Baie de Somme – One of the most beautiful bays in the world
The Baie de Somme stands among the world’s most breathtaking bays. Designated an exceptional natural site in 2000, it shares this prestigious title with illustrious counterparts such as the Bay of Halong and the Bay of San Francisco.
Encompassing a sprawling expanse of 70 square kilometers, the Baie de Somme is a tapestry of natural wonders, embracing the estuaries of both the Somme and Maye rivers.
Here, the tranquil waters of the Authie and Canche coastal rivers converge with those of the mighty Somme before meandering gracefully into the embrace of the English Channel.
This unique confluence transforms the once freshwater haven into a brackish paradise, a haven for the delicate fry that call these waters home. Amidst this serene sanctuary, nature’s intricate dance unfolds, offering a glimpse into the timeless rhythms of the natural world.
Natural environment
The picturesque banks framing the Baie de Somme unfold into two distinct natural realms: the mudflats, known as slikke, and the salt marshes, also known as schorre or prés salants, with their unique Picard dialect name, mollières. Twice daily, the ebb and flow of the sea inundate the slikke, rendering its terrain soft and smooth, devoid of vegetation yet teeming with life.
Beneath its surface, a bustling ecosystem thrives, inhabited by an array of terrestrial and marine invertebrates, bivalves, gastropods, and fish, alongside bustling colonies of shorebirds such as sandpipers, knights, snipe, herons, and seagulls.
In contrast, the salt marshes, predominantly found in the Marquenterre area along the north bank, lie submerged only during high tides. Here, resilient plant species like Spartina, Atropis, Limonium, and Artemisia vulgaris flourish in the saline soil, contributing to the region’s rich biodiversity.
The Baie de Somme also stands as a leading producer of Salicornia, a savory plant that pairs exquisitely with fish and seafood dishes.
The mollières emerge beyond the foreshore, or estran, a dynamic coastal stretch perpetually shaped by the rhythmic dance of the tides. Here, flocks of sheep graze upon the saline grasses, infusing their flesh with a distinctive flavor that has earned them the prestigious label of AOC prés-salés de la Baie de Somme, a testament to the region’s culinary heritage intertwined with its natural splendor.
Réserve Naturelle de la Baie de Somme
The Maye estuary, a jewel of natural beauty, was first safeguarded in 1968 as a national hunting reserve, marking the beginning of its journey towards protected status. Over time, this reserve expanded to encompass much of the Baie de Somme, evolving into a national nature reserve that now includes the renowned bird sanctuary of the Parc du Marquenterre.
In 1986, the Conservatoire du Littoral, a public institution dedicated to coastal conservation, acquired the Parc du Marquenterre, entrusting its care to the Joint Association for the Development of the Picardy Coast. Together, they work tirelessly to preserve the diverse habitats of the reserve, safeguarding the delicate balance of seashores, mudflats, and salt marshes.
Spanning a maritime zone of nearly 3,500 hectares, the reserve stretches from the southern Pointe du Hourdel to the northern Pointe of Saint-Quentin-en-Tourmont, encompassing a wealth of coastal ecosystems.
This vast expanse of protected land and water was officially designated as the Baie de Somme National Nature Reserve (RNN 118) in 1994, cementing its status as a bastion of biodiversity and a sanctuary for countless species of flora and fauna.
Parc Naturel des Estuaires Picards et de la Mer d’Opale
The Reserve Naturelle de la Baie de Somme plays a pivotal role within the larger framework of the Parc Naturel Marin des Estuaires Picards et de la Mer d’Opale, established in 2012 as a testament to collective efforts in marine conservation. Encompassing the estuaries of the Somme, Authie, Canche, and Slack rivers, this maritime natural reserve blankets a vast expanse of 2,300 square kilometers. Its protective reach extends along 118 kilometers of coastline, spanning from Le Tréport to Ambleteuse, north of Boulogne-sur-Mer.
At its core, the park serves as a beacon of education and preservation, fostering a deeper understanding of the marine environment while championing sustainable development across maritime activities. By nurturing a harmonious relationship between humanity and the sea, the Parc Naturel Marin embodies a shared commitment to safeguarding the natural treasures of the Picard Estuaries and Opal Sea.
Baie de Somme – Grand Site de France
The Baie de Somme stands as a beacon of ecological richness within France, encompassing one of the nation’s largest wetlands and earning its rightful place within the esteemed Natura 2000 network. In recognition of its exceptional value, the French Ministry of Ecology, Development, and Sustainable Planning bestowed upon the Baie de Somme the esteemed title of Grand Site de France in 2011.
This prestigious label serves as a resounding testament to the commitment to safeguarding biodiversity and the environment within the bay’s expansive reaches. It stands as a beacon of assurance, ensuring the preservation of local traditions and the quality of life for residents while fostering a harmonious balance between conservation and sustainable tourism.
Tourism
The Baie de Somme basks in the embrace of an oceanic climate, setting the stage for unforgettable adventures amidst its stunning landscapes.
Embark on a journey of discovery by bike, tracing the contours of the bay along a 44-kilometer cycle track and exploring eight captivating discovery tours. From the charming hamlet of Le Crotoy on the north bank to the picturesque Saint-Valery-sur-Somme on the south bank, each pedal stroke unveils a new facet of this enchanting region.
For those preferring to wander on foot, a vast network of hiking trails awaits, offering panoramic views and intimate encounters with nature’s wonders. Meanwhile, the nostalgic allure of a steam train beckons, transporting travelers across the bay with four delightful stations along the way.
Venture out onto the shimmering waters of the bay with boat trips departing from Le Crotoy, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, and Le Hourdel marinas. As you sail, keep a keen eye out for the seals that frolic along the shores of La Pointe du Hourdel—a sight to behold!
Beyond its natural splendor, the Baie de Somme boasts a rich tapestry of historical and architectural heritage. Lose yourself in the timeless allure of medieval towns like Saint-Valery-sur-Somme and Rue, where cobblestone streets whisper tales of bygone eras. In the northern reaches of the littoral, the Bay of Canche beckons with its renowned shellfish production, a testament to the region’s culinary bounty and maritime traditions. Whether exploring by land or sea, the Baie de Somme invites travelers to immerse themselves in its captivating beauty and rich tapestry of experiences.
Somme department – Picardie
Coordinates: Lat 50.201389 – Long 1.626944
Photos Wikimedia Commons: Header by Ibex73 CC BY-SA 4.0 – Baie de Canche by Marie-Jo L. CC BY-SA 3.0 – Seal at Le Hourdel by OT Cayeux-sur-Mer CC BY-SA 2.0 – Parc du Marquenterre by Ras Zion Lion CC BY-SA 4.0
