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A very pleasant walk along the canal in Rieval and a war memorial. Motorhome area departure point

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.

The castle is almost invisible from the towpath. Good that the highlight is positioned correctly, otherwise you will definitely miss it.

Beautiful surroundings walking route and maritime museum

The Canal du Nord is a 95 km long canal in northern France that connects the Oise Valley to the Dunkirk-Scheldt Canal. Construction began in 1908, but was interrupted by the First World War. The canal was not completed and opened to navigation until 1965. The canal has 19 locks and two tunnels, including the Ruyaulcourt Tunnel, which spans a height difference of 40 metres. The Canal du Nord is an important waterway for inland navigation, but will be replaced in the future by the Seine-Nord Europe Canal, a more modern connection.

The Château d'Happlaincourt, a medieval castle, dates back to the 13th century and was originally a fortified building with a square plan, surrounded by water. During the First World War, the castle was largely destroyed, leaving only ruins today. Historically, it played a role in the Ligue catholique in the 16th century, when Jacques d'Humières drew up a manifesto there to restore the Catholic religion.

During the First World War, on 29 August 1914, German troops attempted to cross the village bridge, but were repulsed by the 3rd and 5th Cavalry Brigades of the British Expeditionary Force and the 10th REGION of Saint-Quentin.

You can't just drive past this striking town hall.