Discover Saint-Valery-sur-Somme: the capital of the Bay of the Somme!
Practical info
Nestled on the Opal Coast, in the Somme department of the Hauts-de-France region (formerly Picardy), Saint-Valery-sur-Somme is a charming seaside resort (bathing prohibited) located opposite Le Crotoy, between Cayeux-sur-Mer and Fort-Mahon-Plage. Since 2020, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme has been part of the Baie de Somme – Picardie maritime regional nature park.
Saint-Valery-sur-Somme is also, and above all, a medieval town recognized as one of the“Most Beautiful Detours in France” for the richness of its natural and cultural heritage. The town is part of an area that has been awarded the “Pays d’art et d’histoire” label. Its ramparts, cobbled streets and rich maritime past make it an ideal destination for nature and heritage lovers.
Key information
- Region: Hauts-de-France
- County: Somme (80)
- Canton: Baie de Somme urban community
- Zip code: 80230
- Population: 2394
- Density: 228 inhabitants / km2
- People: Valericans
- Surface area: 10 km2
- Natural areas: the Baie de Somme, the largest estuary in northern France with almost 7,200 ha (Grand Site de France label)
- Famous people linked to the town: William the Conqueror, Harold II of England, Joan of Arc, Louis Braquaval
By the way, how do you pronounce the name Saint-Valery-sur-Somme? Saint-Valery is called “Saint-Valry” (the “e” is silent), after an Irish monk – Gwalaric – who evangelized the region in the 7th century. Over time, the name changed to Walric, then Valéry. Another clarification: there’s no accent on the “e” in Saint-Valery, because it doesn’t come from the first name “valéry”!
Why is Saint-Valery-sur-Somme so popular with tourists?
Less urban than some of the Côte d’Opale resorts, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme attracts many visitors. It’s no coincidence that this medieval town has been named one of France’s “Most Beautiful Detours”! Overlooking the Bay of the Somme, the city of William the Conqueror can be discovered on foot and with your nose in the air.
Once you’ve arrived at the marina, where over 250 boats are moored, you’re immediately seduced by the charm of this small medieval town. Saint-Valery-sur-Somme boasts an ancient built heritage that bears witness to a rich and eventful history.
The upper town, surrounded by ramparts, includes the former stronghold (now considered the “bourg”), where you’ll find old half-timbered houses, the walls of the former fortified castle, and streets filled with flowers in summer. A stone’s throw away, the Abbaye district, the Saint-Valery of peasants, houses the Chapelle des Marins on a promontory overlooking the bay.
The lower town is centered around the Ferté district, with its shopping street and numerous stores, the Courtgain district, a former sailors’ quarter with narrow streets and colorful houses, the port and the Chantier. Between the Quai Romerel and the medieval walls, you’ll discover the Romerel district, a more recent resort area with its Belle Époque villas, testimony to the fashion for sea bathing at the end of the 19th century.
Address: 57/59 Quai Lejoille, 80230 Saint-Valery-sur-Somme. Telephone: 03 22 60 93 50.
When is the best time to go on vacation to Saint-Valery-sur-Somme?
The peak tourist season, from June to September, attracts huge numbers of visitors. The population of the resort of St Valery multiplies. The weather is mild, with plenty of sunshine but not too much heat in summer, and the town is very lively.
In spring and autumn, temperatures are cooler, but there are fewer tourists. Perfect for enjoying the seaside without the crowds (swimming prohibited). It’s also easier to find a cheap hotel or campsite in Saint Valery sur Somme.
Late autumn and winter are ideal for water sports such as sailing, sand yachting and kitesurfing. It’s often said that it always rains in Picardy! Contrary to popular belief, it rains no more in Nord-Pas-de-Calais than anywhere else in France!