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.

Carte séjour Week-end Nature à Vélo en Baie de Somme
Niveau EasyEasy
Day 1

From NOYELLES-SUR-MER to SAINT-VALERY-SUR-SOMME 43km 123m Niveau Forme

You leave Noyelles sur Mer in direction of Saint-Valérie-sur-Somme, and then towards La Pointe du Hourdel to marvel at the sight of the largest seal colony in France. On the superb “La route blanche” cycle path, you ride towards Cayeux sur Mers and its typical colorful huts that crisscross the beach. Be sure to stop at the Hable d’Ault bird sanctuary to observe the countless migratory birds that take up the site. You end your day in the charming town center of Saint-Valérie-sur-Somme and enjoy the medieval setting that the place offers.

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.

Day 2

From SAINT-VALERY-SUR-SOMME to LE CROTOY 36km 70m Niveau Facile

Ride the vintage “Tour de la Baie” train with your bikes to reach Le Crotoy, nothing better to contemplate the natural landscape which passes by to the rhythm of the whistling of the rails. Departing from Le Crotoy, you cycle along the Avocette circuit towards the Marquenterre ornithological park, an must-see stopover in the Somme Bay. Let yourself be surprised by the 200 hectares of forest, dunes and reed beds … during a visit, a guide will reveal all the secrets of the birds that occupy the reserve. You continue on the circuit towards Rue and its Belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You hit the road again to end your day at Le Crotoy.

  • For a few more km 57km 125m 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 CROTOY TO NOYELLES-SUR-MER [ARRIVAL STATION] 20km 32m Niveau Facile

Departing from Le Crotoy, take the road to reach the circuit of Le Geai. During a break, you contemplate the Caudron Brothers Memorial, pioneers of French aviation, which marks the last curiosity of your stay. You arrive in Noyelles-sur-Mer at the end of the morning, marking the end of your stay in the Somme Bay.

  • For a few more km 46km 195m Niveau Loisir

    For this variant, you go through the Crécy forest. Soak up the scents of humus, moss and fern in this place of calm and rejuvenation. Take a break in front of the 500-year-old Carthusian oak or in front of “Les Frères Ennemis” (Enemy Brothers),named after the intertwining of an Oak and a Beech.

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 405€/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 : Welcome by telephone with our team on the day of your arrival.
    • Day 2 : Train - SAINT-VALERY-SUR-SOMME - LE CROTOY
    • Day 2 : Parc ornithologique du Marquenterre -
  • 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)
    • 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.


    Getting here

    Departure city : NOYELLES-SUR-MER

    Coming by car

    • at 2h15 from PARIS
    • at 7h from BORDEAUX
    • at 6h from LYON

    Coming by train

    • Noyelle-sur-Mer train station - 2h from Paris

    Coming by plane

    • Lille airport
    • Paris Charles de Gaulle airport

    Arrival city : NOYELLES-SUR-MER

    Coming by car

    • at 2h15 from PARIS
    • at 7h from BORDEAUX
    • at 6h from LYON

    Coming by train

    • Noyelle-sur-Mer train station - 2h from Paris

    Coming by plane

    • Lille airport
    • Paris Charles de Gaulle airport

    *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

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