Amiens / Abbeville

Having enjoyed a final look at the mighty Amiens Cathedral, seven locks divide up the way as you cycle from the capital of the département (French county) of the Somme to Abbeville. The river flows gently here, as you cycle along its towpath. On this Véloroute Vallée de Somme or Somme Valley cycle route stage, you cross history-packed villages such as Picquigny, Long and Pont-Remy. These are worth exploring, notably Picquigny, with its ruined fort, the Château des Vidames, and options for stocking up on provisions, and Long, in its idyllic waterside setting. Look out for fine homes scattered along this peaceful stage, as well as the lakes dotted across the plain.

Cycle Route

The Somme Valley cycle route, follows the towpath, sometimes along the river’s north bank, sometimes along its south bank. The surface alternates between tarmac and compacted sand through the country areas.  Signposting is unbroken and also indicates services to be found in towns and villages beside the cycle route. Picnic areas have been laid out around the locks and at various points along the canal, allowing you to enjoy lovely pauses beside the waterway.

Links

At Longpré-les-Corps-Saints, signposted link to the Maison des Marais and to the greenway, the Voie Verte du Vimeu à l'Airaines. 
At Abbeville, signposted link towards the greenway, the Voie Verte de la Traverse du Ponthieu.

Don't miss

• Amiens: Notre Dame Cathedral, the House of Jules Verne, the Picardy Museum, the Zoo...
• Ailly-sur-Somme lockhouse
• Picquigny: the castle and the nautical base
• Long: the lock house, the castle and the hydropower station
• Pont-Rémy: remains of the castle
• Eaucourt-sur-Somme: the castle and the mill
• Abbeville: the Saint-Vulfran collegiate church, the belfry and the Boucher de Perthes museum.