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Beautiful cycle path along the canal, EV5.

Beautiful cycle path along the canal.

Beautiful cycle path along the pond landscape, EV5.

Many centuries ago, our ancestors discovered the possibility of harnessing the power of the elements—which, on the one hand, were helpful and useful, but on the other hand, as untamed forces of nature, could also be a threat—for various purposes, thus eliminating the need for human or animal muscle power. Mills such as these are a good example of the human engineering skills of earlier generations: The heavy millstones used to grind grain or press oil, for example, could be powered by wind or—as in this case—water.

Thérouanne was Sigeric's 77th stop on his return from Canturbey's pilgrimage to Rome. In the 19th century, this fortified town was a French enclave within the German Empire, but was razed by Charles V in 1553. On the hill north of the town are the remains of one of the first cathedrals built in the Gothic style in France. The famous Great God of Thérouanne, which adorned one of the portals, is now housed in Saint-Omer Cathedral.

Renescure is home to the castles of Zuthove and Philippe de Commynes. The first seduces with its elegant architecture, while the second recalls the famous chronicler who lived there. A pleasant detour for heritage lovers.

Aire-sur-la-Lys

A pleasant cycling route through the Parc Naturel des Ballastieres. This former ballast extraction site is now a natural area with a pleasant walking trail a stone's throw from the city. On and around the bodies of water, nature is reclaiming its rights and many species have taken up residence there under the gaze of the Highland cows that maintain the place.