ソムイェーヴルでののおすすめツーリングルート

A pleasant walk and a superb basilica to discover

At the edge of the Argonne forest, the ponds of Belval in Argonne are home to remarkable biodiversity. Some 270 species of plants have been recorded on the site and 165 species of birds are observed each year. Made up of ponds, basins, vast reed beds and humid forest, this 203 hectare site is visited each year by thousands of aquatic birds.

Construction from 1406 to 1527, a magnificent example of Flamboyant Gothic. Outside there are remarkable historical gargoyles and "graffiti", inside, among other things, a statue of the Virgin (around 1300) and numerous votive plaques which testify to the importance of the basilica as a place of pilgrimage. Historical Monument since 1840, since 1998 World Heritage with the Chemins de St Jacques in France.

La Basilique de LÉpine is a Gothic masterpiece in a town of 700 souls. Open for viewing at generous times

Really impressive church. It could be a cathedral just by its sheer size. If you come through L'épine you would not expect to find such a sacred building.

Hard to believe, this small town has a church that could also be a cathedral.

Located on the Roman road from Durocatalaunum to Mediomatrx, the basilica (Flamboyant style) was built on the site of a small Marian chapel in the 15th century. Due to numerous donations, the basilica was richly decorated. Compared to the surrounding area, the church appears oversized. Next door there are some good shops and cafes. Ideal for a rest with a view.

The Church of Notre-Dame de L'Épine, was elevated to the rank of basilica in 1914. Its name comes from the devotion given to a statue representing The Virgin carrying the Child Jesus who, according to a legend, would have was found by shepherds in the Middle Ages in a burning thorn bush. This basilica has remarkable gargoyles.