The Somme

Visit department de la Sommelocated in the Hauts-de-Franceis a land rich in history, varied landscapes and culinary traditions. De la majestueuse Baie de Somme aux villes pittoresques en passant par une gastronomie savoureuse, ce département offre une multitude de découvertes pour les visiteurs en quête d’authenticité.​

Must-see tourist sites in the Somme

The Somme is packed with tourist attractions that bear witness to its rich cultural and natural heritage. Here is a selection of places not to be missed.

• The Somme Bay : Considérée comme l’une des plus belles baies du monde, elle offre des paysages époustouflants et une biodiversité exceptionnelle. ​

• La Cathédrale Notre-Dame d’Amiens : Chef-d’œuvre de l’architecture gothique, elle est classée au patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO.​

• Le Parc du Marquenterre : Situé au cœur de la réserve naturelle de la Baie de Somme, c’est un paradis pour les ornithologues et les amoureux de la nature.​

• Les Hortillonnages d’Amiens : These floating gardens, criss-crossed by canals, offer a peaceful ride in a traditional boat.​

• The Somme 1916 Museum in Albert : Ce musée retrace l’histoire de la Bataille de la Somme lors de la Première Guerre mondiale.​

Landscapes and towns of the Somme

La diversité des paysages de la Somme est l’un de ses atouts majeurs. From rugged coastlines to verdant plains and dense forests, every corner of the département tells a story.​

• Amiens : Prefecture of the département, this town is famous for its cathedral, its hortillonnages and its historic Saint-Leu district of colorful houses.​tourisme-en-hautsdefrance.com

• Saint-Valery-sur-Somme : Charming medieval town with breathtaking views over the bay and picturesque alleyways.​

• Le Crotoy : The only south-facing beach in northern France, this fishing village has an authentic feel.​

• Abbeville : Ville d’art et d’histoire, elle possède un riche patrimoine architectural, notamment la collégiale Saint-Vulfran.​

Region and surrounding departments

The Somme is surrounded by other départements with equally rich heritage and varied landscapes.​

• Visit Pas-de-Calais : To the north, it offers remarkable sites such as the Deux Caps and the town of Boulogne-sur-Mer.​

• L'Oise : À l’est, ce département est connu pour ses forêts et ses châteaux, notamment celui de Chantilly.​

• Visit Seine-Maritime : Au sud-ouest, en Normandie, il abrite les célèbres falaises d’Étretat et la ville historique de Rouen.​​

Gastronomy and culinary specialities of the Somme

Visit Sumdepartment located in Hauts-de-Franceis home to a rich culinary heritage that bears witness to its rural and maritime history. Local products take pride of place here, with recipes that are sure to please. authentic and tasty that appeal to locals and visitors alike.

The emblematic specialities of the Somme

1. La Ficelle Picarde

It's one of the region's best-known specialties. La Ficelle Picarde est une crêpe roulée, garnie de jambon, de champignons et d’une sauce à la crème, gratinée au four avec une touche de fromage râpé. Créée dans les années 1950 par un chef d’Amiens, cette recette est souvent servie en entrée ou en plat principal accompagnée d’une salade verte.

2. The Beaten Cake

Visit beaten cake is a light, airy brioche, emblematic of Picardy and particularly of the Somme region. Its secret lies in a dough rich in eggs and butter, beaten for a long time to obtain a soft texture. This cake, often compared to a brioche, can be eaten plain or accompanied by a homemade jam.

3. Flamiche with leeks

A speciality of northern France Flamiche with Leeks is a savory tart made from shortcrust pastry filled with leek fondue and a cream and egg mixture. This simple yet generous dish is ideal for a convivial meal.

4. Le Rollot

Visit Rollot is a traditional farmhouse cheese from the département. Made from cow's milk, it is distinguished by its soft texture and washed orange rind. It has a typically strong, tangy flavor, making it a favorite with lovers of cheeses with character.

5. Seafood from the Baie de Somme

Thanks to its coastal locationthe Somme is renowned for its seafood and fresh fish. Among the most popular :

• Visit bouchot musselsraised on wooden piles in the open sea.
• Visit cockles and shrimpsvery present in the Baie de Somme.
• Visit smoked herringtraditionally prepared and eaten throughout the region.

6. Bay of the Somme Duck

Visit wild mallard duck is a local specialty that can be eaten roasted, in terrine or in confit. In the Baie de Somme, this meat is often accompanied by a cider or juniper berry sauce.

7. Glasswort and Halophytic Plants

In the Baie de Somme salt marsheswe harvest the glassworta sea plant with an iodized flavor that often accompanies fish dishes or salads. You'll also find maritime aster soupa plant that grows naturally in salt meadows.

Traditional Somme drinks

1. La Bière Picarde

The region produces many craft beers, often brewed with local ingredients. These include amber, lager and dark beerswith varied, authentic aromas.

2. Le Cidre Picard

Visit farmhouse cider  is made from local apples. Less sweet than Norman cider, it goes perfectly with traditional dishes such as flamiche with leeks.

3. Juniper

This typical Hauts-de-France alcohol, made from juniper berries, is appreciated as a digestive or used in cooking to spice up certain dishes.

Where can you enjoy these specialities?

If you would like to sample these regional delicacies, here are a few suggestions:

• In Amiens Traditional restaurants in the Saint-Leu district.
• In Saint-Valery-sur-Somme Addresses specializing in seafood and products from the Baie de Somme.
• In Abbeville Local markets offering farm produce and handicrafts.

Frequently asked questions about the Somme

What are the main tourist attractions in the Somme?

Parmi les incontournables, on compte la Baie de Somme, la Cathédrale d’Amiens, le Parc du Marquenterre et les Hortillonnages d’Amiens.​

What is the emblematic culinary speciality of the Somme?

Gâteau Battu is a light brioche typical of the region.​

Which towns to visit in the Somme?

Amiens, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, Le Crotoy and Abbeville are towns rich in heritage and charm.​

Which departments surround the Somme?

La Somme est entourée du Pas-de-Calais, de l’Oise et de la Seine-Maritime.​

Where to eat seafood in the Somme?

Coastal villages such as Le Crotoy and Saint-Valery-sur-Somme are renowned for their fresh seafood.​

When is the best time to visit the Baie de Somme?

Le printemps et l’été sont idéaux pour profiter pleinement des paysages et des activités en plein air.​

Which cheeses are typical of the Somme?

Rollot is a soft cow's milk cheese, typical of the region.​

What are the major cultural events in the Somme?

Le Festival de l’Oiseau et de la Nature en avril et les illuminations de la Cathédrale d’Amiens en été sont des événements phares.