Here is an amazing voyage around and across the "Baie de Somme", among the most beautiful bays in the world. Along small country roads and cycle paths, well-marked routes take you from the Bird Park to the Maison de la Baie (visitor's centre). You'll cycle alongside marshes, lakes and salt-meadows enlivened by the daily ballet of native and migrating birds.The life of the Bay is rhythmed by tide and season. One moment it can be all beach and relaxation, a place to wander, far from the madding crowd...then again it may call upon to you to roll your sleeves up, for there are cockles, elvers and shrimps to be gathered! The Bay can slumber in the mist, or glow in the light of an unforgettable sunset. There are no certainties...except that all you see will be unforgettable!
This holiday is ideal for families. All accommodation has generous outside space available. Bike routes are easy and lead to a variety of sites to explore including the Bird Park, Museums, and even a small steam railway.
D1
Arrival late afternoon in Saint Valéry sur Somme
Things to see :
The mediaeval town of Saint Valéry sur Somme. The marina.
Dinner and night in charming 3 star hotel with its own pool.
D2
Around Saint Valéry sur Somme
29km stage. Level 1/5. Duration about 3hrs30.
You make your way between land and sea, discovering the dunes of Brighton (sic!), the pebble strands of the Picardy coast, and the polder of the seaside resort of Cayeux sur Mer. Just near Hourdel, you go past the seal colony's favourite place. The Maison de la Baie de Somme (info, exhibitions, events) is not to be missed.
Dinner and night at the hotel.
D3
From Saint Valéry to Favières
24 km stage. Level 1/5. Duration about 3 hours.
Following the curve of the Bay. You come to the other side at Le Crotoy. Then you cycle alongside the dyke lined with lime trees, arriving in the centre of St Valery. On the way out of the marina, a cyclepath takes you to Le Crotoy across the salt meadows and bocage (farmland with hedges.) You go through the historical centre of Le Crotoy and join the beach again; then there is a short incursion inland, and you arrive at your hotel.
Dinner and night in the 3 star hotel set in a five acre garden.
D4
Around Favières
23km stage. Level 1/5. Duration about 3 hrs.
7 km extension possible in the Forest of Crécy.
A short ride, which takes you away for a time from the ocean. This is peaceful countryside: marshes, flowered-bedecked villages and traditional farming. You are soon in the Forest of Crécy. The air is cooler, the atmosphere mysterious. The trees here are remarkable: oak and beech, some of them up to 400 years old. This is a place of history and legend which casts new light
on the Bay of Somme.
Dinner and night at the hotel.
D5
From Favières to Villers sur Authie
29 km stage. Level 1/5, estimated time 3hrs.
You cycle along the Circuit de l’Avocette along country roads that bring you to the village of Rue, then on towards the Bay of Somme where you can visit the Bird Park (Parc Ornithologique du Marquenterre) with its innumerable species of animals, winged or otherwise. After that you head towards the north of the Bay, winding your way through a succession of small villages, till you reach your accommodation.
Free dinner and night in a charming guest house.
D6
Around Villers sur Authie
30km stage. Level 1/5. Duration about 3 hours.
Today your ride takes you to the northernmost part of the Bay. The scenery is varied, farmed countryside on one side and coastal villages on the other. In Fort Mahon, why not take a refreshing dip or enjoy an ice cream, or both…You will also certainly appreciate listening to the singing of the birds or indeed the mooing of the cows.
Free dinner and night at the guest house.
D7
From Villers sur Authie to St Valéry sur Somme
21 km stage to Crotoy then train to Saint Valéry sur Somme. Level 1/5. Duration about 2 hours cycling.
You have to go back across the Bay to return to Cap Hornu. Lovely moments along the marshes surrounded by birds, broad stretches of sand. Enjoy breathing the sea air as you approach Le Crotoy. There the little train awaits you to continue your journey.
Train transfer from Le Crotoy to St Valéry sur Somme.
Includes ticket for the little train from Crotoy to Saint Valéry sur Somme and entry to the Parc Ornithologique du Marquenterre.
Optional
Bike rental from :
Bike rental for adult or junior : 115 €
Bike cart for child : 85 €
Child seat : 10 €
Electric power bike for adult or junior : 195 €
What's not included?
Dinners days 5 and 6
Beverage and extra
Return transfer from Home to the first accomodation
Facultative cancellation and repatriation insurance
Characteristics of circuits
Biking holiday
Daily stages : 21 - 30 kilometres, around 2 to 4hrs cycling at your own pace.
Negligeable changes in altitude.
Road types: narrow signposted country roads and cycle paths
Bicycles: suitable for road and trail bikes
Organisation
These outings are much more about relaxed exploration than athletic performance. We take your luggage from lodging to lodging and a roadbook guides you all along the way.
On longer holidays you change accommodation every other day, which gives you the chance to explore your surroundings in depth or simply take your time and relax...
Accommodation is 3 star/"épis" guest houses or hotels, chosen for their atmosphere, warm welcome and environmental and architectural setting. Accommodation is half-board. Picnics are extra; you may like to order these at reservation.
N.B : the accommodation described above is given as an indication and may vary according to availability at the moment your reservation is finalized.
Access
By car
Highway A16 exit 23 and then A28 exit 1
By air
Paris airports + train to Noyelles-sur-Mer railway station then, by bus to the accommodation in Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme
By train
Noyelles-sur-Mer railway station then, by bus to the accommodation in Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme
Comments
Global note
4.5
Très bonne première expérience de rando-vélo avec des circuits variés sur des routes et chemins agréables. Excellente organisation de Safrantours et qualité des différents prestataires.
Tout était très bien ! Du début (contact téléphonique) jusqu'à la fin. Organisation top ! Les itinéraires, les hébergements, visites. Rien à redire. Agence de voyage très professionnelle.
Here is an amazing voyage around and across the Baie de Somme, among the most beautiful bays in the world. Along small country roads and cycle paths, well-marked routes take you from the Bird Park to the Maison de la Baie (visitor's centre).…
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