Crossing the Bay of the Somme from Saint-Valery-sur-Somme to Le Crotoy

This hike connects Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme to Le Crotoy by crossing the Somme Bay

The hike starts in the town of Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme and goes to the town of Le Crotoy through the bay of the Somme (it can be done in the other direction). The crossing is easy and is accessible to all. WARNING: the bay of the Somme is an environment in perpetual evolution and it is dangerous to venture alone if you don't know the place. Before leaving, it is necessary to look at the tide times, the crossing being done only at low tide. You should also bring boots or shoes that can go in the water. For all these reasons, it is better to go through guides who will also give you explanations on the life of the bay.

Once the crossing of the bay is over, you can come back to Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme by a tourist train.

The bay of the Somme is a beautiful place, you can even see seals sometimes. The visit of Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme and Le Crotoy is also worth the detour.

Interest: ratinggreat (2 users)
Difficulty: difficulty
Duration: 4 h.
Departure point (Google Maps)

The comments

Inconnu04/16/2024 15:01:21 rating great

Une super façon de découvrir la baie de Somme.

Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme

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Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme
Saint-Valéry is a charming town, famous for being the departure point for the Normans when they invaded England in 1066. This expedition, led by William, Duke of Normandy, culminated in the famous Battle of Hastings, where William was victorious and became King of England. This history gives Saint-Valéry a special historical significance.

The city seen from the calvary of the sailors

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The city seen from the calvary of the sailors
A path takes you up a hill to a small chapel. Sailors' wives used to come here to watch for their husbands' return. Beautiful views over the whole of the Bay of the Somme. You can see the town of Le Crotoy opposite, which is the goal of the walk.

The bay at low tide

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The bay at low tide
We strongly advise against crossing the bay if you are unfamiliar with the area, as it can be dangerous. Fortunately, many guides offer crossings of the Baie de Somme with detailed explanations. The price is usually between €10 and €15 per person for this excursion.

Crossing the bay

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Crossing the bay
The crossing is not very difficult and is open to everyone, so don't be afraid to put your feet in the water.

Sample of halophilic flora

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Sample of halophilic flora
The halophyte or halophilic flora (from the Greek alos, salt and philein, to like) covers the part of the bay covered by the water during high tides. Glasswort can be eaten, the tender, crunchy and salty stems can be eaten in different forms. If you make the crossing with a guide he will show you the different plants.

The Tourelles Hotel

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The Tourelles Hotel
On arrival you can visit the town of Le Crotoy. The hotel des tourelles is an old manor built in 1845 by Pierre Guerlain the famous perfumer. Guerlain was the perfumer attracted by a large part of the European aristocracy and the Empress Eugenie even had him appointed official perfumer of the Court of Napoleon III.

The beach of Le Crotoy

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The beach of Le Crotoy
The beaches at low tide are immense. At least there is room to swim in peace. Le Crotoy has the only beach in the north facing south.

The steam train

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The steam train
The return to Saint-Valéry-de-Somme is done by steam train. Attention the train works especially during the beautiful season. By taking it, one becomes aware of the comfort and the speed of our current trains. It is an astonishing return to the past.

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