The Somme

Visit department de la Sommelocated in the Hauts-de-Franceis a land rich in history, varied landscapes and culinary traditions. From the majestic Baie de Somme to picturesque towns and tasty gastronomy, this département offers a multitude of discoveries for visitors in search of authenticity.​

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 : Considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world, it offers breathtaking scenery and exceptional biodiversity. ​

• Notre-Dame d'Amiens Cathedral : A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.​

• Le Parc du Marquenterre : Located in the heart of the Baie de Somme nature reserve, it's a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers.​

• The Hortillonnages ofAmiens : These floating gardens, criss-crossed by canals, offer a peaceful ride in a traditional boat.​

• The Somme 1916 Museum in Albert : This museum tells the story of the Battle of the Somme in the First World War.​

Landscapes and towns of the Somme

The diversity of the Somme's landscapes is one of its major assets. 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 : A town of art and history, it boasts a rich architectural heritage, including the collegiate church of 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 : To the east, this département is known for its forests and castles, notably Chantilly.​

• Visit Seine-Maritime : To the south-west, in Normandy, it is home to the famous cliffs of Étretat and the historic city of 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 is a rolled crêpe topped with ham, mushrooms and a cream sauce, baked au gratin with a touch of grated cheese. Created in the 1950s by a chef in Amiens, this recipe is often served as a starter or main course, accompanied by a green salad.

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?

Highlights include the Baie de Somme, Amiens Cathedral, Parc du Marquenterre and the 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?

The Somme is surrounded by Pas-de-Calais, Oise and 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?

Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying the countryside and outdoor activities.​

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?

The Festival de l'Oiseau et de la Nature (Bird and Nature Festival) in April and the illuminations of Amiens Cathedral in summer are flagship events.