Hauts-de-France, France

Amiens Beaches

Overview

While Amiens itself is a charming inland city, it serves as a perfect gateway to the stunning beaches of the Picardy Coast. The famous Baie de Somme is just about an hour's drive away, making coastal day trips incredibly easy. This unique position allows visitors to combine the rich history of Amiens with the wild, natural beauty of the nearby shoreline, offering a holiday that blends urban exploration with seaside relaxation.

The coastline offers a remarkable variety of beaches to suit any preference. You can walk along Europe's longest boardwalk on the pebble shores of Grande Plage de Cayeux or enjoy the exceptional light at the south-facing Plage du Crotoy. For wildlife lovers, Plage Hourdel is the best place for spotting the local seal colony. Meanwhile, Plage de Quend provides a vast 15-kilometer expanse of fine sand favored by locals, and the action-packed Plage de Berck-sur-Mer is the go-to spot for sand yachting and its world-renowned kite festival.

The beaches of the Baie de Somme are defined by their wild character and dramatic tides, which constantly reshape the landscape. From immense sandy stretches perfect for long walks to charming seaside towns, the region offers a diverse coastal experience. For a complete look at all the seaside destinations, including the popular family-friendly resort of Fort-Mahon-Plage, be sure to explore our full guide to the area's best beaches.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Are there any beaches in Amiens itself?

No, Amiens is an inland city and does not have any beaches. The nearest beaches are about an hour's drive away on the Picardy Coast, primarily in the Baie de Somme (Bay of Somme).

How far is the coast from Amiens and how do I get there?

The closest beaches in the Baie de Somme, such as Le Crotoy and Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, are approximately 60-70 km from Amiens. The most convenient way to travel is by car, which takes about one hour. While train services exist to nearby towns like Noyelles-sur-Mer, a car offers more flexibility for exploring the different coastal resorts.

Is Amiens a good base for a beach holiday?

Amiens can be an excellent base if you want to combine a city break with day trips to the coast. It allows you to enjoy the city's rich history, including its famous cathedral, while having the option to visit the diverse beaches of the Baie de Somme. However, if your priority is to wake up by the sea every day, staying in a coastal town like Saint-Valery-sur-Somme or Fort-Mahon-Plage would be more suitable.

What are the beaches near Amiens like?

The beaches of the Picardy Coast offer a lot of variety. You'll find vast, wide sandy beaches perfect for families and sand yachting at places like Fort-Mahon-Plage and Quend-Plage. In the heart of the Baie de Somme, towns like Le Crotoy have large sand flats exposed at low tide. Other areas, such as Cayeux-sur-Mer, are famous for their long pebble beaches lined with colorful beach huts.

Can you swim in the Baie de Somme?

Swimming is popular at the main seaside resorts like Fort-Mahon-Plage and Quend-Plage. However, swimming is forbidden in some parts of the bay itself, like at Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, due to extremely strong tidal currents and the nature of the estuary. Always check local signage and lifeguard presence. Water temperatures in summer are cool, typically around 18°C (64°F).

What is the best time of year to visit the beaches near Amiens?

The best time for a beach visit is from June to August when the weather is warmest and all seaside amenities are open. However, spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are also beautiful times to visit for walking and enjoying the scenery with fewer crowds. Be aware that the English Channel coast is often breezy, so bringing layers is always a good idea.

What are the tides like in the Baie de Somme and why are they important?

The Baie de Somme has one of the highest tidal ranges in Europe. The landscape changes dramatically between high and low tide, with the sea retreating for miles to expose vast sand and mudflats. It's crucial to be aware of tide times, as the water can come in extremely quickly. Guided walks across the bay are popular but should never be attempted without a professional guide due to the danger.

Which is better for a visit: Le Crotoy or Saint-Valery-sur-Somme?

The choice depends on your preference. Saint-Valery-sur-Somme is a charming medieval town with cobbled streets, a lovely harbor, and views from its ramparts, but swimming is not permitted. Le Crotoy is a classic seaside resort with a large, south-facing sandy beach that gets plenty of sun, making it more of a traditional beach destination. The two towns are connected by a historic steam train, so it's easy to visit both.

Are the beaches near Amiens family-friendly?

Yes, many beaches are very family-friendly. Fort-Mahon-Plage and Quend-Plage are particularly popular with families due to their immense sandy beaches, lifeguard supervision in summer, and activities like sand yachting and kite flying. Many resorts also have carousels, ice cream shops, and family-friendly restaurants right by the beach.

Can I see the seal colony in the Baie de Somme?

Yes, the Baie de Somme is home to the largest colony of harbor seals in France. A great place to spot them is from Pointe du Hourdel, especially at low tide when they rest on the sandbanks. You can also see them on guided boat trips or walks. It is essential to keep a significant distance to avoid disturbing them.

Should I stay in Amiens or in a hotel on the coast?

For a short trip focused purely on beaches, staying in a coastal town like Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, Le Crotoy, or Cayeux-sur-Mer is best. These towns have hotels and holiday rentals with sea views and direct beach access. If you have more time and want to explore both the city of Amiens and the coast, staying in Amiens and taking a day trip to the beach is a great option.

How do the beaches of the Baie de Somme compare to Normandy?

The Baie de Somme offers a wilder, more natural landscape focused on its unique estuary ecosystem, vast sand flats, and bird reserves. The beaches are expansive and known for activities like sand yachting. While Normandy also has beautiful beaches, it is more famous for the dramatic white cliffs of the Alabaster Coast and its historic D-Day landing sites. The Baie de Somme feels more focused on nature and traditional seaside charm.

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Plan your day with the latest beach weather conditions

Amiens: Weather Today

📅 Saturday, July 26, 2025
It's an okay day for the beach in Amiens. The maximum air temperature will be 25.2 °C. Expect mostly cloudy skies. There's a slight chance of rain, so keep an eye on the sky. The wind will be moderate, with stronger gusts possible. The UV index will reach 6.85, so be sure to apply sunscreen.
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Air

Low / High16.9°C/25.2°C
Feels Like (High)25.3°C
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Rain

Rain Chance12%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:12/21:41
Sunshine Hours6.3 hrs
UV Index6.85
Cloud Cover59%
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Wind

Speed18.7 km/h
Gusts41.4 km/h
DirectionW

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