St Valery-sur-Somme – Worth a detour

Situated just an hour south of the Channel port of Calais , St Valery-sur-Somme (80 Somme, Hauts de France) offers not only a first or last stopover to/from more distant French destinations, but is also worth a visit in its own right. This is where the River Somme enters the English Channel (or French Manche!) on the Bay of the Somme. The river here has widened and slowed, and its peaceful meanderings become a real haven for wildlife and birds.
The small town of St Valery offers a riverside boardwalk from which many birds can be sighted on the opposite bank and marshland – with a view over to le Crotoy on the northern side of the Bay. There is something about watching the river, the tides and the birds which induce a sense of calm and peace.
The town is attractive with a good selection of shops and restaurants – none of it too fussy or expensive – there are a few shops offering freshly caught fish and shellfish – and there is plenty of gentle walking on offer along the river, past the old fortifications and out to the estuary. Although inevitably busy in high season, it feels genuine and low key.

Steam Railway

If you don’t want to walk every time. there is a steam railway (Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme) which runs around the bay from le Cayeux to St Valery and le Crotoy which can offer a perspective you will not get from the car or bus. Bicycle hire is also popular and quite widely available – mercifully the area is flat and the area is exceptionally well-provided with wide and safe cycle paths which extend for many kilometres. There is a Festival of Steam (Fête de la Vapeur) next 2-4 July 2021!

Historically the port was the departure point for William The Conqueror’s invasion of England in 1066 – but perhaps it is time to forgive that little transgression. The town’s maritime heritage is most obvious in the little fisherman’s houses which line the steep descent of the rue des Pilotes. Further on are the old fortifications (linked to Joan of Arc).

Based at St Valery-sur-Somme is the navigation boat (bateau baliseur) Somme II is a recognised historic monument, which has been voted as one of the best French monuments by the French (France2 TV). It now offers pleasure cruises around the bay.

William the Conqueror Festival

In summer the town holds the (William the Conqueror Festival ) 20 – 21 July 2019, which celebrates the departure of William The Conqueror from St Valery-sur-Somme to conquer the throne of England.

The festival will recreate the daily life of a medieval village in the Norman period through a “camp”. There will be demonstrations of leather-, bone-, wood- and horn-work and a foundry, forge, and weaving.

A medieval market , located on the outskirts of the camp will bring together traders and artisans offering selected quality products .

To distract and occupy the troops, acrobats, eaters and fire jugglers will celebrate! – see www.lesfetesguillaume.com/

Festival of the Sea

In August (13 – 14 August 2022) the town holds its Festival of the Sea (Fete de la Mer), which commemorates the fishermen lost from the port – houses are decorated with flowers and there is music, food and processions in the medieval marine quarter- see www.saint-valery-sur-somme.fr

Centrally situated just a few minutes walk from the town centre up the Rue des Moulins is the up-market Hotel des Corderies which offers 11 stylish rooms providing calm and comfort. Magnificent views over the town and the bay, which are not easy to get from other locations. . Savour typical specialities in the intimate atmosphere of the hotel’s restaurant. The swimming pool is conveniently located in the heart of the hotel and the spa provides a moment of well-being

There are numerous other hotels and Chambres d’Hote (B&B)in the town and a few campsites. Parking in the town centre itself can be difficult at weekends but there are plenty of other parking spaces which involve a short walk. The B&B Suivez le Lapin Blanc in a former mansion very centrally located for access to the restaurants, boardwalk etc

For more info see www.saint-valery-sur-somme.fr or the Departement of the Somme’s tourist website

Nearby there are the Jardins de Valloires – an impressive garden adjacent to an Abbey down a small valley and divided into 6 themed gardens – looks particularly good in the Spring.

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