4-day cycling tour to explore the Somme Bay thoroughly
Self-guided cycling holiday in the Somme Bay on the Picardy coast.
- North
- 4 day(s)
- Easy
- ~ 35 km/day
- Loop
From beaches to forests, take the time to explore the wonders of the Somme Bay
On the coast of the English Channel, the Somme Bay is a necessary step for migratory birds and a natural area remarkably protected! You will be charmed by the diversity of the landscapes, the rich fauna and flora.
You discover the lovely seaside towns of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme or Le Crotoy, the long sandy beaches of Quend-Plage and Fort-Mahon, the pine-covered dunes, the rural landscape or the forest of Crécy home of strange trees. Take the bike paths and small roads to observe rare birds in the Marquenterre Park. And if you are lucky, you will even see the famous seals of the Somme!
Program
- 26 km
- 39 km
- 49 km
You can choose from two cycling itineraries starting from Saint-Valery-sur-Somme. A short stage (26 km) leads you on a comfortable bike path to Cape Hourdel, whose lighthouse protects the entrance to the bay. You then take the "white road", a magnificent track along the sand dunes of the English Channel before returning to Saint-Valery. A long option (39 or 49 km) passes first in the hinterland through small villages until Cayeux-sur-Mer. You then continue on the white road and cycle past Cape Hourdel before skirting the edge of the bay to reach Saint-Valery-sur-Somme.
- 13 km
If you prefer to cycle rather than catch the steam train, you can bike along the bay to reach Le Crotoy and its beautiful beach.
- 25 km
- + 32 m
You ride on Le Crotoy seawall and along the ponds of Les Morettes inhabited by a large population of birds. Through small lanes in the countryside you reach the Marquenterre Park where we recommend you make a stop. Then follow the cycling path amongst the pine trees to the eco-villages of Quend-Plage. You ride leisurely through the pine-covered dunes before arriving in Fort-Mahon-Plage.
Be sure to stop off at this park, a favourite stopover for birds migrating between Scandinavia and Mauritania. Listen to the comments of the naturalist guides, who will be able to spot avocets, white spoonbills and other species for you.
- 12,00 € € Entrée Adulte
- 8,60 € € Entrée 6 - 17 ans
- 0,00 € € Entrée enfant - 6 ans
- 33 km
- + 7 m
After Fort-Mahon you leave the seaside atmosphere to reach the rural hinterland of the Somme Bay. You wind your way through the fields, stop at the church square of Quend and reach the small town of Rue. This former seaport and walled town is proud of its medieval belfry, its two churches and the heritage of the Caudron brothers, aviation pioneers in the early 20th century. You will find the beachfront vibe again in Le Crotoy.
- 43 km
- 52 km
From Le Crotoy, you can discover the majestic forest of Crécy. Follow the paths amongst oak and beech trees. The most courageous will be able to make a detour deeper into the woods. Exiting the forest, you can also admire the 500-year old Chartreux oak. You reach Noyelles-sur-Mer by passing behind the hunting huts and then continue to Saint-Valery by taking the cycle track along the bay.
Accommodation
Information
Beginning of the trip
Your first day is a cycling stage. Your bikes will be available from 9 am at your accommodation in Saint-Valery-sur-Somme. You will be able to drop off your luggage before starting cycling. Please note rooms are usually available mid afternoon.
To get to the departure point
By plane : flight from Paris then train to Noyelles-sur-Mer.
By train : the closest train station is Noyelles-sur-Mer. The easiest way to reach your accommodation in Saint-Valery from the station is to book a taxi. You will find taxi companies’ contact details in your travel documents. From Paris station (Gare du Nord), take a direct Intercités train to Noyelles-sur-Mer (2h02) or take an Intercités train to Amiens (1h) then a regional train (TER) from Amiens to Noyelles-sur-Mer (40 min). Please note that you can transit through a city other than Amiens if you book a non direct train from Paris (Abbeville or Boulogne Ville are also possible), depending on the day and time. The duration of your journey will vary according to the chosen route. You can plan your trip on: thetrainline.
Car park
If you choose to drive, free and paid car parks are available for the duration of your stay in Saint-Valery-sur-Somme. A free car park is also available at Noyelles-sur-Mer train station.
To reach back the starting point
Your cycling itinerary ends in Saint-Valery-sur-Somme. You can drop off your bikes at your first accommodation and pick up your luggage.
- North
- 4 day(s)
- Easy
- ~ 35 km/day
- Loop
Tried and tested stays!
- Experience15 years' experience in cycling to advise and satisfy you
- Tested & ApprovedThe whole team goes out into the field to design the itineraries and select the best partners (accommodation, bikes, etc.).
- Quality of serviceA dedicated customer service team available and ready to listen, from the moment you book until you return from your holiday.
- Secure paymentIndividual or fractional payment by secure means via our website
We also recommend...
- North
- Easy
- ~ 35 km/day
- Loop