Nature is top of the agenda during your stay at Hôtel Le Cap Hornu, just 100 km from Calais. Learn how to fish for shrimps, bay watch for seals and birds, cycle across to the quayside market at Saint Valery sur Somme and even forage for the edible plants that thrive here. Whichever way you choose to immerse yourselves in nature, you’ll treasure the family memories of the kids hurtling down the dunes to the beach, reflecting that there’s no better way to treasure the universe right now than together in this breathtaking Northern France microcosm.
With no cars on the 37-acre site (guests leave their cars in the hotel car park), Hotel Le Cap Hornu is a wonderfully safe space for children… which can only mean one thing – parents can relax! Unwind on the hotel terrace or find a sea view sunlounger in the garden. Now all you have to do is savour the blissful tranquillity of the moment and let the wonderful sea air do its thing recharging your batteries.
One of the refreshing things about this spot on the Somme Bay is that once you’ve arrived, the whole family weekend break can be car-free. Walk the path over to the characterful town of Saint Valery sur Somme (picture old-town walls, cobbled streets, boutiques and fisherman’s quarter) and take a ride on a real steam train to the sandy beach at Le Crotoy on the other side of the bay.
To get the very best out of your family weekend break, embark on the adventure that is a guided walk across the bay. Lasting one to three hours (depending on the route) be sure to book a professional guide both for safety and expert local knowledge, maybe even booking a tour specially adapted for kids to really fire their curiosity for the natural world. Then, back at Hotel Le Cap Hornu, you’ll be glad you packed the swimmers for those who fancy a pre-dinner dip in the heated swimming pool.
And tomorrow’s another day in the Somme Bay. Take a boat trip aboard the Commandant Charcot or book canoes to head off in search of the entertaining seals. If birds are your thing, make a beeline for the nearby Marquenterre bird reserve from where you can see up to 300 species of birds and the bay’s native Henson horses too. Book a horseriding session or go cycling to discover the Pointe du Hourdel and pretty beach huts at Cayeux-sur-Mer. Nature reigns at Hotel Le Cap Hornu.
Insiders Tips
Get in touch with the locals! They live on site and know how to make the most of your stay. They'll be happy to answer your questions and help you build a tailor-made, off the beaten path itinerary.
Hiding in the Le Marquenterre wooden observation points
The Le Marquenterre Bird Reserve is a great place to take the kids for a day out. For a start, they can run around in safety as there’s a lot of room:-) Running through the pine needles, the sand, on the grass, under the trees… What my daughter likes the most is being able to get so close to the birds: you can see them really clearly on the water and it makes a really big impression on small children as some birds are just as big as them! And, what’s more, there are observation points: wooden observation points where you can’t be seen enable you to look at the birds from very close up without them realising you’re there (and consequently not disturb them). And, of course, hiding just adds to the fun for the little ones!
Discovering the market of Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme
Sunday morning is market morning in Saint-Valery-Sur-Somme (just under 20 minutes from your accommodation). Why not take the whole family there? The children can walk along from stall to stall along the quai and try the local produce: salicornes, local “tomme” cheese, “gâteau battu”, snails from Marquenterre… The stallholders are welcoming and will greet you with a smile. I love the friendly atmosphere that prevails in this little market.
After having stocked up on local produce, stop off at a boulangerie to buy a lovely crunchy baguette. The beach is just a few yards away so why not find a place there to have a picnic looking out at the sea.