Nature Cycling Weekend in the Somme Bay

A long weekend to discover the natural riches of the Somme Bay

Highlights

Pointe du Hourdel and its seal colony
The ornithological reserve of Marquenterre and Hable d'Ault
The White Route, a remarkable track between the dunes and the ocean
The Belfry of Rue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The forest of Crécy and its hundred-year-old oaks
The Memorial to the Caudron Brothers, pioneers of French aviation

3 biking days under the spell of the Somme Bay

On a biking weekend, discover what makes the reputation of one of the most beautiful bays in the world.

With its 7,000 hectares of estuary and an exceptional unspoiled landscape, the Baie de Somme stands out as the must-see site in the North of France.
A true biodiversity refuge, it is today one of the favorite destinations for those who love natural spaces. It carries a world’s end atmosphere, sands, dunes, sea, cliffs, marshes are linked to form an unforgettable landscape.

The Somme Bay offers various marked and secure bike circuits. Take the Gravelot circuit and discover the largest seal colony in France, or the Avocette circuit to visit the Marquenterre ornithological reserve and its hundreds of migratory birds … For a few more kilometers via the Jay circuit, in the forest, you cycle under the shade of hundred-year-old oaks and beeches.

For a weekend, get ready for a big breath of fresh sea air! From your first steps on the Bay, a feeling of freedom and wonder invades you. The sky merges with the sea, the song of the birds mingles with the sound of the waves, the sand of the dunes remind you of the eternal cycle of the tide.

 

*The itinerary of this trip is subject to change according to train schedules.
** The pirogue activity (optional) will be confirmed according to the tides.

Niveau EasyEasy or Niveau FitFit
Day 1

SAINT-VALERY-SUR-SOMME 32km 61m Niveau Loisir

Head for La Pointe du Hourdel to marvel at the sight of France’s largest seal colony. Follow the superb “Route Blanche” cycle path to Cayeux-sur-Mer, with its colorful cabanons criss-crossing the beach. Don’t miss a stop at the Hable d’Ault ornithological reserve to observe the countless migratory birds that occupy the site. Finish your day in the charming town center of Saint-Valérie-sur-Somme and enjoy the medieval setting.

Day 2

FROM SAINT-VALÉRY-SUR-SOMME TO LE CROTOY, LE CROTOY LOOP 36km 76m Niveau Facile

You and your bikes will travel to Le Crotoy aboard the vintage “Tour de la Baie” train, the perfect way to contemplate the natural landscape as the rails whistle past.

Leaving Le Crotoy, cycle along the Avocette trail towards the Marquenterre ornithological park, a must-see on the Baie de Somme. You’ll be amazed by the 200 hectares of forest, dunes and reed beds… during your visit, a guide will reveal all the secrets of the birds that live in the reserve. You continue on the tour towards Rue and its Belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You return to the road to finish your day in Le Crotoy.

  • For a few more km 57km 145m Niveau Loisir

    Extend the stage by taking the loop further north. Ride along the largest dune massif in northern Europe as far as the Pointe de Routhiauville. Discover authentic villages where horses and birds reign supreme.

Day 3

From LE CROTOY to SAINT-VALERY-SUR-SOMME 15km 12m Niveau Facile

From Le Crotoy, the route follow the Bay of the Somme

Along the way, you’ll pass through the bay’s typical landscapes, between salt meadows and marshes, home to numerous species of birds. The route passes close to the Baie de Somme railroad, where steam locomotives linking Le Crotoy to Saint-Valery can sometimes be seen. The arrival at Saint-Valery-sur-Somme reveals a charming port and a medieval town perched on a hill. The sailors’ quarter, with its colorful facades, contrasts with the old town and its ramparts overlooking the bay, offering an exceptional view of the estuary.

  • For a few more km 40km 140m Niveau Loisir
    You reach Le Marais, a vast expanse of wetlands where a rich birdlife flourishes. The road then leads to Forest-Montiers, a peaceful village surrounded by hedged farmland and marked by its typical local church. Further on, the Crécy-en-Ponthieu forest offers a shady passage through the heart of one of the largest forest massifs in northern France, renowned for its centuries-old oaks and its medieval history linked to the Battle of Crécy. After a detour to Nouvion, the route descends towards Noyelles-sur-Mer, where you can see the station of the famous bay steam train. The end of the route follows the Somme, with superb views of the cliffs of Saint-Valery.

Comfort Range

Our quality standard at Abicyclette. This type of accommodation includes 2 and 3 stars hotels. Depending on the itinerary, you might spend some nights in approved guesthouses. You enjoy a double bedroom with private bathroom and toilet and adapted welcome for you and your bikes.

Accommodation example
Hôtel Restaurant les Tourelles

Starting from 415€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices

Essential Range

You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.


Quote on request | Contact us

Privilege Range

Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.


Quote on request | Contact us

Price includes

  • Accommodation: 2 nights in a Double room
  • 2 breakfasts
  • Luggage transfer
  • Phone assistance 24/7
  • Access to our exclusive travel application to follow your route, inform you about places of interest, restaurants, facilitate your assistance in case of emergency, find all your travel documents and our practical advice.
  • Application fee
  • Taxes
  • The itinerary trackable on the following supports:
    • Loan of a Bicycle GPS uploaded with full itinerary of the trip
    • Topo maps
    • Cycling practical guide including restaurant recommendations for lunch & dinner
  • Additional services included:
    • Day 1 : Private shuttle - SAINT-VALERY-SUR-SOMME - SAINT-VALERY-SUR-SOMME
    • Day 2 : Train - SAINT-VALERY-SUR-SOMME - LE CROTOY
    • Day 2 : Parc ornithologique du Marquenterre (et restaurant) - Self-guided tour of the Parc Ornithologique du Marquenterre (adult)
  • Price does not include

    • bike rental (see option)
    • Breakfast on day 1
    • Lunches
    • Dinners not included in "Price includes"
    • Drinks, visits & other personal expenses

    Homemade and fully tested itineraries
    • Routes selected for their cycling and touristic interest entirely tested and away from traffic
    • Accomodations selected for their hospitality, atmosphere, services and quality meals
    • A flexible organisation to suit you needs and wishes: You choose the date you want to you leave on! We check the availability of each accomodation to make sure it is possible.

    Close assistance
    • One of our guides greets you on your first day. He will hand out all the needed documents for the trip (hotel vouchers, maps of the area,GPS, practical guide), get you settled on your bikes (for rental bikes).
    • Phone assistance, you can reach the Abicyclette team whenever you need
    • A Luggage transfer service which respects your hours of rest (we pick them up after 10:00 and deliver them before 16:00)

    Follow your itinerary anyway you like – modern, practical, traditional

    appareil GPS TwoNav Cross

    • We loan you a GPS so that you can easily follow your itinerary without having to look for your way around (bike support included)
    • Access to our exclusive travel application to follow your route, inform you about places of interest, restaurants, facilitate your assistance in case of emergency, find all your travel documents and our practical advice.
    • A practical cycling guide with all the useful information (addresses, highlights for the day, topo maps, and touristic information)

     

     


    You can also

    On our guided tours (for groups on demand), we accompany you every step of the way
    • One of our state qualified instructor and professional cycling guide accompanies you every step of the way
    • Full board (all meals covered unless asked otherwise)
    • A picnic buffet set up for lunch with a wide choice of fresh and local produce

    We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.
    Our rentals include a "breakage and theft guarantee" for peace of mind when travelling. Information and details from your advisor.


    Touring Bike

    21-speed aluminum bike

    Male or female frame

    Puncture-proof tire

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • Double rear panniers
    • Anti-theft device

    E-bike

    Electric bike with 70km range

    Aluminium frame

    Hydraulic disc brakes

    Puncture-proof tire

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • Double rear panniers
    • Anti-theft device

    Kid Bike

    For kids up to 1,50m

    Supplied equipment per bike

    Anti-theft device

    Getting here

    Departure city : SAINT-VALERY-SUR-SOMME

    Coming by car

    • at 2h30 from PARIS
    • at 7h from BORDEAUX
    • at 6h from LYON

    Coming by train

    • Stories - 2h from Paris

    Coming by plane

    • Stories
    • Stories

    Arrival city : SAINT-VALERY-SUR-SOMME

    Coming by car

    • at 2h30 from PARIS
    • at 7h from BORDEAUX
    • at 6h from LYON

    Coming by train

    • Stories - 2h from Paris

    Coming by plane

    • Stories
    • Stories

    *Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.

    * Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.

    Recommended equipment

    Bike

    • Hybrid Bike or Touring Bike or Gravel Bike
    • 18 to 30-speed transmission
    • 26- to 29-inch wheels
    • Tires: 35 to 42 section, reinforced against punctures
    • Disc brakes recommended
    • 2 bottle cages
    • Bell
    • Front and rear lighting

    Clothing and equipment

    • Helmet (supplied with bike rental unless otherwise specified locally)
    • 1 bike mount for smartphone to use the mobile route planner application
    • Suitable cycling clothing:
      • bib, shorts or tights: elastic and breathable, to facilitate movement and wick away perspiration
      • Breathable T-shirts, synthetic or merino wool
      • Breathable windbreaker
    • Thermal or fleece jacket
    • Waterproof jacket
    • 1 pair of sunglasses
    • 1 pair of cycling shoes
    • 1 backpack or 1 or 2 carrier bags
    • 1 or 2 water bottles (supplied with bike rental in France)
    • 1 lock (supplied with bike rental)
    • Technical details, recommended by the team for optimum comfort:
      • 1 pair of gloves or mittens, depending on season and destination
      • Padded bib (chamois)
      • High-visibility vest or fluorescent belt
      • Neck warmer and cap

    Bike maintenance

    • Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
    • Maintenance kit: rag, oil, brake pads

    Other

    • A suitcase for your belongings carried in the vehicle (limited to one per person)
    • Street clothes
    • 1 pair of evening shoes
    • Fleece jacket for the evening
    • Toiletry bag
    • Telephone and charger

    Terms of payment and cancellation

    The full terms and conditions of sale are available here: https://www.abicyclette-voyages.com/conditions-generales-de-vente/

    Booking and payment

    • Departure more than 30 days before your booking: payment of a deposit of 30%, excluding insurance, at the time of booking. If you have taken out travel insurance, it must be paid in full at the time of booking to guarantee its validity.
    • Departure within 30 days of your booking: payment of the total cost of your stay. Or payment of the balance of the holiday if you have already paid a deposit.

    Cancellation of the Contract

    You may cancel the Contract at any time before the start of the Tour, subject to payment of a cancellation fee. Any total or partial cancellation will incur the following costs per participant:

    Cancellation periodFees
    From the date of Booking to 60 days or more before departure or the 1st day of the programme5% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of

    100 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer

    Between 59 and 30 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme 

    10% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of

    120 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer

     

    Between 29 and 10 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme30% of the total amount of the Tour (including options) a minimum of

    150 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer

    Entre 9 à 7 jours avant le départ ou le 1er jour du programme45% du montant total du Voyage (options incluses)
    Between 9 and 7 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme75% of the total cost of the trip (including options)
    Less than 3 days to the day of departure or the 1st day of the programme100% of the total cost of the trip (including options)
    No show on day of departure or 1st day of programme

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