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Mers-les-Bains, Ault CliffsEu, Le Tréport
©Nicolas Bryant

A trip to the cliffs from Mers-les-Bains to Ault

  • 500BELLE ÉPOQUE VILLAS IN MERS-LES-BAINS
  • 1908OPENING OF FUNICULAR RAILWAY AT LE TRÉPORT
  • 80CLIFF METRES HIGH

Mers-les-Bains

A JEWEL OF THE BELLE ÉPOQUE

At Mers-les-Bains tall chalk cliffs and a long pebble beach form a lovely setting for one of the architectural marvels of this coast. In the late 19th century sea bathing was all the rage and northern beaches were particularly fashionable. The sea front was built at this time. Over 500 villas were constructed, in a range of styles: Art Nouveau, Flemish, etc… with many decorative and ornamental features: ceramics, elaborate balconies, wrought iron work, glazed earthenware, pinnacles, etc. Mers-les-Bains is also a well known centre for surfing and stand-up paddling.

Façades Mers-les-Bains, Somme©SommeTourisme
Mers-les-Bains galets, Somme© Celine Pegard
Mers-les-Bains paddle, Somme©Nicolas Bryant
Mers-les-Bains, Somme©Nicolas Bryant
Plage de Mers-les-Bains, Somme©Nicolas Bryant
Ault-Bois de Cise, Somme©Nicolas Bryant

Ault

BALCONY OVERLOOKING THE SEA

The early 20th century Cliffside villas in Ault, Onival and the Bois de Cise seem to defy the elements. From the top of the Bois de Cise, a leafy valley, there is a breathtaking view of the long line of cliffs marching away to the horizon.

The Hale d 'Ault, a wetland area with over 270 bird species, is a wonderful spot for bird watching.

Go along the LaMotte trail between Ault and the Bois de Cise.

Glass valley

For 500 years glassmakers in the Bresle valley have been creating small bottles for luxury perfumes: Guerlain, Chanel, etc... Almost 80% of brand name perfume bottles produced in the world are made here. Some glassmakers allow tours of their workshops. Some are to be found at the top of Le Tréport funicular railway.

"The dune dies where the cliff is born" Victor Hugo
Pêche à Ault, Somme©Nicolas Bryant
Ault falaises, Somme©Nicolas Bryant
Ault falaises, Somme©Nicolas Bryant
Le Tréport, Somme©SommeTourisme-AB

Eu & Le Tréport

NEIGHBOURS

Carry on as far as these neighbouring seaside resorts in the Seine-Maritime department. Le Tréport has a busy harbour, good fish & seafood restaurants, a funicular railway to the cliff top.

Eu was the very last royal estate in France and can still boast some impressive historical heritage: Gallo-Roman archaeological site, Louis-Philippe château-museum, St Laurent collegiate church, etc. Enjoy a stroll along its lovely cobbled streets, dotted with fountains and green spaces.

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