Baie de Somme

The Baie de Somme

Baie de Somme (Bay of the Somme or Somme Bay) is a large estuary in the Picardie région of France. The bay drains six rivers into the English Channel, principally the River Somme, and covers a total area of 72 km2 (28 sq mi). The bay is noted for its ornithological richness, as well as being a major tourist attraction.[1]

When the tide is out, the Baie is characterized by wide, flat areas of marsh and sand, from which the delicacy of glasswort (locally:salicornes) are collected.[2] Small ponds, dug into the marshes and filled with fake plastic ducks, are used to attract migratory birds for hunting.[3] As the tide rises the bay fills, during which time numerous working, leisure and tourist boats cross between the surrounding villages.[4]

The largest towns on the bay are Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, Le Crotoy, Hourdel and, a few miles inland of the bay, Noyelles-sur-Mer. These towns are popular tourist destinations, [1][4] and are connected together by the preserved steam railway line, the Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme. [5] Several of the towns together form the Communauté of Baie de Somme Sud.

References

  1. 1 2 Barkham, Patrick. "Food, drink and wildlife in France's Baie de Somme". The Guardian. Retrieved 12 September 2016.
  2. ↑ "Salicorne" (in French). Cuisine a la Francaise. Retrieved 12 September 2016.
  3. ↑ Gartrell, Kenneth D. "A day & night at the "Hutte des 400 coups"". Gourmet Fly. Retrieved 12 September 2016.
  4. 1 2 Brunton, John. "And then Somme". The Guardian. Retrieved 12 September 2016.
  5. ↑ "Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme". Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme. Retrieved 12 September 2016.

Coordinates: 50°12′05″N 1°37′37″E / 50.2014°N 1.6269°E / 50.2014; 1.6269

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