Traveling cats are pampered in the Somme!
Is your cat going on vacation with you? Discover the Somme region with your pet. Whether it's a cat or a dog, the Somme is France's number one pet-friendly destination! 🐶 Baie de Somme, Baie d'Authie, Abbeville: I've prepared a 100% Somme article for your next vacation together.
For almost 10 years now, I've been helping you organize your holidays with your dog , but this time, for once, I've written a special article for cats (and dogs) . You know Musher, the site's mascot, my beloved Labrador, the one for whom I created the site, but there's another furry friend in my family… I rarely talk about her because Lilou is a cat who doesn't travel. Very timid, I don't think she's ever even ventured beyond the end of my street… I never got her used to traveling because, for me, cats were territorial animals who were only happy at home, but the years I've spent with you have proven me wrong! Many of you have a dog AND a cat at home, or even just a cat. So it was time we got started at EmmeneTonChien.com, and what a privilege to begin this new adventure with the Somme Tourisme agency!
In this article, I'll introduce you to Somme Tourism's latest offering for holidays with your cat (and dog) in the Somme. You're going to love what they've prepared for you. I'll present pet-friendly accommodations that welcome mixed families: cat + dog ! As well as some fantastic activities to do in the Somme with your pet, whether you have a dog or a cat. Let's go: off to the Somme with your family, two-legged and four-legged!
Summary
🐾 The Somme, the first French destination to structure an offer for travelers with cats and dogs
For several years, the Somme has been the leading destination in France for holidays with your dog. It was the first to structure a complete offer for holidaymakers with dogs, with an ultra-comprehensive guide to prepare holidays, dozens of suitable accommodations with the QUALIDOG label, tailor-made itineraries and 100% pet-friendly activities.
In 2025, it will go even further by becoming the first French destination to commit to travelers with cats ! A real revolution in the world of pet-friendly tourism, because until now, cats were the great forgotten of holidays.
And yet, 61% of French people own pets. By 2024, France had 16,6 million cats, making it the European country with the largest number of domestic cats. It was high time we thought about cats! Thank you to Somme Tourisme for leading the way!
With cat-friendly accommodations, a unique itinerary designed specifically for cats, and activities accessible to both dogs and cats, the Somme now offers a one-of-a-kind experience for anyone wishing to travel with their four-legged companion, whether feline or canine. 🐱🐶 My Lilou is over 15 years old, so such an adventure is no longer an option for my feline grandma, but if another cat ever joins our family, it will certainly be a traveling cat! And I will be proud to begin her travel journey by exploring the Somme with my cat.
Important note: if your cat likes to travel, or if you feel they are capable of it, the Somme can be a great holiday destination! But be careful, it's not a given for all cats. You'll have to get them used to it little by little and, above all, as always, respect your pet. Holidays aren't for all animals...
Where to book with your cat in the Somme?
The Somme Tourisme tourism development agency has selected six gîtes specially designed to offer an optimal welcome to travelers accompanied by their cats. And of course, dogs aren't forgotten! We are on EmmèneTonChien.com, after all. 🐶🐱
These accommodations have been designed to ensure a comfortable and stress-free stay for our feline companions, who are often sensitive to changes in environment. Here's what you'll find:
✔ scratching posts to avoid scratching the furniture,
✔ Litter box provided to avoid having to carry your own,
✔ Bristle brush to avoid leaving too much hair on the furniture,
Here are the 6 lodgings that await you all together: cat, dog, child, aunt and even mother-in-law… 😊
🐾 Gîte Chez Zel (Thieulloy-l'Abbaye) – A cozy haven 30 minutes from Amiens where your cat can relax safely after a day of exploring. Animal lovers themselves, the owners have two cats: Lexy and Pinck. Bonus: a 700 m² enclosed garden.
🌊 Les Mollières de l'Écluse (Fort-Mahon-Plage) – Ideal accommodation for a seaside holiday, exactly 600m from the sea! The perfect starting point to explore the Bay of Authie with your cat or dog.
🏡 Gîte Chez Marguerite (Saint Blimont) – A 180 m² detached cottage with an enclosed garden, perfect for a peaceful getaway in the Bay of Auhie with your cat, in a friendly and authentic setting. Also living here: a dog, two cats, and even a donkey! Bonus: pets are welcome free of charge, no extra charge!
🐕 Cottage – Les Ch'tis du Vimeu (Feuquières-en-Vimeu) – A little haven of peace, 30 minutes from the Bay of Somme, where dogs and cats are welcome, with an indoor space designed for their comfort. Naya and Ruby, the owners' two spaniels, will be happy to welcome you on holiday. Bonus: large families are welcome here as you can bring a maximum of 2 dogs and 2 cats. And they won't pay any extra: they're guests!
🌿 Gîte Au Logis Vert (Ailly-sur-Noye) – A natural and rejuvenating setting, ideal for indoor cats who love observing local wildlife from a safe vantage point. This gîte is the perfect starting point for exploring the Noye Valley with your cat or dog, just 15 km south of Amiens.
🎣 Gîte Au Bout d'un Étang (Saint-Léger-lès-Authie) – A calm and peaceful setting in the heart of the countryside, in the Authie Valley. The perfect place for a relaxing stay with your cat or dog, where they can play in the 2000m² garden bordering the Authie River. For over 30 years, the hosts of this gîte have welcomed animals of all kinds!
The best activities to do with your cat in the Somme
Now that you know which cottages to book for your next stay with your cat in the Somme , let me introduce you to some great activities to do with your pet during your holidays.
Whether your cat is a seasoned traveler or this is their first trip, I suggest 3 100% nature walking spots to discover with your cat , whether they are on a leash or discovering the place from your back in their backpack.
- The Dunes of the Bay of Authie (north of the Bay of Somme) ⛱: A magnificent spot for observe the sea and relax.
- The Crécy Forest 🌲: A large forest where you can walk in peace and quiet, far from the hustle and bustle.
- The Bois de Cise 🌊: A beautiful walk along the seaside, ideal for dogs and cats who like to get up high.
When it comes to experiences, who said your cat couldn't have just as much fun as your dog? Here are 3 activities to try with your cat or dog in the Somme:
- rent a canoe , Picquigny nautical base and go exploring for a few hours or a weekend with your cat on the Somme River. You can follow theWeekend canoeing itinerary with a dog in the Somme which offers a 2-day program with activities and accommodation options.
- rent bikes and cycle with your cat along the Somme Valley : 160km which will take you straight to the Bay of Somme
- travel aboard a small steam train in the Haute Somme with the Little train of the Haute Somme
Many cats follow their owners in backpacks, allowing them to go almost anywhere and enjoy lovely sightseeing. Why not explore the must-see attractions of the Somme with them? Here are some ideas:
- stroll through the narrow streets of the medieval town of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme
- discover Amiens and its Hortillonnages; book a boat tour with your cat to discover the richness of the place – Read the article on Green weekend: Amiens and its surroundings with a dog
- visit the Rambures fortified castle
For cat bikers, I recommend reading the article Motorcycle rides with a dog: 4 routes in the Somme : you will find many tips and suggestions for preparing a ride with your cat too!
And to finish this article on a high note, I also wanted to share another great initiative from the Somme region: a 3-day itinerary for discovering the Somme with your cat (and/or dog, of course!). They asked for it, so I made it happen! This itinerary is a 3-day, 100% cat-friendly trip to explore the Somme's coastal side, from the Bay of Authie to the Bay of Somme. I've selected two activities for you to do together each day, a restaurant recommendation, and accommodation that welcomes your cat (and dog).
