Saint Valery sur Somme château-hotel with 10/10 bay location

To give you some indication of how utterly charming the Somme Bay’s St Valery sur Somme is, we’re here to tell you that not so long ago it was voted runner-up in France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ contest – France’s most beautiful village. And when you arrive, you’ll see exactly why that is: medieval streets of pretty houses and boutiques, fishermen’s cottages in bloom, a beach with a bar, and a traditional French market are just some of the treats in store.

And the hotel itself is a prestigious address to say the least, once upon a time home to Germaine Duriez, a French Countess from one of the most distinguished families around (spot the coat of arms in the colourful stained glass!). Solid oak parquet flooring, period checkerboard tiles, earthenware sinks and marble fireplaces all stand out as period features, while current owner Anne-Sophie brings contemporary flair to the décor – all statement lighting, clean lines and velvet armchairs.

Light-filled, incredibly spacious, and with luxury touches (Nespresso coffee machine, gorgeous toiletries in the stunning en-suite, robes), you’ll be staying in either the ‘Juliette’ suite or the ‘Guerlain’ suite. Relax and unwind with its carefully curated furnishings and palette, then find a second spot to do more of the same in the hotel’s salon-bar. Whatever beverage you have in mind – a reviving herbal tea, an inventive cocktail, a fine wine – it’s here!

With the Hauts de France region having recently been crowned winner of Europe’s prestigious Region of Gastronomy award, the Somme Bay is one of the best places to put its foodie specialties to the taste test. Known for its ‘Oreilles de Cochon’ (not pigs’ ears as the name suggests but a delicious maritime plant!), as well as its samphire and salt-marsh lamb, Anne-Sophie will be delighted to tell you which local restaurants are concocting gastro magic – the Baie, the Jardin, the Mathurin and the Ardoise all among her favourites.

We could of course finish by extolling all of northern France’s virtues beyond the bay, but there would be little point: St Valery sur Somme is one of those rare and glorious places you can park up then let the engine run cold because there’s so much on the doorstep. After breakfast (included), get on a cycling trail around the bay to chic Le Crotoy, join a guided walk across the sands, seal watch (Anne Sophie can lend you her binoculars!), or even jump on board a Tuktuk tour. Car-free and carefree, St Valery sur Somme is your blissful best-of-both-worlds break!