Ault combines a pebble beach, a church with a distinctive belfry, and paths with views of the sea and white cliffs. Sand becomes visible on the beach at low tide. Higher up, the Circuit de Lamotte heads towards Bois de Cise. The coast, architecture and landscape offer different highlights for planning your trip.
Coast and paths with varied views
Ault beach is made up of pebbles and sand, which appears at low tide. The Circuit de Lamotte offers a different perspective: it climbs towards Bois de Cise and opens up views of the white cliffs and the sea. The route starts at the car park behind the church in Ault; yellow PR (Promenade et Randonnée) markings indicate the way.
Bois de Cise can be explored on foot via small paths and wooden stairways. From one viewpoint, the view extends as far as the mouth of the Somme Bay. Bois de Cise has been listed in the inventory of scenic landscapes since 1959. The view of the estuary differs from the views of the cliffs and sea along the Circuit de Lamotte.
Near Ault, Hâble d'Ault lies between Cayeux-sur-Mer and Ault. This protected coastal area is an important ornithological reserve. It adds a distinct focus to the coastal landscape without requiring visitors to go to any particular observation point.
Onival and its seasonal visiting times
The Chapelle Notre-Dame d'Onival was built in 1886, when the seaside resort of Onival-les-Bains was established. It can be reached via a staircase; from there, you can look out over Onival beach and the fields below. The chapel is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from April to September. As opening hours may vary by season, check the details before your visit.
At Onival beach, supervised sea swimming is available in summer, from 1 July to 31 August, between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. The periods differ: the chapel's seasonal opening hours run from April to September, while supervised swimming is limited to the summer period. If you are planning your trip around either of these activities, checking the relevant times will help you plan.
Church architecture and local history
Église Saint-Pierre in Ault is the only church in Picardy with an ecclesiastical belfry. It is classified as a Monument historique. Its construction is also distinctive: white stone and carved flint form a checkerboard pattern. The belfry, protected status and façade design make the church a prominent historic landmark in the town.
Porte du Moulinet was built in 1893 by Samuel Ricard, a former banker from Amiens, on the site of a former mill. A long, arched brick staircase leads up the hill, where five mills once stood. The Porte offers a view of the heights of Ault. This site brings together a building from the late 19th century and the hill's former use.
The Petit Musée displays old postcards, photographs, objects and first-hand accounts relating to the local heritage. Topics include local traditions and everyday life during the development of the seaside resort and in the periods that followed. Check the latest opening details before visiting.
More ways to explore the area
The Ault-Onival-Bois de Cise tourist trail can be explored independently; a brochure is available from the tourist offices. The visit is free of charge. Separately, the Circuit de Lamotte is signposted from its starting point with yellow PR markings, while the Ault-Onival-Bois de Cise trail has its own brochure.
At Rando'Ă‚nes au Bois de Cise, donkeys carry children aged 3 to 10 or backpacks. Donkey-led walks between cliffs, fields and woodland are also available. Dates are scheduled seasonally; check availability before travelling.
The summit of Phare d'Ault offers a 360-degree panorama. The lighthouse is also known as Phare d'Onival. Check visiting options before planning a visit.
Discover more destinations: Neufmoulin, Saint-Riquier, Velennes, Contre, Chépy, Aigneville, Mailly-Maillet, Fontaine-Sur-Maye.
For the regional travel overview: Somme.
