Saint-Quentin-En-Tourmont combines nature watching with sandy trails, horse-riding activities and a distinctive detail of church architecture. At Parc du Marquenterre, birdlife takes centre stage; there are also trails of varying lengths and destinations, as well as activities connected with Henson horse breeding. If you are looking for accommodation, you can first decide whether nature watching, exercise or an architectural detail is especially important to you during your stay.
Dunes, lowlands and birdlife
The municipality of Saint-Quentin-En-Tourmont covers 3,300 hectares of wooded dunes and cultivated lowlands. Old sea walls protect the lowlands from the sea. Parc du Marquenterre is located in the municipality between Le Crotoy and Quend, in the heart of the Baie de Somme National Nature Reserve. It is an ornithological reserve covering 260 hectares of dunes, extensive pine forests, wetlands, marshes and reed beds. It includes a protected area of 200 hectares. The diverse habitats provide protection for, and opportunities to observe, hundreds of migratory birds.
The park offers guided walks, themed seminars, and photography and ornithology courses. Guided walks combine the landscape with an accompanied format, while seminars and courses offer other thematic focuses. Check the programme dates and seasonal opening details before travelling.
Sandy trails with different destinations
The Chemin des bergers is a 1.5-kilometre sandy trail for walking or horse riding. It ends at Pointe de la Maye and offers impressive views of the ornithological park. The 3.7-kilometre Chemin du bout d'amont is also a sandy trail for walks or horse rides; at its destination, it offers impressive views of the mussel beds. Both trails are free of charge and each has a car park. They therefore differ in both length and the views at their destinations.
Horse-riding activities and cycling
At Espace Henson Marquenterre, you can choose between horse rides, carriage rides and guided walks through the horse-breeding area. The guided walk explicitly focuses on horse breeding, setting it apart thematically from the rides. Experienced riders can ride from the Espace to the bay and gallop along wide-open beaches; access and riding conditions may vary. The Circuit vélo l'Avocette cycle route passes through the municipality and adds cycling to the range of options. Before travelling, check the availability of activities at the Espace and local conditions on the trails and cycle route.
A detail of church architecture
The parish church of Saint-Quentin in Saint-Quentin-En-Tourmont has a bell tower above the portal. In the nave, four visible beams support a pointed barrel vault. These features are found at two levels: the bell tower belongs to the portal area, while the beams describe the construction of the nave. For travellers interested in church architecture, this is a specific architectural detail alongside the nature and activity themes of the area.
Discover more destinations: Carnoy, Albert, Lignières-En-Vimeu, Laleu, Rue, Oust-Marest, Chépy, Frettecuisse
For the regional travel overview: Somme.
