Coming to the Baie de Somme with your dog is possible, but you need to prepare a bit more than just a simple walk on the beach. The rules vary depending on the municipalities, sensitive areas, and the season. The most important thing is to check where dogs are allowed, where a leash is mandatory, and which areas remain forbidden.
The bay is a highly frequented natural area, with beaches, dikes, nesting zones, salt meadows, and protected areas. In many areas, a leashed dog does not pose any particular difficulty, but some spaces remain off-limits, even with a leash.
Information checked in June 2026: Municipal decrees, access to beaches, and rules in natural areas may change. Before leaving, check the signs on-site and the official pages of the municipalities or visited sites.
Can you visit the Baie de Somme with a dog?
Yes, provided you choose the right places. Villages, quays, certain beaches, and several easy walks can be done with a dog. Le Crotoy clearly communicates a section of the beach accessible to domestic animals between the Grève alley and the Maye parking lot. In other areas, you must check local rules before counting on access.
For a trip further north, the guide to Fort-Mahon-Plage and Quend helps prepare a beach, dunes and Baie d’Authie day with the rules to check locally.
The main point of caution concerns protected areas. The Marquenterre Park specifies that dogs are not allowed in the park or in the Nature Reserve, even if kept on a leash. This is important information if you are planning a nature day or a trip to Pointe de la Maye.
| Place or outing | With a dog | To check |
|---|---|---|
| Le Crotoy | Portion allowed between the Grève Alley and the Maye parking lot according to the municipality. | Exact boundaries, signs on site, season and crowd. |
| Saint-Valery-sur-Somme | Walk possible on the docks and in the village if the dog remains under control. | Beach access, trails near the bay and local rules. |
| Cayeux-sur-Mer and Le Hourdel | Walks possible in certain areas, being careful near the shoreline. | Supervised area, boardwalk, dunes, and proximity to seals. |
| Marquenterre Park | Not allowed, even on a leash. | Plan another activity or arrange care if you visit the park. |
| Baie de Somme Railway | Animals accepted for free outside dining cars, under conditions. | Short leash, placement under the seats, types of dogs. |
Le Crotoy: the easiest area to check
Le Crotoy is the most readable spot for a walk with a dog. The town states that dogs are allowed on the beach between the Maye parking lot and the access via rue de la Grève. A municipal notice also specifies that this section extends from allée de la Grève to the Maye parking lot.
This area still requires a bit of vigilance. The Maye sector is located near sensitive natural areas. Before letting your dog run, watch for signs, the boundaries of the authorized area, and other walkers. If recall is not reliable, keep the leash on.
To organize the day around the village, you can also read our guide on villages to visit in the Baie de Somme. It helps to choose between Le Crotoy, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, Cayeux-sur-Mer, and the other stops around the bay.
Saint-Valery, Cayeux, and Le Hourdel: proceed with caution
In Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, walking with a dog is mainly planned around the quays, the upper town, and the streets of the center. It is often more practical than looking for direct access to the foreshore. The bay can be slippery, muddy, or difficult to navigate at low tide.
In Cayeux-sur-Mer and around Le Hourdel, check the beach rules before going down onto the sand, pebbles, or areas near the dunes. During busy periods, some areas may be subject to additional restrictions. Also bring water: between the pebbles, wind, and sun, even a short walk can tire a dog more quickly.
Le Hourdel requires special attention because of the seals. Even if your dog is calm, it must stay away from wild animals. Our article on the Pointe du Hourdel details the best practices for observing without disturbing.
Places to avoid with a dog
The Marquenterre Park does not accept dogs, even on a leash. The rule is clear and also applies to the Nature Reserve. If you wish to visit the park, you must arrange for someone to look after your dog or plan another outing for the day.
Also avoid areas where wildlife is visible up close: sandbanks occupied by seals, nesting areas, salt meadows, and paths marked as sensitive. A dog can disturb birds or alarm a seal even without direct contact.
If visiting Marquenterre Park is on the agenda without your dog, you can prepare your visit with our guide on the duration of the visit, routes, and practical advice.
Taking the tourist train with a dog
The Baie de Somme Railway accepts dogs and other pets on board free of charge, except on dining trains. The official site specifies that dogs must be kept on a short leash and remain under the seats so as not to obstruct movement on board.
Category 2 dogs must be muzzled, and Category 1 dogs are not allowed. Before booking a full day, also check the schedules, the type of train chosen, and the expected crowd.
Where to sleep and where to eat with your dog?
For accommodation, the simplest way is to filter from the start the lodgings that accept animals. Then check the conditions: extra charge, dog size, number of animals, access to common areas, fenced garden or not. The mention “pets allowed” does not necessarily guarantee that all types of stays or dogs are accepted. Our selection of campsites in Baie de Somme helps you compare several areas before checking each campsite’s pet rules.
At the restaurant, terraces are often easier than indoor rooms, especially in season. Call ahead if you have a large dog or if you are coming at a very busy time. To choose the area to stay in, our page where to sleep in Baie de Somme helps to compare villages according to the type of stay.
What to plan before leaving
- A sturdy leash, even if an area occasionally allows off-leash dogs.
- Bags to pick up waste, including on paths and in parking lots.
- Water and a light bowl, especially in areas exposed to wind or sun.
- A towel if you are getting back into the car after the beach or pebbles.
- The number of a veterinarian near your place of stay, for safety.
Before a stay with a dog, several points deserve to be checked: length of walks, leash management, access to accommodations, heat, available water, and the animal’s fatigue. Nyssah also offers a more general guide for traveling well on vacation with your dog.
FAQ: dog in Baie de Somme
Can we go to the Crotoy beach with a dog?
Yes, the town indicates an authorized area between l’allée de la Grève and the Maye parking lot. Still, check the signs on-site, as local rules may change.
Are dogs allowed in the Parc du Marquenterre?
No. The Parc du Marquenterre specifies that dogs are not allowed, even if leashed. You need to plan another arrangement if you want to visit the park.
Can we watch seals with a dog?
It is better to avoid approaching areas where the seals rest. If you go to Hourdel with a dog, keep it on a leash and stay at a distance from the wild animals.
Does the Baie de Somme train accept dogs?
Yes, dogs and pets are accepted for free outside of restaurant trains, under conditions. Dogs must be kept on a short leash and not obstruct movement on board.
Useful sources before your outing: City of Le Crotoy – rules for living together, City of Le Crotoy – pets welcome, Marquenterre Park – practical information, Baie de Somme Railway – practical services, decree establishing the Baie de Somme National Nature Reserve.