Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme

Running across the Bay of the River Somme, this is a charming preserved steam railway in northern France, not far from Abbeville.


Part of a small network of metre-gauge lines around the Bay built in 1887, most of the line is worked by steam locomotives. The views across the bay are lovely, and you can see a wide variety of bird life from the train. Special services offering dinner are also provided. St Valery in particular has excellent restaurants, and a charming old town to visit.


The line itself starts at the seaside resort of Le Crotoy, running past fields alongside the Somme to Noyelles, where it reverses (and makes a connection with SNCF main line). It then traverses the Somme estuary on a long trestle viaduct, before arriving at the charming old fortified port town of St Valery sur Somme. (Aslo famous as the embarkation point for William the Conqueror in 1066). The line continues through more fields to Cayeux-sur-Mer, another small seaside village with a lovely beach.


The train can be boarded at any of these main stations. Return runs operate from Le Crotoy to St Valery, and St Valery to Cayeux. The line to Cayeux is diesel operated and only runs in high summer.


An excellent choice for kids (of all ages) and a good wet weather bet when on holiday!