Baie de Somme (French pronunciation: [bɛ də sɔm], Bay of the Somme or Somme Bay; Picard: Béie d'Sonme) is a large estuary in the Hauts-de-France region of France. The bay drains six rivers into the English Channel, principally the River Somme, and covers a total area of 72 km (28 sq mi). The bay is noted for its ornithological richness, as well as being a major tourist attraction.
When the tide is out, the Baie is characterized by wide, flat areas of marsh and sand, from which the delicacy of glasswort (locally:salicornes) are collected. Small ponds, dug into the marshes and filled with fake plastic ducks, are used to attract migratory birds for hunting. As the tide rises the bay fills, during which time numerous working, leisure and tourist boats cross between the surrounding villages.
