Fauna and flora of the Bay of Somme

Ornithological park of Marquenterre

A must in the region is, of course, the discovery of the Marquenterre bird park. It is the place of migration of 300 species. This 1 hectare polder/marsh is home to waders, sparrows and birds of prey depending on the season. Binoculars in hand, boots on, you will feast, and apprehend the treasures. There is even a Bird and Nature Festival, where workshops are offered for your curious children.

Seals and sea calves

Your attraction to seals and sea calves will be more than fulfilled! A myriad of strategic points exist. Brighton les Pins, St Valéry, Cayeux… It is by canoe or kayak that you will go to the famous expected encounter of these massive, good-natured animals, which take advantage of the falling tides.

Marshes and gardens

For botanists, the Larronville marsh is a nugget. 60 species, 12 of which are protected, give rise to multiple observations. The Jardins de Valloires will also seduce you, as you will stroll over 8 hectares of botanical poetry!

Crotoy

The location of Le Crotoy gives it the look of a peninsula when the sea retreats up to 12 kilometers away!. This gives free rein to walks and fishing of all kinds. Cockles, prawns, driftwood… The sky stretches out and merges with the sea. What sunsets! You will be at the heart of Baie de Somme Natural Park, and this Maritime Picardy. It offers you a beautiful Land-Sea range for your holidays or your desires for freedom.

Sports and Recreation

Nautical sports

The pleasures of the sea are countless. Swimming, sand yachting, kite-surfing, paragliding… The benefits of walking in sea water, while breathing the iodized air, no longer need to be demonstrated. Horse riding is facilitated by the space, and you have several centers around Le Crotoy. All are for everyone… Whatever the level.

Hiking or cycling

The Somme also calls you to its valley, rich in cycle paths for mountain biking and cycle tourism. The Véloroute to Long takes you along the towpaths, and the river allows for electric boat rides.

Peach

For you fishermen, the sea is just a stone's throw away. The fishing ponds are 2 kilometers away. If you take a guide, his professional and reassuring knowledge will amaze you.

Heritage and culture

Fort Mahon beach will remind you of our history, with its remnants of the Atlantic Wall.

Immersion in the Belle Époque

Cayeux beach develops a beautiful boardwalk, along which countless cabanas run. The Chalk Cliff Route between Ault, Hourdel and Mers is unique! Stroll in Mers, where the masterpieces of the Belle Epoque, the daring colors of the facades, the ironwork, the rosettes, and bow-windows are so many appeals for lovers of art and photography. Then take a walk towards Ault and the Bois de Cise, where the Belle Epoque houses combine bricks, stone turrets, balconies, under the metallic gray of the slate. An XNUMXth century castle^nd surrounded by a park and greenhouses, a power station to visit... The Lock House and the locks in operation will add many facets to your journey.

Hunting place for kings

As you are on the edge of the forest of Crécy en Ponthieu, you enter 4 hectares cleared by the Benedictines in the 322th^nd century. This national forest was an important hunting ground for the kings. Beeches and oaks have even attracted a Festival of Monumental Sculptures.

Hundred Years War

Don't forget that Crécy was the terrible place of the eponymous battle. It marked the beginning of the 100 years war, in 1346. You can relive this dark period at Historical Center Museum of Crécy.

And more

If small heritage interests you, go to Rue. Its belfry is the symbol of its power and of the municipal deliberations of the XNUMXth^nd century. A visit to the Gothic jewel of the Chapelle St-Esprit is then a must. Also remember that it was thanks to the Caudron Brothers that in 1909 the first aviation factory was created. In Rue, thousands of airmen have left their mark. Visit the museum!

If you have a moment, do not miss the Little Steam Train of the Bay, a cheerful return to the heritage of Crotoy. Also go to St Valéry / Somme lose yourself in the picturesque Courtgain district. Its name recalls the meager salaries of fishermen.

Picardy gastronomy

In the Baie de Somme, your taste for gastronomy will be flattered by the cockles and mussels of Bouchot. Salicornia is also to be discovered. The restaurateurs are developing their talents for superb land-sea pairings. Waterfowl is a must on good tables, as well as smoked eel rillettes from the Haute Somme, or salt-meadow lamb (AOC Estran). Picardy gastronomy is brilliantly illustrated thanks to the excellent market gardening products of the Hortillonnages, these gardens surrounded by water. You will also taste the flamiches and Caqhuses, or even the Picardy ficelles.

And, back to Camping "The 3 sand pits", you will appreciate the comfortable infrastructures, which suggest the sharing of photos, information, anecdotes, and conviviality.