Hike to the ends of the earth

Long walk in Le Marquenterre

Into the nature reserve

Today we're going on a hike out of time, through wild unexplored landscapes. Head for the north of the Baie de Somme for a long walk around Le Marquenterre, a listed nature reserve. From Saint-Quentin-en-Tourmont follow the track leading to the sea as it winds through the dunes ("crocs" in Picardy dialect, hence the name of this hike), between thorny bushes and pine trees.
To tell the truth, this is quite an energetic walk. You'll strengthen your calf muscles walking through all that sand but, after approximately 3-4 km, you will be rewarded at the end of the track: an immense beach, untamed, a feeling that you've reached the end of the world. Once on the beach the hike continues on the left hand side, following the shore. You can see the long wooden stakes used in the farmed mussel beds. The Banc de l’Ilette is a bird sanctuary right at the heart of the Baie de Somme, one of the loveliest bays in the world. Stop for a moment to admire the view towards Le Crotoy, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, Cayeux-sur-Mer perhaps even Le Hourdel.