The Somme Bay by sustainable transport
Around Noyelles-sur-Mer, discovering the Bay by bike, foot and canoe
Highlights
Pointe de La Hourdel and its seal colony
The Marquenterre and Hable d'Ault ornithological reserves
The White Route, a remarkable track between the dunes and the ocean
The Belfry of Rue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The forest of Crecy and its hundred-year-old oaks
The Caudron Brothers Memorial, pioneers of French aviation
4 days in sustainable transport to discover the Somme Bay
One of the Grand Sites de France, emblematic landscapes, the Somme Bay is today a must for nature lovers. It has a world's end air about it: sands, dunes, sea, cliffs, marshes are linked to compose a unique and unforgettable landscape.
In this refuge of biodiversity, it is advisable not to disturb the flora and fauna. It is therefore in green mobility that you explore the Bay while respecting the peaceful environment that reigns there. On foot, by bike or pirogue, the natural riches of the Somme Bay never cease to surprise you.
The Somme Bay offers various marked and secure bike circuits. Take the Gravelot circuit to discover the largest seal colony in France … the Avocette circuit to visit the Marquenterre ornithological reserve and observe hundreds of migratory birds … Or the Geai circuit, in the forest , which offers a completely different setting in the shade of hundred-year-old oaks and beeches.
During your stay, 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 reminds you of the eternal cycle of the tides.
*The itinerary of this trip is subject to change according to train schedules.
** The pirogue activity (optional) will be confirmed according to the tides.
SAINT-VALÉRY-SUR-SOMME, CYCLING AND HIKING LOOP (OR PIROGUE OPTION) 36km 63m
Departing from Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, a medieval town classified as one of France’s Most Beautiful Detours, the route follows the Gravelot loop through the Picardy countryside. It crosses the Vanneau marshes, ideal for birdwatching, then reaches Hurt before opening out onto the vast coastal landscapes. At Cayeux-sur-Mer, the seawall lined with colorful beach huts stretches along the pebbles, forming the longest alignment of its kind in Europe. Continuing along the coast, you reach the Pointe du Hourdel, a privileged spot for observing France’s largest seal colony, on foot or by pirogue, depending on the tide. The return to Saint-Valery is via EuroVelo 4 – the Vélomaritime – following the bay. The route offers fine panoramic views over the mudflats and estuary to the port and ramparts of the old town.
FROM SAINT-VALÉRY-SUR-SOMME TO LE CROTOY, LE CROTOY LOOP 36km 76m
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
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.
From LE CROTOY to SAINT-VALERY-SUR-SOMME 15km 12m
From Le Crotoy, the route follow the Bay of the Somme
- For a few more km 40km 140m 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.
Starting from 560€/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: 3 nights in a Double room
- 3 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
- Cycling practical guide including topo maps, restaurant recommendations for lunch & dinner
- Day 1 : Private shuttle - SAINT-VALERY-SUR-SOMME - SAINT-VALERY-SUR-SOMME
- Day 1 : Welcome by telephone with our team on the day of your arrival.
- Day 2 : Rando Nature en Somme - Seal and bay nature walk
- Day 3 : Train - SAINT-VALERY-SUR-SOMME - LE CROTOY
- Day 3 : Self guided visit Marquenterre parc (2 adults + 2 children up to 17 years old)
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
- 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
- Rent a high end quality bike for real comfort, cycling pleasure and reliability a long trip requires.
- Suscribe to a Cancelation or Multi Risk insurance policy which cover you in case something unexpected comes up.
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 Bike21-speed aluminum bike Male or female frame Puncture-proof tire Supplied equipment per bike
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E-bikeElectric bike with 70km range Aluminium frame Hydraulic disc brakes Puncture-proof tire Supplied equipment per bike
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Kid BikeFor 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 period | Fees |
From the date of Booking to 60 days or more before departure or the 1st day of the programme | 5% 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
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Between 29 and 10 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 30% 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 programme | 45% du montant total du Voyage (options incluses) |
Between 9 and 7 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 75% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
Less than 3 days to the day of departure or the 1st day of the programme | 100% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
No show on day of departure or 1st day of programme |
SAINT-VALERY-SUR-SOMME 32km 137m
Your route starts from St Valéry sur Somme. After a few kilometers, you are astonished at the sight of the Boismont sheep farm near the Somme Canal. Back in Saint-Valérie-sur-Somme, let yourself be charmed by its medieval streets full of secrets and succumb to the Picardy specialty: the gâteau battu (battered cake).
Orientation by phone with us
On receipt of your travel documents (and bikes if you’ve opted for rental), we take the time to talk to you over the phone to explain all the important points and answer any questions you may have.