Mer by passing behind the game hunting huts. You will then cover the last stretch that separates you from Le Crotoy.