Between the cliffs of Ault and Mers-les-Bains hides one of the most surprising places on the Picardy coast: the Bois de Cise. Here the forest comes right down to the sea, in an atmosphere that is peaceful and almost secret. Greenery of this kind is rare on this coastline, and it lies just a few minutes from the Hôtel Aultia.
A valleuse unlike any other on this coast
The Bois de Cise fills a valleuse — a notch cut between two cliffs by the run-off of a long-vanished stream, opening a natural way down to the sea. Beneath the beeches and oaks there is a welcome coolness and a silence broken only by birdsong. It is a rare thing on this chalk coast: woodland following the contours of the cliffs to make a landscape all of its own.
The Belle Époque villas
During the Belle Époque, this wild wood became an elegant holiday retreat. Handsome Anglo-Norman villas were built here, each with its own name and its own architecture, and today they sit tucked in among the trees. Follow the lanes and you will also come across the modest chapel of Sainte-Edith, hidden in the greenery. To wander the Bois de Cise is to step back in time, into a seaside way of life from another century.
Paths made for daydreaming
A maze of shaded lanes runs through the wood, with wonderfully evocative names: sentier des Muguets, the lily-of-the-valley path; allée des Jonquilles, the daffodil walk; sentier des Muses. Getting pleasantly lost is part of the appeal. The wood is also a stage on the coastal path between Ault and Mers-les-Bains, and walkers are glad of the shade here, between two stretches of cliff.
The hidden beach
At the heart of the valleuse, a flight of steps leads down towards the sea. At low tide it reveals a sheltered little beach at the foot of the chalk, quiet and unspoilt. It is the perfect place to pause to the sound of the waves, well away from the crowds. Do check the tide times before you go down, and wear sturdy shoes — the beach is shingle.
Getting there
The Bois de Cise is a few minutes’ drive from Ault. If you would rather walk, the coastal path gets you there on a fine route high above the sea. Once you arrive, leave the car and explore on foot: that is how the place shows itself best. You will find the Bois de Cise and plenty more ideas on our Things to see & do page.
Further reading
- The cliffs of Ault and the Alabaster Coast
- A romantic weekend on the Baie de Somme
- Things to do in Ault
A haven of calm on your doorstep. At the Hôtel Aultia you are a few minutes from the Bois de Cise and the cliffs of Ault. After your walk, come back to the calm and the refinement of our Belle Époque setting. Discover the hotel and its rooms for a stay among the trees and the sea air.
