Saint-Valery-sur-Somme is an intimate resort on the English Channel. Its long history has left its traces in the form of historic buildings, and the area around the floodplains at the Somme estuary is a great place for bird watching.
The history of the city dates back to Roman times, when there was a settlement here. In the 7th century, the monk Valery came to this area, he founded a monastery that survived until 1431, when it was destroyed by the English. Today, its remnants are the Romanesque-Gothic church of St. Valery. According to records, Joan of Arc was held in Saint-Valery-sur-Somme during the Hundred Years' War before being transported to England. One of the city's biggest attractions is the house where she was supposed to be imprisoned.
Until the nineteenth century, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme was primarily a commercial and fishing port and did not play much of a role on the coast. Only the growing popularity of seaside recreation attracted holidaymakers here. Among them were representatives of the Parisian bohemia, writers and painters such as Victor Hugo, Jules Verne and Edgar Degas.
In addition to the historic center with many medieval houses and a nice seaside boulevard in Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, you can visit the Somme canal, which regulates its mouth and prevents backflow. The estuary of the river is very picturesque, it has numerous backwaters where water birds live. Kayaking and boat trips are organized along the canal and mouths. The sandy beach is a place for relaxation and walks in summer. Horse riding is also popular.
