Mers-Les-BainsMers-les-Bains, the Charm of the Belle Époque
Right in the town centre, facing the sea, let yourself be amazed by the villas of the Quartier Balnéaire. Around 500 villas make up this emblematic district of the Picardy coastline. Various architectural styles—such as Art Deco and Art Nouveau—were used in designing these colourful villas.
Originally, Mers-les-Bains was a small farming village. It is thanks to the rise of sea bathing and the town’s accessibility by train that it became a renowned seaside destination. From 1869 onwards, the first villas began to appear, designed by well-known architects such as Théophile Bourgeois and Édouard-Jean Niermans. These villas have stood the test of time and today remain the guardians of a rich and elegant era.
Feel the energy of the coast
The Sea, the beach and its huts
Every year, from May to October, the return of the famous beach huts marks the start of the season. Arranged like a town within the town, there are no fewer than 600 of them stretching along the pebble beach of Mers-les-Bains.
Children’s laughter mingles with the sound of the waves. Look up and watch the surfers catching waves with ease.
Along the esplanade, during the summer, enjoy a variety of events such as the Fête des Baigneurs (every year on the last weekend of July), street artists painting along the waterfront, or the craft market. Nearby restaurants line the esplanade, offering the chance to discover local dishes.
Reach the Top of the Mers-les-Bains Cliffs
Don’t miss the panoramic view offered by the Mers cliffs. From more than a hundred meters high, you can look out over the town and its beach, and further away toward Le Tréport and its outer harbour. On the other side, on clear days, you can see the Baie de Somme, just a few kilometres away.
At the top stands the statue of Notre-Dame de la Falaise, also called Notre-Dame des Flots. Seven meters tall, it has overlooked the seaside resort since 1878. During World War II, it served as a landmark for aircraft and was removed in 1942, then reinstated in 1955. Look closely at the base to discover the bas-reliefs depicting the patron saints of the Three Sister Towns (“Trois Villes Soeurs”) : Eu, Le Tréport and Mers.
Sur les hauteurs de Mers-les-Bains, découvrez la statue Notre-Dame de la Falaise protégeant, depuis son promontoire, les Trois Villes Soeurs.
Picturesque panoramic landscape of white chalk cliffs near Mers-les-Bains, Somme, Hauts-de-France department of Normandy in France
La belle plage de Mers-les-Bains, une belle journée d'été, aves ses jolies cabines blanches. Au fond, la falaise majestueuse du Tréport s'élève, pour vous offrir un panorama à couper le souffle
Le Sentier du Littoral from Mers-les-Bains to Ault
The Mers-les-Bains cliffs are also the starting point of the coastal hiking trail. This 7-kilometre path leads to Ault, passing through the Bois de Cise. A wonderful opportunity to breathe in the sea air and explore the heights of the Alabaster Coast.
🛈 The Alabaster Coast offers stunning viewpoints, but these spectacular high cliffs can be dangerous. Do not approach the edge and follow local regulations for cliffside walking.
Staying in Mers-les-Bains
Wondering what to see and do in Mers-les-Bains? Find our selection of activities, accommodation options and restaurants to discover during your visit.
