Top 6 Natural Monuments around Forest-Montiers
Best natural monuments around Forest-Montiers are found in the Somme department of France, offering diverse natural landscapes. This region is characterized by its proximity to the expansive Forêt de Crécy and the coastal areas of the Baie de Somme. Visitors can explore a variety of natural features, from ancient forests to significant wetlands and coastal viewpoints. The area provides opportunities to experience the natural heritage of northern France, with 6 natural monuments to discover.
Best natural monuments around Forest-Montiers
- The most popular natural monuments is Cape Hornu, a beach located near Saint-Valery-sur-Somme. This cape offers panoramic views of the bay and its wildlife, with a coastal path for scenic walks.
- Another must-see spot is Baie de Somme, a nature reserve with an area of 70 km². This bay features mud flats and salt marshes, rich in marine animals, water birds, and seals.
- Visitors also love Marais du Crotoy to La Bassée, a natural marsh area. This site is known for its biodiversity, providing an immersive experience for enthusiasts of flora and fauna.
- Forest-Montiers is known for its diverse natural monuments, including beaches, viewpoints, and marshlands. The region offers a variety of natural monuments to see and explore, from coastal features to inland wetlands.
- The natural monuments around Forest-Montiers are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 240 upvotes and 48 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 5, 2026
Cape Hornu
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The name Cap Hornu comes from the Picard word “hornu”, which means “horned” or “pointed”, and refers to the shape of the cape. The cape was also known as Cap Saint-Valery in the past.
The history of Cap Hornu is closely linked to that of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, which was a strategic port and a medieval town that witnessed many historical events. In 1066, William the Conqueror departed from Saint-Valery-sur-Somme with his fleet to invade England. In 1431, Joan of Arc was imprisoned in Saint-Valery-sur-Somme before being transferred to Rouen. In 1568, a massacre of Huguenots took place in Saint-Valery-sur-Somme after a battle between Catholics and Protestants
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Baie de Somme
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Baie de Somme
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Marais du Crotoy to La Bassée
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Crotoy marsh at La Bassée / Somme Bay nature reserve / Marquenterre ornithological park / The Marquenterre dune massif, the mollières de l'Authie and the bordering enclosures / The Crotoy marsh and the adjacent foreshore, Le Crotoy
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Tips from the Community
The bay of summer, on our trip it was low tide.
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Cross the Bay of the Somme from Crotoy, take the steam train back and then go to Le Hourdel to see the seals, that's all you need for a wonderful holiday. https://youtu.be/nenNw-_0ADE
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The dike at Favières is a hiking trail that takes you to the edge of the Bay of Somme, a nature reserve that is home to a rich biodiversity of fauna and flora. It was built in the 19th century to protect the land from the sea. The sea wall offers a panoramic view of the bay, where you can observe the changing colors of the water, the sandbanks and the marshes. You will also be able to spot many birds, such as herons, egrets, ducks and geese.
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If you're lucky, you'll see sea lilacs, a plant with purple flowers that covers the beach in summer. It is a rare and magnificent spectacle that will make your hike unforgettable.
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At Cape Hornu you can enjoy a panoramic view of the bay and its wildlife. You can follow the path along the coast, passing by the Chapelle des Marins, a small chapel dedicated to sailors who lost their lives at sea. You will also discover the charming town of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, with this medieval street plan, its ancient ramparts and its colorful houses. It's a great way to experience the beauty and history of this area.
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Crotoy marsh at La Bassée Crotoy marsh at La Bassée / Somme Bay nature reserve / Marquenterre ornithological park / The Marquenterre dune massif, the mollières de l'Authie and the bordering enclosures / The Crotoy marsh and the adjacent foreshore, Le Crotoy
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Cap Hornu is a cape located near Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, on the south bank of the Bay of Somme. The name Cap Hornu comes from the Picard word “hornu”, which means “horned” or “pointed”, and refers to the shape of the cape. The cape was also known as Cap Saint-Valery in the past. The history of Cap Hornu is closely linked to that of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, which was a strategic port and a medieval town that witnessed many historical events. In 1066, William the Conqueror departed from Saint-Valery-sur-Somme with his fleet to invade England. In 1431, Joan of Arc was imprisoned in Saint-Valery-sur-Somme before being transferred to Rouen. In 1568, a massacre of Huguenots took place in Saint-Valery-sur-Somme after a battle between Catholics and Protestants
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The Bay of the Somme or Somme Bay (French: Baie de Somme) is a nature reserve in the Somme department in northern France. This bay has an area of 70 km² and extends from Le Hourdel to Saint-Quentin-en-Tourmont. The bay is formed by the estuary of the Somme, which flows into the Channel here. A smaller river, the Maye, also flows into the bay here. The bay consists of mud flats and salt marshes, and the fresh water is carried north by the Fleuve marin côtier, a coastal current along the Picardy estuaries. The bay is rich in life forms, both marine animals, water birds, seals and the like. Sea lavender, sea wort and samphire are some of the characteristic plants on the salt marshes. The bay is also important from a cultural history point of view. For example, William the Conqueror set out from Saint-Valery-sur-Somme to conquer England. https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baai_van_de_Somme
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular natural monuments to visit near Forest-Montiers?
Visitors frequently enjoy Cape Hornu, a beach near Saint-Valery-sur-Somme offering panoramic bay views. Another highly regarded spot is Baie de Somme, a vast nature reserve known for its mud flats, salt marshes, and diverse wildlife. The Marais du Crotoy to La Bassée also attracts many for its rich biodiversity.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see in the Forest-Montiers area?
The region around Forest-Montiers offers a diverse range of natural features. You can explore expansive forests like the Forêt de Crécy, coastal areas with beaches and viewpoints such as Cape Hornu, and significant wetlands and marshlands like the Marais du Crotoy to La Bassée and the Baie de Somme.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments around Forest-Montiers?
Yes, several natural monuments are suitable for families. Cape Hornu, Baie de Somme, Panoramic view of Marquenterre Park, Marquenterre Park Observatory, and Marais du Crotoy to La Bassée are all categorized as family-friendly, offering accessible environments for all ages to enjoy nature.
What opportunities are there for wildlife observation?
The region is excellent for wildlife observation. The Baie de Somme is rich in marine animals, water birds, and seals. The Marais du Crotoy to La Bassée, often compared to a miniature Camargue, provides an immersive experience to observe species like storks, swans, ponies, and Highland cows. The Forêt de Crécy is also a ZNIEFF (Ecological, Faunistic and Floristic Natural Interest Zone) with diverse flora and fauna.
Can I go hiking or walking near these natural monuments?
Absolutely. The Forêt de Crécy offers eight marked circuits and extensive trails for hiking and walking. For more options, you can explore various running and walking routes in the area, such as the "Château du Broutel loop from Rue" or the "Moulin de Rue loop from Rue." Find more details on these routes in the Running Trails around Forest-Montiers guide.
What is the Forêt de Crécy, and what can I do there?
The Forêt de Crécy is a large state-owned forest near Forest-Montiers, covering about 4,300 hectares. It's known for its ancient beech and oak trees, including the centuries-old "Chêne des Ramolleux." You can enjoy hiking, cycling, and horseback riding on its marked trails, observe wildlife, and find a picnic area at the "Clairière du Muguet." It's a significant natural and ecological site.
Are there any coastal natural monuments to explore?
Yes, the nearby Baie de Somme area offers several coastal natural monuments. Cape Hornu provides panoramic views of the bay and a coastal path for walks. The Baie de Somme itself is a vast estuary with mud flats and salt marshes, extending from Le Hourdel to Saint-Quentin-en-Tourmont.
What are the best viewpoints for scenic photography?
For breathtaking views, visit Cape Hornu, which offers panoramic vistas of the Baie de Somme. Another excellent spot is the Panoramic view of Marquenterre Park, where a wooden platform provides a 360-degree view of the park and the bay, ideal for nature photography.
Are there any historical aspects linked to the natural monuments?
Yes, some natural monuments have historical significance. Cape Hornu and the nearby Saint-Valery-sur-Somme have a rich history, including being a departure point for William the Conqueror and a place of imprisonment for Joan of Arc. The Baie de Somme also holds cultural historical importance, as William the Conqueror set out from Saint-Valery-sur-Somme to conquer England.
What is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments around Forest-Montiers?
The natural monuments around Forest-Montiers, particularly the coastal areas and forests, are generally enjoyable throughout the warmer months, from spring to early autumn. Spring brings blooming flora and active wildlife, while summer offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Autumn provides beautiful foliage in the Forêt de Crécy. For birdwatching, specific migration seasons might be more rewarding.
Are there options for cycling near the natural monuments?
Yes, the area provides excellent cycling opportunities. The Forêt de Crécy has trails suitable for cycling. Additionally, you can find various gravel biking and touring cycling routes nearby, such as the "Le Crotoy – Cap Hourdel Lighthouse loop from Rue" or the "Le Crotoy – The Pebble Bridge loop from Rue." More cycling routes are detailed in the Gravel biking around Forest-Montiers guide and the Cycling around Forest-Montiers guide.
What makes the Baie de Somme a significant natural monument?
The Baie de Somme is a significant nature reserve covering 70 km², formed by the estuary of the Somme River. It features extensive mud flats and salt marshes, supporting a rich diversity of marine life, water birds, and seals. Its unique ecosystem, with characteristic plants like sea lavender and samphire, makes it a vital ecological area and a designated Natura 2000 site.
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