The best traffic-free bike rides around Serain

This is where the Somme River rises. Its name is traced back to Celtic origins and also gives its name to the department of the same name. At the time when Gaul was part of the Roman Empire, the river was called the Samara. It ends its approximately 245-kilometer-long river life in the Baie de Somme, where it flows into the English Channel.

The source of the Scheldt... very clear water

Completely constructed in white and black stone, the Basilica of Saint-Quentin is the second Gothic building in Picardy. Built between the end of the 12th and the end of the 15th centuries, it is best known as the burial place of the martyr Quentin, who gave it its name. Listed as a historical monument, the building boasts original architecture, with a porch tower over 34 meters high, a double transept, and a concentric choir. Inside, visitors are captivated by the ancient 260-meter-long labyrinth carved into the nave's paving. Stained glass windows installed at various times complement the artistic offerings of the Basilica of Saint-Quentin, particularly medieval stained glass windows in the 12th-century apse chapels. These depict episodes from the lives of the Virgin Mary and Saint Stephen.

Source of the Scheldt beautiful surroundings circular walk approx. 3 to 4 km easily accessible

The Château d'Esnes is a historic castle located in the picturesque French village of Esnes. Dating back to the 18th century, the castle is surrounded by lush gardens and a charming park, giving it a picturesque and peaceful feel. The Château d'Esnes is known for its classical architecture, with impressive facades and elegant interiors that reflect the grandeur of that time.

This Cistercian abbey was founded in 1132 by Bernard of Clairvaux and grew into a large and influential community within a century. Royal armies camped there as in a fortress and Charles V signed peace with Henry II in 1556. In addition to the sick and outcasts, travellers and pilgrims also found shelter in the hospital. The largest abbey church in Europe stood here with an extraordinary length of 135 metres. On feast days, 3000 meals were provided to the needy in the wide area. After the French Revolution, it was declared national property and an inglorious end followed as an open-air quarry. Now, restored parts remain, such as the abbot's palace with the dormitories and monks' halls with the chapter house next to it. The 7-hectare abbey park is being restored to its former glory. Open March to November (Tue-Sat 10am-12pm and 2pm-5.30pm, Sun 3pm-6.30pm, closed Mondays).

The Porte de Paris in Cambrai is an impressive remnant of the old city defences. Originally built to protect the southern entrance to the city, this gate dates from the end of the 14th century. The architecture of the gate is typical of the style of the time, with sturdy stone structures designed to withstand attacks. The Porte de Paris is part of what was once a four-kilometre-long city wall, reinforced by around fifty towers and seven gates. This gate is one of the few remaining parts of these defences and offers a fascinating insight into medieval military architecture.

As a memorial to the many dead, such a "MONUMENT AUX MORTS" (usually called a "Central Memorial" or "War Memorial" in German-speaking countries) is still very important today. "Now, Lord, you let your servant depart in peace, as you have said..." it says in the so-called "Hymn of Simeon" (Luke's Gospel, Chapter 2, Verse 29). However, the people who are remembered here did not depart in peace, but became victims of war and tyranny. Therefore, the term "fallen memorial" is now sometimes used instead of the "war memorial" that was previously common in German. In the French-speaking world, however, this aspect of commemoration of the dead has long been included in the most commonly used term "MONUMENT AUX MORTS". Regardless of language and nation, such a memorial has two important and at the same time everlasting tasks: -1- to keep the memory of the suffering and horror of war alive, -2- and to remind people of the need to maintain peace in the long term.