The best road cycling routes around Solente

Calvin's birthplace is dedicated to the famous reformer born here in 1509. Rebuilt after its destruction during the First World War, it now houses a museum retracing the life and work of John Calvin, as well as the religious and humanist history of his time. It houses a rich collection of portraits, ancient works, documents, and 16th-century furniture.

The reconstruction of Notre-Dame, consecrated in 1928, was designed by Swiss architect Albert Montant—who also designed the church of Canny-sur-Matz. Albert Montant was an excellent connoisseur of medieval architecture, and the building, constructed of brick with some stone elements, contains numerous references to Romanesque architecture, revisited here with great originality and sensitivity. The plan features a bell tower porch, a single nave, and a choir with side aisles, culminating in an apse framed by two apsidioles. Each section has its own distinctive features. The bell tower porch—which echoes that of the previous church—opens with a semicircular arched portal with three arches resting, on each side, on as many small columns via cubic capitals. Three small, offset windows open above, and a gable crowns the whole. Instead of the traditional gallery, the bell tower porch forms, inside, a richly lit lantern crowned by a four-sided dominion vault. Of Carolingian origin, the lantern tower enjoyed great popularity in Anglo-Norman architecture and beyond, as evidenced by the one at Laon Cathedral. The nave has three bays with semicircular barrel vaults. Its two transverse arches are supported by abacuses surmounting consoles, a device intended to house statues, now missing. The choir is covered with a barrel vault that closes in a cul-de-four at the apse. Eleven small semicircular windows penetrate this vault, the base of which is highlighted by a continuous cordon of billets. Three semicircular arches resting on circular piers provide access to the side aisles, each covered with a semicircular barrel vault. This entire ensemble clearly draws its inspiration from the Romanesque architecture of Berry and Auvergne. In the nave, we notice six stained-glass windows by Blanchet-Lesage (1959) on the themes of Faith, Charity, Hope, Prudence, Justice, and Strength (2008).

The Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Noyon is an impressive Gothic building in the heart of Noyon, in the Oise department. Built between 1145 and 1235, the cathedral is a major religious and cultural monument. It exemplifies the transition from Romanesque to Gothic architecture. The cathedral is 103.11 meters long (exterior) and 91.33 meters (interior), with a nave height of 22.73 meters. The interior is richly decorated with works of art and features a magnificent Merklin organ from 1898. The cathedral also has a Louis XVI-style high altar.

Nice rest and picnic area

Whether on the Somme or on the canals: driving on the water is always pleasant. Water-rich area...

The Port de plaisance de Pont l'Évêque is a marina located in the municipality of Pont-l'Évêque, in the Oise department. It offers beautiful views of the side channel to the Oise and is a lovely place to relax and enjoy the tranquility of the area. There are several snack bars where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or a drink.

The complex of buildings surrounding Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of the earliest examples of Gothic architecture. You can admire the cathedral's rich liturgical furnishings, the elegant canons' residences, the remains of the episcopal chapel, and the chapter library, one of the oldest in Europe. You'll also discover the history of Noyon, the ancient episcopal city that witnessed the coronation of Charlemagne and the birth of John Calvin. The cathedral chapter of Noyon is a true treasure trove of art and history that will delight both the eyes and the mind.

If you're looking for a scenic and historic route, you can try the Saint-Quentin Canal in northern France. This canal connects the Escaut, the Oise and the Somme, and crosses the watershed at a summit level 20.4 km long with two tunnels. You can run along the towpath, admire the views of the countryside and the waterway, and discover the towns and villages along the route. The canal was built in the 18th century and was an important link for trade and transport. You can learn more about its history and engineering at the Musée du Touage in Riqueval, where you can also see the electric tugboats that pull the boats through the long tunnel. The Saint-Quentin canal is an ideal destination for runners who love culture and adventure.