Aire de Le Crotoy

Le Crotoy (Somme, France)

Le Crotoy is a small seaside resort located on the south shore of the Baie de Somme, known for its wide seafront and vast mudflats. The village faces west, offering expansive sunsets over the bay. A fishing and pleasure port, it combines maritime activities, nature watching and a lively town center in summer. Its location makes it a convenient gateway to explore the bay's nature reserve.

Heritage and history

Le Crotoy retains the silhouette of a maritime village with its Église Saint‑Pierre, whose apse overlooks the town. The port, redeveloped over the centuries, recalls the importance of local fisheries and connections to the sea. Le Crotoy also long attracted artists, taken by the light and the bay's landscapes.

Nature and landscapes

The landscapes are dominated by the vasières and salt marshes of the Baie de Somme, which are revealed at low tide. The bay is a major site for migratory birds and shorebirds; birdwatching is particularly rich there. Walks along the coastal paths allow enjoyment of panoramas and biodiversity.

Outdoor activities

You can take the Chemin de fer de la Baie de Somme, a tourist train linking nearby sites, or embark on boat trips to the seal banks near the Hourdel. The wide beaches invite long walks, sand yachting and discoveries of sandbanks at low tide.

Not to be missed

• Port du Crotoy: lively heart, embarkations and fishing huts.
• Église Saint‑Pierre: iconic village building.
• Chemin de fer de la Baie de Somme: retro ride along the bay.
• Boat trips to the Hourdel: seal watching.
• Vasières and bird observatories: key spots for bird migration.