Baie de Somme

The Baie de Somme

Baie de Somme (Bay of the Somme or Somme Bay) is a large estuary in the Picardie région of France. The bay drains six rivers into the English Channel, principally the River Somme, and covers a total area of 72 km² (28 sq mi). The bay is noted for its ornithological richness, as well as being a major tourist attraction.^[2]

When the tide is out, the Baie is characterized by wide, flat areas of marsh and sand, from which the delicacy of glasswort (locally:salicornes) are collected.^[3] Small ponds, dug into the marshes and filled with fake plastic ducks, are used to attract migratory birds for hunting.^[4] As the tide rises the bay fills, during which time numerous working, leisure and tourist boats cross between the surrounding villages.^[5]

The largest towns on the bay are Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, Le Crotoy, Cayeux-sur-Mer and, a few miles inland of the bay, Noyelles-sur-Mer. These towns are popular tourist destinations,^[2][5] and are connected together by the preserved steam railway line, the Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme.^[6] Several of the towns together form the Communauté d'agglomération de la Baie de Somme.

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Coordinates: 50°12′05″N 1°37′37″E / 50.2014°N 1.6269°E / 50.2014; 1.6269

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