Fancy heading off without traveling across France? Head to Mers-les-Bains, a charming seaside resort in the Somme located about 2.5 hours from Paris. Here, the seafront, classified as a Remarkable Heritage Site, displays colorful facades facing the English Channel, while the white cliffs give the landscape postcard-perfect views. In short, the kind of getaway where you pop in for a few hours and find yourself wanting to stay the whole weekend.
From humble fishing village to ultra-chic Belle Époque hotspot
Before becoming a favorite destination for Parisian families, Mers-les-Bains was first and foremost a small fishing port. Then, in the second half of the 19th century, two phenomena would change everything: the craze for sea bathing and the development of the railway
iron in France. Gradually, the sea and beaches, once synonymous with work, become spaces for leisure and relaxation. People come to breathe in the fresh air, enjoy the supposed benefits of seawater, and treat themselves to a break away from the hustle and bustle of Paris. Mers-les-Bains then becomes a privileged spot for those seeking a perfect blend of nature, escape, and well-being.
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It was during this period that the famous seaside villas flourished, which today form the very identity of the resort. Nearly 500 colorful houses line the coastline, each with its own personality. Pastel or shimmering facades, bay windows, ornate balconies and architectural details… Belle Époque style sits alongside Art Nouveau, with Anglo-Norman and Flemish influences.
A breath of fresh air
Good news: these picturesque houses are still here and continue to tell the story of Mers-les-Bains. Every year, they attract curious visitors who come to discover this little gem of the English Channel, but not only that. Because here, you can also trade an architectural stroll for a surf session. The pebble beach, stretching for more than a kilometrebeing, welcomes both those who love to take it easy (if Mr. Sunshine decides to show his face, of course) and water sports enthusiasts. Windsurfing in particular is practiced there by those who prefer to keep their feet in the water rather than in the sand.
And to get an even better view, head out on the white chalk cliffs that surround the resort. A hiking trail lets you explore them while taking in spectacular panoramic views of the coastline. Between the colorful villas, the salty sea breeze, the pebbles, and these immense pristine cliffs, Mers-les-Bains truly ticks all the boxes for a little getaway that feels worlds away.
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