Saint Valéry sur Somme

Saint Valéry sur Somme, the medieval town at the south side in the Somme Bay, was only a 10 minute drive so we went to explore twice. 

The upper part of the former medieval city still boast some ramparts and towers although not so much is left.  We continued to walk out of the city up to the sailor's chapel in the middle of the fields with a gorgeous panorama over the bay.  Across the water / sand banks you have an excellent view at the town of Le Crotoy across the bay a few kilometers further. 

Sailors that had been in peril and faced death but whose prayers had been answered and they survived, walked bare foot to the chapel to give thanks. 

From the chapel we descended from the fields again and followed the Somme river along the salt marches back to the city. I tasted fresh sea lavender that was growing everywhere. 

Back in town we walked along the river boulevard where masks were obliged and needed as it was quite busy at times. We returned one of the evenings and there was a little artisan market which made social distancing impossible.  The French aren't good in social distancing anyhow but at least seem to be wearing masks alright in public spaces.  After dinner, after sunset however, the area was gorgeously deserted again.