Late July 2024 we decided to leave the unstable summer weather in Belgium behind us for some days and travel more south for a long weekend. After previous experiences at the Côte Opale, Le Touquet and Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme, this time we found a nice b&b to stay a bit lower on the map in Cayeux-sur-Mer.
Cayeux-sur-Mer is a small, quiet coastal town a bit under the estuary of the Somme river. You can see white cliffs towards the south from its very clean pebbles beach. The town is also known for its more than 2 km long walk in front of hundreds of beach cabines and some nice beach bars.
It’s just a small drive from there south to Ault, a coastal town with charm for its high white cliffs and historical houses.
Not so far from there you can also visit the Bois de Cise, a magical neighborhood full of charming Belle Epoque villas near the sea and hidden by the cliffs and woods around them. We drove through the main street without taking pictures, so its mystery remains.
The last recommendation of our friendly hosts in Cayeux-sur-Mer was the nearby coastal town of Mers-les-Bains. This place is certainly worth a visit for its cliffs and historical, colourful Belle Epoque big houses near the beach and dike. They also organise a yearly wonderful event and competition for the best Belle Epoque (swimming) costumes in the end of July https://www.merslesbains.fr/fete-des-baigneurs-2/. Another reason for us to go back next year maybe. Mers-les-bains is also reachable by train so that opens also the sustainable travelling option!
