Local history and culture Picardy

They were first fishermen chalets used for inshore fishing on the sandy Calaisis beaches and painted in all colours. With time and the development of leisure, these huts were used for holidays accommodation by local families. In 1936, the city of Calais wanted to replace the chalets by cabins that would be put away during winter. It did not work for a simple reason: their wooden planks, retaining sand, contributed to emptying the town of its sand. The chalets were recorded over the decades as a permanent heritage of Calais. The owner of a cottage is theoretically not allowed to rent. Meanwhile, you can find opportunities to buy on online shops and at the entertaining associations.

Classified as a historic monument since 6 November 1995, this concrete concrete work of French architect Gustave Umbdenstock and Engineer Raoul Dautry is over 45 metres on six floors. Built in 1920-1921, the tower was a referral station from Hirson station. Art Deco bricks and ceramics complement this magnificent witness of the past. Surprisingly distinctive, its style recalls northern belfries. It is possible to approach the monument as close as possible to impressive photos.

The place is ideal: Fort Risban is originally a fortified island erected to lock the port of Calais and to prevent any attack from the enemy. It was taken over by the English in the 14th century who built the Lancaster tower still visible today in the munitions ware house. Then the French won against the Spanish here in the 16th century and the Germans made this place a link of the Atlantic wall during the Second World War. The walls of the fort have recently been renovated and are an outpost of the history of the engagements and invasions that shook the city.

This hike allows you to discover the heritage of the village of Saint-Vaast-lès-Mello, a village of carriers on the hillside. For example, you will pass in front of the church of the Trinity, which is classified, the climbing wall (Site site), the two washing machines, the calcicoles lawns and the 17-hectare pond that hosts several species of birds: The coot, the mute swan and the posh grèbe. But also in front of several open-air quarries, still active or abandoned, where nature starts to regain its rights, with to finish the farmhouse of Barisseuse in stone with the Chapel Saint Nicholas.

Do you know that prior to Saint-Gobain's implantation, Thourotte was only a village of 500 inhabitants? Rapidly, demography exploded and in the 50% s the population increased by per cent to each census. Eight instructional panels identify the installation of this plant: its city of work with very modern houses for the time (running water, electricity, health), its chapel, its cinema and its cultural centre (on St. Gobain Square, instead of the current audiovisual library), its clinic (replaced by the family mutual), or its holiday colonies.

For history lovers, beautiful stones and typical villages, three guided tours are planned to discover Pavant and its many fountains. Between June and August 2015, let us meet with the nine ruisselets in the wine town. Take the time to observe the Roman tower, and then let yourself be seduced by the charm of ancient fountains. A pleasant little walk.