The town's medieval character and ramparts, its Gothic church and long waterside boardwalk, make it a popular tourist destination.

The oldest part of the commune lies on the northern coast to the north west of the main settlement.

From Saint-Valery-sur-Somme to Abbeville, the Canal de la Somme has been completely straightened, after which it follows a winding course to Amiens and beyond.

The history of the commune dates back to before the era of the Roman invasion when it was a small settlement inhabited by Gauls.

The village grew during the 10th and 11th centuries and was historically significant as the site where William the Conqueror assembled his fleet before sailing to invade England in 1066.

The commune was popular during the 19th century with artists and writers and Victor Hugo, Jules Verne, Alfred Sisley and Edgar Degas all had villas here at one time or another.

Commerce, crafts, banking, hotels, restaurants, and other tourist services dominate today's Valerician economy.

The silting forces fishermen to go offshore and leave the bay, which shortens the length of the fishing day.

It celebrates a festive moment where the public is invited into the flowery streets to follow the actors on the path of the old stones.