What to do along the Somme: World War I French battle site is a picturesque region that offers a wealth of attractions
- People are drawn to the Somme for what has become known as remembrance tourism, but this tranquil corner of France is also worth discovering for other reasons
- Visit a beautiful fishing port, marvel at a majestic Gothic church, enjoy a great spot for sunset cocktails, and discover the history of the Chinese in the area
The Somme conjures up visions of World War I battlefields. People from around the world are drawn to this part of northern France for what has become known as remembrance tourism, and visiting the immense cemeteries, memorials and museums that honour the fallen of the Western Front is an intensely emotional experience.
But this tranquil corner of the country is also worth discovering for other reasons.
A narrow road from the grand medieval town of Abbeville accompanies the sleepy river Somme towards La Manche (or the English Channel, as the British call it).
As the waterway arrives at the coast, it widens into a spectacular bay; unique, unspoilt wetlands whose form and colours change with the tide. The wetlands are inundated by the sea at high tide, drained at low tide, when they are transformed into undulating grassy dunes, channels and eddies.
When the tide is out, the bay, seen from inland, seems to have no clear point of focus, with a seemingly endless horizon.
On closer inspection, though, it becomes clear the flats are alive with movement: duck hunters trekking out to hides; fishermen digging in the sand for clams; seals flopping on sun-warmed sand banks; horses galloping along the water’s edge; sheep grazing on the exposed salty grass.
