The Brighton-les-Pins lighthouse in Cayeux-Sur-Mer brings together several layers of history: its site dates back to a coal fire established in 1770, while the lighthouse was rebuilt after being destroyed during the Second World War. Other highlights include the Chapelle des Marins, wind-related activities on the beach and nature watching in the Hâble d’Ault ornithological reserve. These varied attractions offer different starting points for planning your trip.
The Lighthouse and Traces of the Atlantic Wall
The Brighton-les-Pins lighthouse is considered a symbolic landmark of Cayeux-Sur-Mer. A permanent coal fire was established at the same site in 1770, under Louis XV. The lighthouse itself was rebuilt in 1951 after the German army destroyed it in 1944. The site thus brings together the history of an earlier beacon and events from the Second World War.
A large group of bunkers and other remains of the Atlantic Wall can be seen near the lighthouse. These relics are part of the historical context of the Second World War and are located in a natural area subject to a biotope protection order. The Maison de la Baie organizes regular guided tours of the bunker remains together with the town, the Syndicat mixte Baie de Somme and the Rando-Nature association. If you are interested in a tour, check the available date in advance.
Maritime Heritage at the Chapelle des Marins
The Chapelle des Marins was built in 1859 following a fundraising campaign by local sailors; donor families also provided financial support for its construction. A carved wooden tympanum depicts the Virgin Mary arriving by boat at the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer. This detail combines a religious motif with a specific maritime scene, offering a distinctive way to explore the chapel’s history. It is open daily for prayer and visits.
Wind, Rail Journeys and Nature Watching
The expansive beach at Cayeux-Sur-Mer faces the prevailing winds on more than 250 days a year. It is also recognized nationally as a spot for board sports. This exposure to the wind is a notable feature for travelers interested in beach activities.
The Cayeux-Sur-Mer Vélorail uses the former Réseau des Bains de Mer departmental railway. Round trips from Cayeux-Sur-Mer are offered to the Hurt stop and Lanchères station. A ride on the tourist train through the bas-champs takes about 30 minutes. The two rail offerings differ both in their format and in their respective destinations or approximate journey time.
The Hâble d’Ault ornithological reserve offers a different focus. More than 270 migratory bird species have been recorded there since the late 19th century. A designated walking trail has been created to explore the area. Birdwatching and the walking trail thus stand alongside the wind-swept beach and historic sites as distinct nature and activity themes.
Planning Your Stay
When looking for a hotel in Cayeux-Sur-Mer, you can start by considering which theme you would like to shape your stay: maritime heritage, the history of the Atlantic Wall, wind-related beach activities or nature watching. Visiting arrangements also vary for day-trip planning: the Chapelle des Marins is open daily, guided tours of the bunker remains are held regularly, and the tourist train journey is listed as taking about 30 minutes. Check the date of a tour if you would like to include one in your stay.
Discover more destinations: Longavesnes, Argoules, Baizieux, Bouvaincourt-Sur-Bresle, Aumâtre, Sentelie, Ailly-Le-Haut-Clocher, Dury
See the regional travel overview: Somme.
