The Baie de Somme Steam Train Experience

The Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme is widely considered one of the most beautiful and authentic steam train experiences in France. Running through the breathtaking landscapes of the Baie de Somme, this historic railway connects charming coastal towns like Le Crotoy, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, Noyelles-sur-Mer, and Cayeux-sur-Mer.

But is it really worth your time? Which route should you choose? And how do you get the best experience?

This complete guide covers everything you need to know, from routes and tips to hidden details most visitors miss.

The steam locomotive of the Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme detaches and moves along the track to the front of the train at Saint-Valery-sur-Somme.

Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme at a Glance

• Type: Heritage steam railway
• Location: Baie de Somme
• Duration: 1–2 hours depending on route
• Best route: Le Crotoy ↔ Saint-Valery-sur-Somme
• Best time to visit: Spring and autumn

Is the Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme Worth It?

Absolutely, even if you’re not especially interested in trains.

What makes this experience memorable is the combination of vintage railway history and the landscape of the Baie de Somme itself. The train moves slowly through wide open salt marshes, tidal flats, grazing fields, and small villages where life still feels calm and unhurried.

The journey feels very different from modern travel. You hear the constant rhythm of the steam engine, smell coal smoke drifting through the open windows, and feel the carriage gently swaying as the train crosses the bay.

At times it almost feels more like a moving observation platform than public transport.

One thing we didn’t expect was how peaceful the ride becomes once the station disappears behind you. The scenery opens into huge stretches of marshland with barely any buildings in sight.

If you're looking for a unique experience in northern France, this is easily one of the best things to do.

A peaceful countryside view from the Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme train, passing through fields and open landscapes.

The Steam Train Routes Explained

The railway offers three main routes, each showcasing a different side of the bay.

Understanding these routes is key to planning the perfect visit.

1. Le Crotoy ↔ Saint-Valery-sur-Somme (The Most Scenic Route)

This is the iconic Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme experience.

Running between Le Crotoy and Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, this route crosses stunning salt marshes and coastal landscapes often described as “Between Land & Salt Meadows.”

At low tide, the scenery becomes especially dramatic:

• Reflective surfaces
• Textured sandbanks
• Expansive views across the bay

If you only choose one route, make it this one.

2. Saint-Valery-sur-Somme ↔ Cayeux-sur-Mer (Les Bas-Champs)

This route heads inland toward Cayeux-sur-Mer, crossing wide agricultural plains known as “Les Bas-Champs.”

It’s less dramatic but deeply relaxing:

• Open horizons
• Quiet countryside
• A slower pace

Cayeux-sur-Mer itself is worth visiting for:

• Its long pebble beach
• Colorful beach huts
• Laid-back seaside atmosphere

3. Le Crotoy ↔ Cayeux-sur-Mer (The Full Experience)

Known as the “Great Large,” this is the complete Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme journey.

It combines both previous routes, giving you:

• Coastal scenery
• Inland landscapes
• Multiple stops

Best for travelers who want the full experience in one trip.

A Unique Highlight: The Steam Locomotive Switch

One of the most memorable moments happens when the steam locomotive changes position at stations such as Saint-Valery-sur-Somme or Noyelles-sur-Mer.

Unlike modern trains, the engine doesn’t simply reverse direction.

Instead, it detaches from the carriages, slowly moves along another track, and reconnects at the opposite end of the train.

Watching this happen up close feels almost theatrical.

At Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, we stepped off the carriage with dozens of other visitors just to watch the maneuver. Steam hissed into the air while railway staff carefully guided the locomotive into position.

The process takes several minutes, but nobody seemed impatient.

In fact, this became one of the highlights of the entire trip.

At Noyelles-sur-Mer, we were lucky enough to see two steam trains arriving almost simultaneously, creating an incredible scene for photography.

It’s one of those moments that makes the railway feel alive rather than simply preserved for tourists.

At Noyelles-sur-Mer, the steam locomotive is reattached to the other end of the train after being repositioned.

What It’s Like On Board

Inside the vintage carriages, everything feels pleasantly old-fashioned.

Many compartments still have wooden interiors and simple seating, and some windows can be opened fully, which makes a huge difference for both photography and atmosphere.

You constantly hear the steam engine in the background while the carriage gently rocks from side to side.

One thing we quickly noticed is that the ride can feel surprisingly cold when the wind blows across the bay, especially near open windows.

Even on a sunny day, bringing an extra layer is a good idea.

The pace of the train is part of the charm.

Nobody seems rushed.

People spend most of the ride looking out of the windows, chatting quietly, or moving between carriages to photograph the locomotive.

The historic wooden seating inside the Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme carriage creates an authentic vintage travel experience.

Our Experience

We took the train between Saint-Valery-sur-Somme and Le Crotoy during low tide, and the changing landscape became one of the biggest surprises of the day.

At some moments the bay looked almost completely empty, exposing huge stretches of sand and marshland. A few minutes later the scenery changed again as the train curved around the coastline.

The locomotive maneuver at Saint-Valery-sur-Somme was probably our favorite moment.

Watching the engine slowly reposition itself while steam drifted across the station genuinely felt like stepping into another era.

We also spent some time exploring both Saint-Valery-sur-Somme and Le Crotoy afterward, which we highly recommend.

Le Crotoy felt quieter and more relaxed, while Saint-Valery had a livelier atmosphere with cafés, restaurants, and more activity around the harbor.

If possible, plan an entire day instead of only taking a short train ride.

That gives you time to enjoy the villages, walk along the bay, and experience the railway without rushing.

Watch our journey on the Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme steam train through the beautiful landscapes of northern France. Click to watch the video.

Best Seats and Photography Tips

IIf photography matters to you, where you sit can completely change the experience.

On the Le Crotoy ↔ Saint-Valery section, try to sit on the side facing the bay.

If you’re unsure which side that is before departure, simply ask the staff or observe where photographers are gathering on the platform.

For photos:

• Choose windows that open fully when possible
• Avoid shooting directly through glass because reflections become strong
• Early morning and late afternoon provide much softer light
• Low tide creates the most interesting textures in the landscape

One unexpectedly good place for photos was near the carriage doors while the train was stationary at stations.

That’s where we captured some of our favorite images.

When to Visit

Spring and early autumn are probably the best times to experience the railway.

In spring, the marshes become intensely green and visitor numbers remain manageable.

Autumn brings softer light and warmer colors across the bay, which looks fantastic in photos.

Summer offers the best weather but also the busiest trains.

If you visit during peak season, booking ahead is highly recommended.

 Why the Tide Changes Everything

One thing many first-time visitors underestimate is how much the tides completely transform the Baie de Somme.

At low tide:

• Vast sandbanks appear
• Reflections become visible
• Wildlife becomes easier to spot
• The bay feels enormous

At higher tide levels, the scenery becomes softer and more water-focused.

If photography is important to you, checking tide schedules before your visit is absolutely worth it.

How Long Is the Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme Ride?

• Le Crotoy ↔ Saint-Valery-sur-Somme: ~1 hour
• Saint-Valery ↔ Cayeux-sur-Mer: ~ 40 min
• Full route: ~  2 hours

You can also:

• Stop at stations
• Explore towns
• Continue later

A unique perspective from the train window showing the last wagon and wide open fields along the Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme.

Practical Tips Before You Go

A few things we learned during our visit:

• Arrive early if you want good seats
• Platforms become crowded shortly before departure
• Bring an extra layer because the wind across the bay can feel cold
• Stay at least long enough to watch the locomotive reposition itself
• Don’t rush back immediately after the ride because the surrounding towns are part of the experience

If you enjoy photography or video, you could easily spend an entire day moving between stations.

Helpful Planning Resources

Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme (tickets)

Steam Train Baie de Somme

Other European Train Rides Worth Experiencing

If you enjoy historic and scenic train journeys, two other remarkable railway experiences in Europe are the Flåm Railway in Norway and Switzerland’s Brienz Rothorn Bahn. The Flåm Railway is famous for its dramatic fjord landscapes and waterfalls, while the Brienz Rothorn Bahn takes passengers high into the Swiss Alps aboard a traditional steam-powered mountain train.

FAQ – Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme

Is the Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme worth it?

Yes, the Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme is absolutely worth it for its unique combination of historic steam trains and stunning coastal scenery.

Which route is the most scenic?

The route between Le Crotoy and Saint-Valery-sur-Somme is widely considered the most scenic section of the Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme.

Can you hop on and off the train?

Yes, you can hop on and off the Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme depending on your ticket type, allowing you to explore different towns along the route.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes, the Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme is very family-friendly, and children especially enjoy the steam train experience.

Do you need to book in advance?

During peak season, it is recommended to book in advance as the Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme can get busy.

A Journey Through Steam and Seaside Beauty

The Baie de Somme steam train is much more than a simple tourist attraction.

What makes it memorable is the combination of moving steam locomotives, quiet coastal scenery, and the feeling that the experience hasn’t been overly modernized.

It still feels authentic.

For us, the highlights weren’t only the views across the bay, but also the smaller moments:

• The sound of steam filling the station
• Watching the locomotive reconnect to the train
• Seeing passengers lean out of the windows smiling during the ride
• The peaceful atmosphere once the train left the towns behind

Beautiful natural landscapes of the Baie de Somme seen from the steam train as it travels through the region.

The Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme and a visit to Pointe du Hourdel are among the best activities to discover the beauty of the Baie de Somme in northern France.