Mers les Bains

Mers les Bains is a seaside town located in the Somme department of the Picardy region. It is known for its white sand beaches, historical architecture, and vibrant culture. It was our next town to visit on our journey around the Somme estuary. We had a pleasant morning in Saint Valery sur Somme and decided to drive the 20 miles to visit Mers les Bains. The town is surrounded by massive chalk cliffs which you can see in the photos

We had a little trouble getting down to the town centre even with the sat nav. There are a lot of one way streets that lead you down to the harbour. We seemed to be going round in circles for awhile but managed in the end to find the centre.

The town is built between the sea and the cliffs, the beach is mainly pebbles. There is some sand when the tide is low. The beach faces the English Channel near the river Bresle.

The town started out has a small fishing port. It changed to a beach resort when the railway came to the town and people could come down from Paris. There are lots of brightly painted houses and villas cafes and restaurants. The town is very upmarket

The sign to the Towns showing its best town award

The colourful house in the town

The town of Mers les Bains has a long and interesting history. Originally a fishing village, the town began to develop in the 19th century when wealthy Parisians began to make the pilgrimage to the town to enjoy its stunning views and tranquil atmosphere. The town soon flourished into a popular vacation destination, renowned for its magnificent villas, casinos, and luxurious hotels.

Today, Mers les Bains is a bustling town full of activities and attractions. Some of the popular places to visit in the town include the Casino de Mers les Bains, the 19th century Church of Saint-Nicolas, the ruins of the Château de Mers les Bains, and the magnificent Promenade des Anglais. Visitors can also enjoy the picturesque beaches and the Jardin d'enfants, an outdoor park for children.

In addition to the numerous attractions in the town, there are many places to visit in the surrounding area. The nearby Abbeville, a small city with a rich historical heritage, is only a short drive away. The Somme Battlefields are also nearby and offer an insight into the region’s importance during World War I. The charming village of Noyelles-sur-Mer, with its cobblestone streets and picturesque harbour, is also well worth a visit.

Google street map of the sea front