Discovering Somme (Department 80)
Updated: Oct 8
Introduction
If you're considering living in Somme, moving to Somme, buying a second home or retiring in Somme, you'll find a department that combines beautiful countryside, dramatic coastline, fascinating history and excellent access to both Paris and northern Europe.
Located in the Hauts-de-France region, Somme is perhaps best known internationally for the First World War battlefields that shaped modern history. Beyond its historical significance, however, the department offers attractive market towns, peaceful villages, wide sandy beaches, nature reserves, productive farmland and a relaxed pace of life that appeals to those looking for authentic French living.
Somme attracts retirees seeking affordable property, families wanting space and good transport links, entrepreneurs serving both local residents and visitors, and second-home owners who appreciate being within easy reach of the UK while enjoying a distinctly French lifestyle.
At a Glance
Feature | Information |
Region | Hauts-de-France |
Historic name | Picardy (Picardie) |
Department number | 80 |
Department capital | Amiens |
Largest towns | Amiens, Abbeville, Albert, Péronne, Doullens, Corbie |
Population | Approximately 570,000 |
Area | Around 6,170 km² |
Climate | Temperate oceanic with mild summers, cool winters and regular rainfall |
Best suited for | Retirees, families, commuters, history enthusiasts, nature lovers and second-home owners |
Is a car recommended? | Yes, particularly outside Amiens |
English-speaking community | Moderate, with stronger communities near the coast and popular historical areas |
Lifestyle summary | Affordable, peaceful, historically rich and well connected |
Why Choose Somme?
Lifestyle
Somme offers a slower, more traditional way of life than many parts of northern Europe. Outside Amiens, life revolves around local markets, independent shops, village events and community activities. It is ideal for those who enjoy open spaces and a close connection with nature.
Community
The department has welcoming local communities where newcomers who make an effort with French are generally well received. There is also a steady international presence, particularly among British, Belgian and Dutch residents, thanks to the area's proximity to the Channel ports and historic interest.
Scenery
One of Somme's greatest strengths is its variety.
You'll find:
Rolling agricultural countryside
Woodland and river valleys
Traditional brick villages
Long sandy beaches
Salt marshes
The spectacular Baie de Somme
Wildlife reserves filled with birds and seals
The landscape is peaceful rather than dramatic, making it ideal for walking, cycling and photography.
Accessibility
Accessibility is excellent.
Major advantages include:
Around two hours from Paris by train
Easy motorway access
Convenient connections to Calais, Dunkirk and the Channel Tunnel
Good links into Belgium
Reasonable driving distance from many UK ferry routes
For anyone regularly travelling between France and Britain, Somme is one of the easiest departments to reach.
Food
Local cuisine reflects both the sea and fertile farmland.
Expect:
Fresh seafood
Mussels
Local lamb
Game
Artisan cheeses
Potatoes
Apples
Traditional pastries
Excellent regional beers
The department also benefits from neighbouring regions known for exceptional agricultural produce.
Culture
History is impossible to ignore in Somme. Medieval architecture sits alongside moving First World War memorials and museums, while festivals celebrate local traditions, music and food throughout the year.
Amiens provides theatres, galleries, restaurants and cultural events without feeling overwhelming.
Property
Compared with many departments closer to Paris or along the Côte d'Azur, property remains relatively affordable.
Buyers can choose from:
Character village houses
Farmhouses
Modern family homes
Coastal properties
Apartments in Amiens
Renovation projects
This affordability makes Somme attractive for retirees and second-home buyers.
Pace of Life
Life is generally calm and practical.
Even Amiens offers a manageable city lifestyle, while villages remain peaceful throughout much of the year. Coastal areas become busier during summer but rarely experience the intense tourism found elsewhere in France.
Somme Is It Right For You?
Lifestyle | Rating | Why |
Retirees | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Affordable housing, healthcare, peaceful surroundings and good accessibility. |
Families | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Good schools, outdoor space and family-friendly towns. |
Second-home owners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent access from the UK and attractive property prices. |
Entrepreneurs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Opportunities in tourism, services, agriculture and local businesses. |
Remote workers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Reliable internet in most towns and relatively low living costs. |
Outdoor lifestyle | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Outstanding walking, cycling, birdwatching and coastal activities. |
City lifestyle | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Amiens provides urban amenities but this is primarily a rural department. |
Popular Places to Live
Amiens
The department's capital combines history with modern living.
Ideal for
Professionals
Families
Students
Retirees wanting city amenities
Advantages
Largest range of services
Excellent shopping
University
Hospital
Railway connections
Cultural activities
Things to consider
Property prices are generally higher than elsewhere in the department.
Abbeville
A pleasant market town close to the coast.
Ideal for
Retirees
Families
Second-home owners
Advantages
Good facilities
Historic centre
Easy coastal access
Affordable housing
Things to consider
Employment opportunities can be more limited than in larger cities.
Saint-Valery-sur-Somme
One of northern France's most attractive coastal towns.
Ideal for
Second-home buyers
Retirees
Nature lovers
Advantages
Beautiful harbour
Restaurants
Coastal walks
Strong visitor economy
Things to consider
Property demand makes prices higher than inland areas.
Le Crotoy
Situated on the Baie de Somme.
Ideal for
Outdoor enthusiasts
Holiday homeowners
Retirees
Advantages
Sandy beach
Watersports
Cycling
Wildlife
Things to consider
Can become busy during summer holidays.
Albert
A historic town known for its aviation and First World War heritage.
Ideal for
Families
History enthusiasts
Professionals
Advantages
Good facilities
Affordable homes
Strong transport links
Things to consider
Less nightlife and entertainment than Amiens.
Péronne
A charming historic town surrounded by countryside.
Ideal for
Retirees
Families
History lovers
Advantages
Attractive centre
Excellent museum
Peaceful environment
Things to consider
Shopping choices are smaller than larger towns.
Corbie
Located east of Amiens along the River Somme.
Ideal for
Commuters
Families
Advantages
Rail connections
Community atmosphere
Good value housing
Things to consider
A quieter lifestyle with fewer entertainment options.
Cost of Living
Somme is generally considered one of the more affordable departments in northern France.
Property affordability
Buyers often find considerably better value than around Paris or many coastal regions. Rural villages offer particularly attractive opportunities for those seeking larger homes or renovation projects.
Shopping
Daily shopping costs are comparable with much of northern France. Amiens offers the widest choice of supermarkets and specialist retailers, while market towns provide excellent local produce.
Utilities
Heating costs vary depending on property age and insulation. Older rural houses may require investment to improve energy efficiency, while newer homes are generally less expensive to maintain.
Eating out
Restaurants remain reasonably priced, especially away from tourist hotspots. Traditional cafés, bakeries and family-run restaurants provide excellent value.
General value for money
Overall, Somme offers strong value for buyers and long-term residents. Lower property costs help offset other living expenses, making it attractive for retirees and remote workers.
Healthcare
Healthcare provision is good across the department.
Main facilities include:
Amiens University Hospital (CHU Amiens-Picardie)
Hospitals in Abbeville
Albert
Péronne
Doullens
Most towns have:
Medical centres
Pharmacies
Dentists
Physiotherapists
Opticians
Specialist care is concentrated in Amiens, although waiting times may vary depending on the speciality.
Like much of rural France, some villages experience shortages of GPs, so registering with a doctor soon after moving is advisable.
Education
Somme offers a comprehensive education system.
Options include:
State primary schools
Secondary schools
Sixth-form colleges
Vocational colleges
The University of Picardie Jules Verne in Amiens
There are relatively few international schools within the department itself, although bilingual education is available in some areas and additional options exist in neighbouring departments.
French language schools and private tutors are available for adults wishing to improve their language skills.
Getting Around
Airports
Nearby airports include:
Paris Charles de Gaulle
Paris Beauvais
Lille
Le Touquet (limited services)
Rail
Amiens has excellent rail connections to:
Paris
Lille
Rouen
Calais
Regional trains also connect many smaller towns.
Roads
The motorway network makes driving straightforward, with excellent links towards Paris, Belgium and northern ferry ports.
Public transport
Amiens has an extensive bus network.
Smaller towns offer local bus services, although frequencies are more limited in rural areas.
Is a car recommended?
Yes.
While city residents may manage without one, a car greatly improves access to villages, healthcare, shopping and leisure activities throughout the department.
Weekly Markets
Town | Main Market Day |
Amiens | Saturday |
Abbeville | Saturday |
Albert | Monday |
Péronne | Saturday |
Corbie | Friday |
Doullens | Thursday |
Saint-Valery-sur-Somme | Sunday |
Le Crotoy | Friday |
Local Food & Drink
Somme is known for excellent regional produce including:
Ficelle Picarde (filled savoury crêpe)
Agneau de Prés-Salés (salt-marsh lamb)
Fresh mussels
Oysters
Samphire
Seafood platters
Maroilles cheese
Rollot cheese
Local cider
Apple juice
Craft beers
Picardy gâteau battu
Seasonal game
Fresh asparagus
Potatoes from the fertile plains
Things to Do
Residents enjoy a wide range of activities throughout the year.
Historic sites
First World War battlefields
Memorials
Military cemeteries
Amiens Cathedral
Medieval towns
Historic churches
Outdoor activities
Walking
Cycling
Horse riding
Canoeing
Fishing
Sailing
Birdwatching
Museums
First World War museums
Local history museums
Art galleries
Aviation collections
Festivals
Throughout the year you'll find:
Food festivals
Christmas markets
Music festivals
Medieval celebrations
Cultural events
Agricultural shows
Nature
Highlights include:
Baie de Somme Regional Nature Reserve
Marquenterre Bird Park
River Somme Valley
Forest walks
Coastal dunes
Family attractions
Families enjoy:
Wildlife parks
Steam railway along the bay
Beaches
Adventure parks
Museums with interactive exhibits
Cycling routes
Good to Know Before You Move
Language
Although some people speak English, especially in tourist areas, learning French will greatly improve everyday life and help integrate into the community.
Rural living
Many villages are peaceful but have fewer services. Planning journeys for shopping, healthcare and administration is often part of rural life.
Internet
Most towns enjoy good broadband coverage, with fibre continuing to expand across the department. Remote working is increasingly practical.
Seasonal tourism
The coastline becomes noticeably busier during school holidays, while inland areas remain relatively quiet throughout the year.
Climate
Expect mild summers, cool winters, regular rainfall and occasional strong coastal winds. The weather is generally less extreme than southern France.
Community life
Local associations, sports clubs, markets and village events provide excellent opportunities to meet neighbours and become part of the community.
Find Trusted English-Speaking Businesses
Whether you're living here, moving here, retiring here or simply spending part of the year here, finding reliable local services can make settling in much easier.
Biz Où? helps you discover trusted English-speaking businesses across France, including property professionals, tradespeople, accountants, healthcare providers, legal services, gardeners, cleaners, holiday services, financial advisers, pet care, marketing specialists and many more.
Every listing is designed to help you connect with businesses that understand the needs of English-speaking residents, making it easier to build your new life in one of France's most popular departments.
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