Le Crotoy
An authentic destination in the heart of the Baie de Somme, an exceptional natural site
Le Crotoy has distinguished itself many times in history. As the departure point for several of William the Conqueror's ships heading towards England in the 11th century, the small town became famous as a fishing port in the 17th century and became a major seaside resort in the mid-19th century, highly appreciated by famous figures such as Victor Hugo, Toulouse-Lautrec, Jules Verne and Pierre Guerlain.
The resort still reveals the charm and picturesque character of a small fishing harbour.
Its fishermen's houses stand alongside elegant "Belle Epoque" villas along the sandy beach, which is the only beach in the north facing south : an ideal playground for water sports enthusiasts, hikers and other outdoor sports lovers.
When you stay at the 2-stars Hôtel de la Baie de Somme in Le Crotoy, you're just two hours from the Belgian border, in the Hauts de France region, in the heart of one of the most beautiful bays in the world, a remarkable site in many ways. The largest estuary in northern France, the Bay de Somme is a protected area made up of vast expanses of dunes, marshes and salt meadows that are home to exceptional flora and fauna.
Don't hesitate to ask us, we'll be happy to advise you on your discovery and offer you a wide choice of services such as: bike rides or themed walks with a guide, hire of sand yachts, canoes or bikes, sand yacht lessons, sea kayaking trips, overnight stays in a hut...
Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme
This picturesque medieval town, with its charming cobbled streets, ramparts and colourful houses, is one of France's most beautiful detours.
Marquenterre
The Marquenterre Bird Park, in the heart of the Baie de Somme Nature Reserve, is a haven of peace for the many wild birds that stop off here.
The Baie de Somme Railway
Between Le Crotoy and Cayeux-sur-Mer, discover the Bay of the Somme on board of an early twentieth-century "tortillard" pulled by steam locomotives.
Other visits in the Baie de Somme
> The Chapel of the Holy Spirit in Rue: a testament to the flamboyant Gothic art of the 15th and 16th centuries and the taste for decorative sculpture. Remarkable high vaults decorated with hanging keys.
> The belfry and the Caudron brothers museum: personal objects illustrate the work of the Caudron brothers, pioneers of aviation in Picardy, in parallel with the development of aeronautics from 1909 to 1939.
> Valloires Abbey and Gardens: visit the only complete Cistercian abbey dating from the 17th and 18th centuries in France. Highlights include a classical cloister, vaulted chapter house, salons with Louis XV decorations and a Baroque-style church with organ.) Visit the gardens, with more than 5,000 species of plants and shrubs over 8 hectares.
> Rambures fortified castle: 15th-century feudal fortress, furnished historic monument listed since 1840, featuring late medieval military architecture.