Le Crotoy: Nature, Coastal Trails and History
Accommodation in Le Crotoy
Le Crotoy brings together nature, coastal and cultural attractions, which you can prioritise differently depending on your travel interests. At the heart of it all are the tide-shaped Site nature de La Maye, a circular walk through a variety of landscapes, and a stretch of beach used for two water sports. There is also a church with several building phases and a railway station with a history of its own.
Natural landscapes and views
The Site nature de La Maye, at the Maye estuary, lies at the entrance to the Baie de Somme National Nature Reserve. Shaped by the tides, the landscape includes salt meadows, dunes, reed beds and expansive open areas. From the Belvédère Manessier, visitors can look out over the Baie de Somme; an information board is dedicated to the painter Alfred Manessier. The natural area is suited to hikers and birdwatchers and is also a starting point for guided nature outings. Check locally to find out whether these outings are available.
On foot, by bike and at the beach
The Balade au Crotoy is a 10-kilometre circular route of moderate difficulty that starts and finishes in Le Crotoy. The route first follows the bay and the sea to the entrance of the Baie de Somme National Nature Reserve. The return leg runs behind the dunes along the coastal trail, past pine trees and through dunes; the final stretch follows the La Bassée marshland. Yellow waymarks identify the route as a PR (Promenade et Randonnée); it also carries the FFRandonnée label. If you want to combine the coast and bay with dunes, pine trees and marshland, this circular route takes you through all of these landscapes. As conditions can change seasonally, check the latest route conditions before setting out.
The Cayeux-sur-Mer–Le Crotoy section of La Vélomaritime / EuroVelo 4 is 28.94 kilometres long. A route description dated 18 May 2021 describes it as suitable for beginners and families. Check the latest route conditions before setting out. In terms of distance alone, the cycling section is almost three times as long as the 10-kilometre Balade au Crotoy. Kitesurfing and windsurfing take place at the northern end of Le Crotoy beach. Check the applicable rules and safety conditions before taking part.
Church and railway history
The Church of Saint-Pierre combines historic features dating from the 13th century with a Neo-Gothic reconstruction from the mid-19th century. The span of time makes the different building phases easy to follow; the church also contains maritime votive offerings, adding a nautical touch.
Gare du Crotoy was the first station to open on the RĂ©seau des Bains de Mer, on 1 July 1887. Its original exterior has been preserved. The goods shed houses a small exhibition of railway objects, including signs, signals and tools.
Discover more destinations: Mesnil-Domqueur, Drucat, Contre, Mouflières, Ailly-sur-Somme, Méaulte, Sentelie, Bailleul.
For the broader travel overview: Somme.
