Ault, commune in Somme, France
Ault is a small commune on the coast of northern France that sits atop steep chalk cliffs dropping down to a pebble beach. A large wooded area called Bois de Cise lies to the south, offering quiet paths and views across the water.
The settlement grew on the cliffs, which held strategic and economic importance, developing initially as a fishing and farming village in medieval times. In the 19th century, Ault transformed into a seaside resort after the arrival of the railway, drawing visitors from Paris and other cities.
The name Ault comes from old words meaning a high place or promontory, reflecting its position on the cliffs. Today, the local community and visitors use the clifftop paths and beach to experience the landscape, making walking and observing the sea a central part of how people engage with the place.
The place is best explored on foot, with marked paths along the cliff tops and through the Bois de Cise woodland area that are easy to walk. Visitors should know that the beaches reveal sand at low tide and offer the best walking conditions, while the cliffs have steep access points.
The lighthouse above the village rises over 100 meters high and its lantern can illuminate the coastline for great distances. The area is also known for raising cattle, sheep, and game on land that was once marsh and has been reclaimed from the sea over centuries.
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