Abbeville / Saint-Valery-sur-Somme

From Abbeville, the cycle route takes you smoothly along the south side of the Somme Valley, following the ship canal alongside the great river, built in Napoleon’s day. All the valley’s waters were made to converge in this exceptional rectilinear waterway, but there are points of interest to enjoy along it. Built just after World War II, in 1946, there’s the vertical lift bridge and four swing bridges to provide crossings, plus there’s the Réserve Ornithologique de Grand Laviers in which to enjoy bird-spotting. The arrival at the medieval port of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme via its marina proves enchanting. Do go up to explore the fortified old town, including the Guillaume Towers with their views. To extend your cycling adventure, the Bay of the Somme and La Vélomaritime - EuroVelo 4 cycle route encourage you to embark on further adventures, spurred on by the invigorating sea air in these parts!

Cycle Route

The route for cyclists to cross the town of Abbeville had not been completed at time of writing. The plan is for the Boulevard de la Portelette to be transformed, with a wider cycle path for cyclists going along the river’s south bank up to the station, before they cross to the north bank. After the Ecluse d’Abbeville lock, the Véloroute Vallée de Somme, or Somme Valley cycle route, continues towards the Cité de l’Arsenal area for a short distance before leading on to the south bank of the waterway, which cyclists then follow all the way to Saint-Valery-sur-Somme. Take care reaching the marina at Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, as there are the railway tracks of the miniature Petit Train de la Baie de Somme to cross, plus this port attracts a lot of tourists and walkers. 

At Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, direct link with the EuroVelo 4 / La Vélomaritime.

Don't miss

• Abbeville: the Collegiate Church of Saint-Vulfran, the belfry and the Boucher de Perthes Museum.
• Grand-Laviers: the Grand-Laviers Baie de Somme bird sanctuary is easily accessible by bike.
• Saint-Valery-sur-Somme: the old town, the Picarvie museum, the marina, the herbarium on the ramparts, the many ways to discover the bay: on foot, by boat, by pirogue. Le Petit train de la Baie de Somme.