One Day in Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme (France) - A Charming Village in the Baie de Somme

Discover the beauty of Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme in one day with our guide to this charming village located in the Baie de Somme. Experience its rich history, picturesque streets, and delicious local food.

As you may know, Thomas is French and grew up near Amiens, a city located about an hour north of Paris in the region formerly known as Picardie. Nestled between Île-de-France and the English Channel, this area has a rich — and sometimes turbulent — history, shaped by invasions and battles over the centuries, including both World Wars. Yet, despite its eventful past, Picardie is also home to some of northern France’s most charming towns and villages, where history and nature blend beautifully. One of the most picturesque is Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme, a coastal gem on the Baie de Somme that was voted the second favorite village in the 2017 “Village Préféré des Français” contest, a popular French TV competition.

In this post, we’ll share why Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme is such a special place for Thomas. From its narrow streets and panoramic views of the bay to its fascinating history and welcoming atmosphere, the village offers visitors a perfect mix of nature and small-town charm. Whether you’re planning a quick day trip or a longer stay, we’ll guide you through the highlights and practical tips to make the most of your visit.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Located at the estuary of the Somme River and overlooking the Baie de Somme, Saint-Valéry is a delightful blend of medieval history, authentic fishermen’s charm, and unique natural landscapes. The Baie de Somme itself is often compared to the world’s most famous bays — such as Mont Saint-Michel or even San Francisco — yet it remains lesser known internationally. Classified as a Grand Site de France and a member of the “Club of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World,” the bay is recognized for its beauty, biodiversity, and cultural value. Needless to say, Thomas is very proud of this heritage.

At one end of the Baie de Somme lies Le Crotoy, and at the other, Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme — our favorite by far. A member of the “Most Beautiful Detours” network in France and nominated as one of the country’s favorite towns, Saint-Valéry offers a colorful medieval atmosphere where it’s a pleasure to wander through cobblestone streets, soak up bay views, and enjoy the relaxed rhythm of life. Perfectly located in the heart of the Baie de Somme, the village also makes an excellent base for exploring the wider region.

HISTORY

Saint-Valéry has always had a strategic position on its limestone peninsula facing the Baie de Somme. This explains why it was successively occupied or invaded by Gauls, Romans, Franks, and Vikings. The village owes its name to the monk Walaric (later known as Saint Valery), who settled as a hermit in a nearby abbey in the 7th century. His reputation for miracles and virtue soon attracted disciples, and after his death pilgrims continued to flock to the monastery to see his relics. Around this spiritual center, a village gradually took shape.

The significance of Saint-Valéry grew considerably in the 10th and 11th centuries. Most famously, William the Conqueror assembled his fleet here in 1066 before crossing the Channel to claim the English throne — a turning point in both English and French history. During the Hundred Years’ War, the town became a contested stronghold, repeatedly changing hands between the English and the French. These turbulent centuries explain the impressive medieval fortifications, walls, and gates that still remain today.

One of the darkest episodes linked to Saint-Valéry is its association with Joan of Arc. After her capture in 1430, she passed through the town as a prisoner en route to Rouen, where she was executed the following year. This brief but poignant passage added another layer of historical significance to the village, already deeply marked by conflict and faith.

Following these turbulent times, Saint-Valéry entered a more prosperous era as a thriving port. Thanks to its proximity to Paris, it became an important center for the herring trade. This prosperity allowed for the rebuilding of the abbey and left behind a legacy of grand houses that still showcase the charm and wealth of the period. For such a small village, Saint-Valéry has played a remarkable role in key moments of European history — a legacy that can still be traced today in its monuments, architecture, and natural surroundings.

GETTING THERE

Saint-Valéry is not served by regular SNCF trains. The nearest mainline station is Noyelles-sur-Mer, about 7 km away. From Paris, you can reach Noyelles in roughly 2.5 hours (20-30 EUR one way, depending on booking and season). Once there, you have two options to reach Saint-Valéry: take Bus 706, which also serves Cayeux-sur-Mer and Abbeville, or hop aboard the charming Train de la Baie de Somme — a vintage steam or diesel train that runs between Noyelles, Saint-Valéry, Le Crotoy, and Cayeux. If you plan to take the steam train, it's worth getting the Pack TER Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme, which includes a round-trip TER ticket (valid for 48 hours) to Noyelles-sur-Mer and unlimited rides on the historic train between the bay’s main towns. As of 2025, prices are around 30.50 EUR for adults and 13.50 EUR for children. Tickets can be purchased on the SNCF Connect website.

Regional buses connect Saint-Valéry with neighboring towns and cities, offering an affordable alternative to driving. The main service is Bus 706, which runs between Noyelles-sur-Mer, Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme, Cayeux-sur-Mer, and Abbeville. In summer, it operates roughly every 40 minutes on weekdays, from early morning until early evening, making it convenient for day trips around the bay. Outside the peak season, and especially on weekends, services are less frequent, so it’s important to check the timetable in advance to avoid long waits. Tickets are inexpensive and can often be purchased directly from the driver.

Driving to Saint-Valéry is straightforward, with good motorway connections. From Paris, the trip takes about 2 hours via the A16; from Lille, around 2 hours via the A1; from Rouen, roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes via the A28; and from Amiens, just 50 minutes via the A16. Once there, parking in the village is paid year-round from 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., with daily rates generally ranging between 5 and 10 EUR. For free parking, head to the Canal car park at the village entrance (route d’Abbeville), open 24/7 with no time limit. In high season, the free La Sauterelle shuttle runs between this car park and 7 stops throughout the village, making it easy to reach the main sights without having to move your car.

PRACTICAL TIPS

The best time to visit Saint-Valery is from April to October, when mild weather and long days make the bay especially beautiful. To experience local life, don’t miss the lively markets on Wednesday and Sunday mornings, where fresh produce and regional specialties fill the streets. If you’re visiting in summer, the Fêtes Guillaume (late July) celebrates William the Conqueror with medieval-themed events, and the Festival de la Mer (one weekend in August) showcases maritime traditions, seafood, and music.

Saint-Valery is perfect for a short getaway, offering history, charm, and nature to fill 1 to 2 days. You can explore the medieval old town, stroll along the bay, enjoy local seafood, and even spot seals along the shore. With more time, the village also makes a great base to explore the wider Baie de Somme region (check out our post here) — from nearby Le Crotoy to the famous Marquenterre bird reserve.

Saint-Valery is a great base for hiking and cycling in the region. The GR®120 (Sentier du Littoral) runs along the coast for about 300 km, from Bray-Dunes to Le Tréport, offering stunning sea views, cliffs, and marshes. The GR®800 (Vallée de la Somme) follows the Somme River from Fonsommes to Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, covering around 227 km through picturesque villages, marshes, and historic sites. Cyclists can follow the Véloroute Vallée de Somme, a 160 km route along the river and canal, passing natural highlights like the marais de Méricourt-sur-Somme and marais des Cavins at Bourdon. Whether on foot or by bike, these trails provide a perfect way to explore the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Baie de Somme region.

BEST THINGS TO DO

Start your Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme adventure aboard the Chemin de fer de la Baie de Somme (Baie de Somme Railway), a historic steam railway that has been delighting visitors since 1887. Originally built to promote tourism along the Picardie coastline, the 27-kilometer line connects the charming seaside towns of Le Crotoy, Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme, and Cayeux-sur-Mer. Traveling at a leisurely pace through fields, marshes, and the scenic bay, this vintage train offers a unique way to experience the natural beauty of the Baie de Somme.

The railway features wooden Belle Époque carriages pulled by a striking steam locomotive, carefully preserved thanks to a dedicated association that restored the line in the 1970s. With around 200,000 annual visitors, it is the leading tourist attraction in the region and a must-see for anyone visiting the Baie de Somme. For more information, check their website here.

| Timetable |

from 11 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. (mid-June to October) 

| Admission - 12 EUR (one way), 15 EUR (roundtrip) |

Head down to the waterfront, where Saint-Valéry’s harbor reveals its double identity as both a maritime and river port, connecting the Baie de Somme with the entrance of the Somme Canal. Stroll along the lively quays lined with cafés, restaurants, and fishing boats, and take in the constant movement of vessels coming and going. This isn’t just a pretty spot: the harbor has a long and fascinating history. In Roman times it served as a military port, while in the 19th century it thrived thanks to the booming herring industry, which financed the reconstruction of major landmarks such as the abbey. And, of course, it was from here that William of Normandy set sail for England, beginning the conquest that would earn him the title the Conqueror.

After visiting the harbor, continue to the Quartier du Courtgain, the most picturesque part of Saint-Valéry and a living reminder of its seafaring past. This neighborhood, whose name means “small salary,” is the only one in the region to have survived the World Wars. Walking up Rue des Moulins, you’ll find colorful 19th-century houses packed tightly together in the traditional Picard style. According to local tradition, sailors used leftover boat paint on their shutters and doors, so each house mirrored the look of the family’s vessel — a practical touch that also served as a sign of recognition among the fishing community.

For a different perspective, stroll along the parallel Rue des Pilotes, where gaps between the houses open onto beautiful views of the bay. For a panoramic view of both the bay and the town, climb up to the Calvaire des Marins and its oratory, where fishermen’s wives and children once gathered to pray for the safe return of their loved ones. This district is not only visually captivating but also steeped in the stories and traditions of Saint-Valéry’s seafaring past.

As you continue your stroll through Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme, you’ll arrive at the Porte de Nevers, the historic gateway to the medieval part of the town. Built in the 16th century, this tall, pointed gate is made from sandstone, flint, and brick, standing on the foundations of an older structure. Its name comes from the coat of arms of the Duke of Gonzague-Nevers, still visible above the entrance. Take a moment to notice the tracks that once guided the chains of the drawbridge and the windows of the former guards’ apartment — small details that hint at the gate’s defensive past and the life of the town centuries ago.

Passing through the Porte de Nevers, you step straight into Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme’s well-preserved medieval old town. Its narrow, cobbled streets are lined with ancient ramparts, gates, watchtowers, and half-timbered houses, some dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. As you wander the side streets and small squares, each historic corner reveals the village’s rich medieval and maritime past, making every turn feel like walking through a living history book.

As you wander through the medieval streets of Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme, you’ll come across Saint Martin Church, a striking example of regional architecture. Though a church has existed here since the 12th century, the original building was destroyed by fire during the Hundred Years’ War on the French king’s orders to prevent it from falling into English hands. The current structure, built at the end of the 15th century, features two identical naves, a massive tower, and checkerboard walls of alternating cut flint and stone. Be sure to step inside if you can, and notice the intricate stonework and wooden details that reflect both the church’s age and the craftsmanship of the period.

As you continue your stroll through Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme, you’ll arrive at the Porte Guillaume, also known as Porte du Haut (High Gate). This 11th-century defensive structure reflects the town’s former strategic importance, with two massive round towers and two one-storey buildings connected by an underground passage that once served as guardhouses and prisons. One of its most remarkable historical moments is linked to Joan of Arc: after being captured by the Burgundians in 1430 and sold to the English, she passed through Saint-Valéry on her way to Rouen, where she was tried and executed. Right next to the gate, a viewpoint offers a beautiful panorama of the Baie de Somme and Le Crotoy.

About a 10-minute walk from the old town, the Sailors' Chapel sits on one of the best viewpoints overlooking the Baie de Somme. It earned its name because it has long been linked to the town’s fishing and maritime community: sailors and their families would come here to pray for safety at sea and give thanks for safe returns. Originally built in Romanesque style by one of Saint-Valéry’s disciples to shelter his remains, it drew pilgrims seeking miracles and blessings. By the end of the 19th century, a new Neo-Gothic chapel replaced the older building, which had fallen into disrepair. Its traditional checkerboard walls and nautical decorations inside are definitely worth seeing. The walk to the chapel is pleasant and easy, offering beautiful views along the way, making it a perfect stop for those who want to enjoy both history and scenery.

After visiting the Sailors' Chapel, head down towards the bay and turn right onto the Chaussée du Cap Hornu to reach the beach. Saint-Valéry’s beach might not be what you imagine when picturing a classic seaside getaway — there are no turquoise waters for swimming, and bathing is prohibited due to the strong currents and dangers of the Baie de Somme. Still, the beach offers a pleasant sandy strip with stunning views of the bay, and sometimes you can even spot seals visiting. For refreshments, there’s a small beach bar, La Buvette de la Plage, and one of our favorite features is the series of wooden beach cabins, used by locals to store belongings and relax while enjoying the natural surroundings. It’s a peaceful spot to take in the scenery and soak up the atmosphere of the Baie de Somme.

After enjoying the beach, head back toward the village center along the Quai Jeanne d’Arc, a charming promenade flanked by the Somme River on one side and 19th-century mansions on the other. Before continuing, take a moment to admire the small lighthouse at the end of the quay, with the bay as a backdrop — especially beautiful at sunset. As you stroll, don’t forget to look back at the medieval village perched on the high part of town and imagine how imposing it must have appeared centuries ago.

To end your day in Saint-Valéry, consider dining in one of the beautiful mansions along the Promenade Jeanne d’Arc. Le Relais Guillaume de Normandy is a standout choice, offering a range of regional specialties such as cassolette de moules (mussels casserole), ficelle picarde (savory pancake with ham, mushrooms, and béchamel sauce), and fresh seafood platters. We tried the 26 EUR menu and were very satisfied: the mussels casserole starter was generous and flavorful, followed by different fish dishes, and finished with an incredible lemon panna cotta for dessert. Highly recommended — it’s a perfect way to relax and savor local cuisine after a day of exploring.

| Opening hours |

daily from 11.45 a.m. to 9.30 p.m. |

| Prices - Menus from 26 EUR to 52 EUR |

FINAL THOUGHTS

Visiting Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme means discovering one of the most charming towns of the Baie de Somme, where the sea, history, and local life intertwine. Between the medieval streets and the sweeping views over the bay, the town reveals different faces depending on where you wander. It’s a place that enchants in every season, with light and tides constantly reshaping the scenery. And if you want to see the bigger picture, don’t miss our post dedicated entirely to the Baie de Somme — one of France’s most breathtaking natural sites.

And now it's your turn to share your thoughts aboute this charming village of the Baie de Somme. Have you already visited Saint-Valéry? What other places do you think are worth visiting in the region? We look forward to reading your comments in the section below.

Tags: France