Commune classified Seaside resort and tourism, Mers-les-Bains takes place in the Somme, region of Hauts-de-France. Located on the shore of the Channel Sea, it is located at the mouth of the Bresle, on the border of Normandy. Also labeled "Station verte de vacances" and fun and sporting city, it is located between Eu and Le Tréport, not far from Abbeville.
Inhabited for several centuries already, the city of Mers-les-Bains has mainly developed in the Belle Epoque by becoming a popular and recognized seaside resort. This old fishing village is indeed booming in the second half of the 19th century, welcoming many families of Parisians who came to enjoy the benefits of the baths.
Even today, this charming town attracts visitors by its authentic architecture as well as by its cultural and festive life of the most animated.
Built in the late 1920s, the Saint-Martin church takes its place on the remains of an old 16th-century building. Its style is inspired by the Byzantine churches with cupolas, revealing a Roman-Byzantine style, and mixes brick and stone. Inside, one can admire an altarpiece of the end of the 17th century made up of two wooden statues classified to the Historical Monuments, as well as very beautiful stained glass windows.
But it is mainly for its seaside district that Mers-les-Bains still hosts as many visitors. Classified as a protected area for the waterfront, the adjacent streets and the city center, it unveils a large number of seaside villas from the 19th century. The RIP villa, listed in the supplementary inventory of Historic Monuments, and the gallery of small shops in the rue Jules Barni, also listed in the supplementary inventory of Historical Monuments, are worth noting. The different residences in this district blend the styles of English, Flemish, Art Nouveau... revealing colors frank and full of gaiety.
The statue of Notre-Dame-de-la-Falaise, set on the highest point of the cliff, is more than 90 meters high and was laid at the end of the 19th century. Oriented towards the sea, its objective is to protect seafarers and fishermen. On its pedestal one can admire three high reliefs representing the healthy protectors of the three twin cities, Saint Martin for Mers, Saint Laurent for Eu and Saint Jacques for Le Tréport. Another statue, installed in 2007 on the Place de Mers, pays tribute to Pierre Lefort, doctor and native surgeon of the commune.
Classified as a ZNIEFF protected area, all the ridges and cliffs of the mersoises are an opportunity to take some beautiful walks with a view of the coast.
Visitors also enjoy the central beach of Mers-les-Bains, ideal for swimming or water activities, as well as the recreation area of the town and its various activities offered throughout the year. The first, nearly 900 meters long, is considered one of the most beautiful in northern France, thanks to its large cliffs of white chalk.
There is also a mini-golf course, a skate park or a casino.
The market is held on Mondays and Thursdays.
Every first of the year, in January, a sea bath is organized for the most courageous.
At the end of July, the city organizes a great bathers' festival on the theme of the sea baths of 1900. The inhabitants and visitors disguise the old way during two days, surrounded by the calots and the carriages, while numerous animations are organized.
During the summer period, shows, mainly centered on the street arts, are organized in the city.