Just 200 metres from La Prairie campsite, discover Le Crotoy beach, one of the best known in the Baie de Somme. The setting is very pleasant, offering uninterrupted views of the Pointe du Hourdel and Saint-Valery-sur-Somme. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the Bay of the Somme's famous seals!
The sunniest beach in the Baie de Somme
Any Crotellois will tell you that Le Crotoy beach is the sunniest beach in the Baie de Somme! That's right, because it's the only beach facing due south. Perfect for filling up on vitamin D during your holidays on the Picardy coast!
A privileged location
Situated in the heart of the Baie de Somme, just a stone's throw from the Marquenterre bird sanctuary, this large sandy and shingle beach stretches for around 6 kilometres, from the Crotoy marina to the mouth of the Maye in the north.
Zoom in on... La Maye beach
On the edge of the Parc du Marquenterre, 15 minutes from La Prairie campsite, this beach in Le Crotoy is one of the wildest and most secret in the Baie de Somme. It's the kingdom of sea plants, saltwort and obiones, and that of fishermen on foot in search of cockles.
What about swimming?
SNSM lifeguards patrol Le Crotoy beach in July and August. Yellow buoys mark out the supervised swimming area. At low tide, swimming is no longer possible, as the sea retreats a long way, up to 14 km from the coast! On the other hand, children who enjoy wading through the mud in search of crabs and shells will be delighted!
Important to know: please note that Le Crotoy beach is temporarily closed to swimming. This measure, taken in the interests of safety, in no way affects the multitude of other seaside experiences on offer. The beach remains a wonderful place to sunbathe, play in the sand with the kids, take a walk along the coast or enjoy a magnificent sunset over the bay.
Alternatively, if the urge to swim is stronger than anything else, you can fall back on the nearby beaches of Fort-Mahon or Cayeux-sur-Mer.
Be vigilant during the rising tide
It is often said that the tide in the Bay of the Somme rises "at the speed of a galloping horse". Even if this is not quite true, the tide can still reach a speed of 6 km/h!
From April to September, the beach at Le Crotoy is patrolled by the Bay's horsemen to ensure the safety of walkers on the rising tide. In all cases, remain vigilant: follow the safety instructions posted at every beach access point and check the tide times.
Dogs on the beach
Would you like to take your dog for a walk on the beach? Dogs are allowed on Le Crotoy beach between the Maye car park and the allée de la Grève, a total of almost 2 kilometres of beach.
Beach cabins
Le Crotoy beach is famous for its white bathing huts, typical of the Picardy coastline. These pretty little wooden huts appeared at the beginning of the 20th century, at the time of the first sea baths, allowing bathers to change discreetly, rest or leave their personal belongings in them. Cabins can be hired by the week or month.
Car parks and toilets
It should be noted that all car parks on the beach are subject to a charge, including those located further away, as well as those in the small adjacent streets. You should expect to pay 1 euro per hour. Several public toilets are available at the top of the beach.
