Attractions and Places To See around La Crique - Top 20

The area around La Crique in Normandy is rich in history. You can explore the Collegiate Church of Our Lady of Auffay, which showcases a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles. Another significant site is the Saint-Saëns Church and Dillard Fountain, with the church's original construction dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries. The commune itself also features a sixteenth-century stone cross and several historic churches, including the nineteenth-century chapel of Notre-Dame, Trinity church, and the sixteenth-century church of the Innocents.

Yes, the region offers several natural viewpoints. One notable spot is Le col D'OSMOY 162m, which provides beautiful views over the Béthune valley. The Eawy Forest, home to Le Puits Merveilleux, is also known for its magnificent panoramas and colors throughout the seasons, ideal for nature walks.

The area around La Crique is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy running on trails like the 'Running loop from Saint-Saëns' or 'Running loop from La Crique' (find more at Running Trails around La Crique). For road cycling, routes such as the 'Muchedent Canadian Park loop from Bellencombre' are available (Road Cycling Routes around La Crique). Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore trails like 'The Marvelous Pit – Rue des tanneurs loop from Saint-Saëns' (MTB Trails around La Crique).

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Eawy Forest, with its 'Le Puits Merveilleux' highlight, is considered family-friendly, offering opportunities for walks and spotting wild animals. Historical sites like the Saint-Saëns Church and Dillard Fountain also welcome families interested in local heritage.

The Eawy Forest, which includes Le Puits Merveilleux, is one of the largest beech forests in France, covering 7,000 hectares in the Pays de Bray. It's renowned for its magnificent panoramas and vibrant colors throughout the year, making it ideal for walks and nature activities. You might also encounter wild animals like deer, fawns, or wild boars. A unique feature is the Allée des Limousins, a 14 km rectilinear path crossing the forest.

The nearby commune of Grandes Ventes, close to the Côte d'Albâtre, is a friendly town where you can find local shops and places to eat. It also features the Garnier Cistern, an original monument labeled 'Rural Heritage' in 2021, highlighting the historical importance of water.

The Dillard Fountain, located in front of the Saint-Saëns Church, dates from 1901. It was built following a legacy from Mr. Dillard, who wished to supply the city with drinking water. Despite legal challenges to his will, his objective was realized, and the fountain remained operational until 1960 when the city connected to a modern drinking water supply.

Le col D'OSMOY 162m offers a very nice climb with percentages ranging between 4% and 8% over 2.5 kilometers. It's a popular spot for those seeking a challenging ascent with rewarding views over the Béthune valley.

The Collegiate Church of Our Lady of Auffay is a fascinating blend of architectural styles. It features a Romanesque transept, a Gothic nave, and a Renaissance choir, showcasing the evolution of building techniques and artistic preferences over centuries.

Yes, in the commune of Grandes Ventes, you can find the Garnier Cistern on the Town Hall Square. This monument, labeled 'Rural Heritage' in 2021, is considered original and reflects a historical concern for water supply, connecting past issues with current environmental awareness.

The terrain around La Crique, particularly in areas like the Eawy Forest and the Béthune valley, features varied landscapes. You can expect paths through dense beech forests, ascents with moderate percentages (like at Le col D'OSMOY), and routes that traverse valleys. The region is characterized by its natural beauty, offering a mix of flat sections and gentle inclines suitable for walking, running, and cycling.