Woignarue combines a village centre on the chalk plateau with access to the sea. The centre lies in the eastern part of the commune; the seaside resort of Onival, by contrast, extends mostly across Ault and only partly into the neighbouring commune of Woignarue. These distinct connections help distinguish the coastal resort from the commune geographically.

Coastal Landscape and Wetlands

West of the village, the eroded former cliff, the “falaise morte,” gives way to the Bas-Champs. Alluvial soils are separated from the English Channel by a broad natural shingle bank. In the wetlands of the Bas-Champs, also known as the Hâble d’Ault, the land lies below sea level; here, an 80-metre-wide shingle ridge separates the landscape from the sea. The Hâble d’Ault also marks the end of the cliffs and the mouth of the Baie de Somme.

The Hâble d’Ault is home to a protected nature reserve. More than 270 species have been recorded there; this figure may change as future surveys are conducted. The landscape is therefore shaped not only by the transition between cliff, wetland and coast: the diversity of recorded species is also a focus of the protected area.

Routes Through Picardy and the Vimeu

The Le Camp du Roi circular route passes through the plains of Picardy and typical villages of the Vimeu. In Woignarue, the route runs from the church towards the stadium and then turns right. The return route along the Hâble d’Ault is more winding, considerably more pleasant and equipped with several observation points. As route information and markings may change, it is best to check the details before setting out.

Another option is the Vanneau cycling loop, which starts in Woignarue and heads towards the Baie de Somme. The two routes therefore differ in their described character: Le Camp du Roi links the plains of Picardy with villages in the Vimeu, while Vanneau is a cycling loop that starts out towards the bay.

An Architectural Highlight

The Église Sainte-Marie-Madeleine offers a distinct point of interest alongside the landscape and routes. Its choir is designed in the Flamboyant style and rises above the lower nave. The church also features a stained-glass window created by Saint Valery, depicting Saint Blimond. The architecture and stained glass offer two distinct ways to explore the local heritage: the church’s articulated vertical profile and a named subject depicted in the window.

Seasonal Accommodation

One specific seasonal facility is Camping d’Onival in Woignarue. It offers numerous pitches just a few metres from the beach. If you are considering this option for your stay, check current availability and operating conditions before making plans. To continue searching for suitable accommodation, you can use Woignarue as a starting point and draw on the coastal landscape, wetlands and routes described here to help choose your destination.

Discover more destinations: Boves, Crécy-En-Ponthieu, Lignières-En-Vimeu, Sourdon, Gueschart, Gamaches, Fossemanant, Frise.

For the regional travel overview: Somme.