Somme Valley cycle route

What a delight, cycling along the calm course of the Somme River as far as the Bay of the Somme with its infinite horizons. The Véloroute Vallée de Somme, or Somme Valley cycle route, going from Tergnier to St-Valery-sur-Somme, forms part of the greater Véloroute de la Somme à la Marne, or Somme to Marne cycle route, its 160km dotted with exceptional natural sites, such as the Marais de Méricourt-sur-Somme (marshlands), Samara (an archaeological and natural site), the Etangs de la Barette (lakes at Corbie), and the Marais des Cavins (marshlands at Bourdon). Laid out beside the Canal de la Somme, this cycle route also encourages cyclists to come face to face, notably in Péronne, with indelible marks left by World War I. As to the city of Amiens, adopted town of world-renowned French 19th-century author Jules Verne, it’s a must, attracting visitors with its startling Hortillonnages (water gardens) and splendid Notre-Dame Cathedral, the latter a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting intricately carved façades. Along the cycle route, everything has been put in place to ensure a comfortable journey, such as dedicated picnic areas and bicycle parking spots, plus a whole network of services, including former lock-keepers’ cottages being renovated to welcome cyclists. This is a fine cycle route to tackle as a family.