Overlooking the English Channel, Cayeux-sur-Mer is a historic seaside resort in the Hauts-de-France region of northern France. It forms part of the Baie de Somme-Picardie Maritime Regional Natural Park, which is home to abundant birdlife and the largest colony of harbour seals in France.
Things to do in Cayeux-sur-Mer
Train enthusiasts can visit the Gare de Cayeux-sur-Mer, which lies at one end of the Somme Bay Railway. It was originally opened in 1858 to transport passengers to the seaside resort, as well as freight sugar beets, chicory and shellfish. Today, Belle Epoque carriages pulled by steam locomotives chug their way to Le Crotoy, taking in freshwater marshes and agricultural fields along the way.
Stretching along the waterfront of Cayeux-sur-Mer is the town’s famous boardwalk, which is lined with more than 400 colourfully painted cabins. You can step directly onto the pebbly shores of the Grande Plage de Cayeux and swim in the refreshing waters of the English Channel before visiting the historic lifeboat known as "Benoît Champy”. During the first half of the 20th century, this 10-metre-long vessel made countless saves in Cayeux-sur-Mer’s often perilous seas.
In the nearby hamlet of Le Hourdel is a striking green and white lighthouse that can be accessed along a scenic cycling trail from Cayeux-sur-Mer. Magnificent views across the southern entrance to Somme Bay are on offer from the Pointe du Hourdel, with regular sightings of seals on the adjacent beach.
Getting around Cayeux-sur-Mer
Cayeux-sur-Mer is around an hour’s drive from Amiens and 1.5 hours from Beauvais–Tille Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. Regular buses connect to Cayeux-sur-Mer and the town is compact enough to explore on foot.