What to see in Saint-Valery-sur-Somme

A rich and varied heritage

Welcome to the Baie de Somme, and in particular to Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, medieval city, city of sailors, city of conquest! Stroll along the quays and flower-filled alleyways, climb to the top of the ramparts and admire the old stones. Spot a cormorant on the shore or the head of a seal in the channel… The best discoveries are sometimes made where you least expect them!

Porte de Nevers and Tours Guillaume: gateways to the fortified town, these two massive round towers, also known as “Porte Jeanne d’Arc”, are the town’s oldest monuments. They were already in existence when William the Conqueror left for England in 1066.

The Harold Tower: this tower, of which only the lower part remains, has had several names (“tour à rauts”, “tour à roc”). Tradition has it that Harold, emissary of the King of England, was shipwrecked on the shores of St-Valery in the 11th century. He was imprisoned in this tower around 1055. The tower can be seen beside the beach, near the staircase leading up to the town’s ramparts.

L’Herbarium des remparts and le fruticetum: in the heart of old Saint-Valery, a botanical garden inspired by the hospital nuns’ gardens and an orchard offering a contemporary interpretation of medieval gardens.

Saint-Martin church: built in stone with pebble and flint checkerwork, the church has twin naves separated by large arcades, dating from the 11th and 12th centuries. On a clear day, you can see Le Crotoy from its elevated position.

The marina: a very pretty little port with lovely walks, small stores and restaurants where you can enjoy moules frites (fried mussels) or a delicious Liège waffle. Departure point for boats discovering the Baie de Somme, which has been awarded the Grand Site de France label.

Le Courtgain (the fishermen’s quarter ): one of Saint Valéry’s prettiest districts, with its winding lanes lined with small, colorful houses. Admirably flowered, this district hosts the Fête de la Mer every summer (August). The sailors’ calvary offers a unique view of the port city and the Bay of the Somme.

The salt warehouse: built in 1736, it was “the largest and most solid in the kingdom”. It comprised three rooms 45.5 m long, 12.25 m wide, flanked by very thick walls. It could store 20,000 tons of salt. The entire building is now a listed historic monument. It is now a cultural and business tourism complex.

The Abbey district: the Saint-Valery of the peasants, where you can see small farms still in use, built in the pure Picardy tradition. All that remains of the abbey are the ruins of the aisle and a few remains of the 17th-century cloister.

Saint-Valery chapel (sailors’ chapel): on the heights of Cape Hornu, a neo-Gothic chapel built in stone, with a checkerboard pattern of white stone and flint. Inside, the walls are decorated with numerous votive offerings. Saint Valery was buried here in accordance with his wishes. His relics attract many faithful on pilgrimage.

The Cap Hornu point: for hikers, a lovely view of the salt meadows of the Baie de Somme, where sheep graze.

Saint-Valery-sur-Somme lighthouse: at the northern end of the towpath dike, at the entrance to the port, this lighthouse offers a bird’s-eye view of Saint-Valery, Le Crotoy and the Bay of the Somme.