The department of the Somme is a real paradise for water sports enthusiasts, as the eponymous river crosses the territory from east to west, its mouth opening onto the English Channel to form the Baie de Somme.

A yacht charter in the Somme (80) will allow you to veer off into the sea and navigate the rivers. Along the Somme, your ports of call will include the port of Amiens, the lock and canoe-kayak pier of Ailly-sur-Somme, the locks of Abbeville, the floating pontoons of Saint-Valéry-Sur-Somme, Longprès and Samara. The main activities are sailing on board a pénichette, or a trip in a boat or kayak through the heart of the hortillonnages.

Saint-Valéry-Sur-Somme has the distinction of being both a river port and a seaport, due to its position in the Bay of Somme. You will moor in a large marina located in the heart of the city, close to shops and restaurants. You can explore the magnificent seaside resorts of the Picardy coast, in particular Mers-les-Bains and its "Belle Époque" villas or Ault and its villas from the early 20th century.

The immense sandy beaches of Quend in Fort-Mahon and the pebble beaches of Cayeux are perfect for relaxing. In Amiens, the belfry, Notre-Dame cathedral, the tower and the house of Jules Verne are not to be missed.

Places of interest in the Somme

Historically speaking, the department of the Somme, located in the Picardy region, has no shortage of attractions. Magnificent tourist sites that you can discover as you travel along the coast. Take a break from history in the commune of Ault, home to some beautiful ancient architecture, such as the church of Saint-Pierre, built from the 15th century onwards, the chapel of Sainte-Edith du Bois-de-Cise, built in 1912, and the Ault lighthouse, overlooking the beach of Onival-sur-Mer.

You can also linger in one of the three towns located in the heart of the Baie de Somme, such as Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme, where there are a few historical gems such as the 13th-century Saint-Martin church and the Tours de Guillaume, remnants of the town's fortifications. Also part of the Baie de Somme, Le Crotoy is also home to a magnificent cultural heritage, such as the Villa Marguerite, built around the beginning of the 20th century, the Church of Saint-Pierre and the Villa Solitude, the former home of Jules Verne, which you can admire in the town center.

From the Baie de Somme, it is also possible to sail to the Channel Islands, located in the open sea off the Normandy coast, and discover this fascinating archipelago, where French and British influences intermingle.

Get closer to nature

Want to discover the famous Baie de Somme during your cruise on the English Channel? Anchor in one of the three resorts in the bay, namely Le Crotoy, Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme and Cayeux-sur-Mer. At low tide, it is a lot of fun to stroll along a vast stretch of sand facing the town of Crotoy, which is one of the most beautiful villages in France. For total harmony with nature, choose the beach of Marais, revealing a wild environment to be discovered on foot. This area is also perfect for kitesurfing enthusiasts.

A mecca for birdwatchers, the Baie de Somme is a wonderful playground at low tide for birdlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, who will be able to observe the seal colonies basking on the sandbanks at the hamlet of Le Hourdel.