The best road cycling routes around Nampcel

The sight of military cemeteries is always very sad, but we must not forget history.

This impressive cemetery was built in 1920-1921 on a site that was heavily contested during the First World War. It contains the remains of 1,258 French soldiers, 547 of whom are buried in two ossuaries. One French soldier from the Second World War is also buried here. Adjacent is a German military cemetery with the remains of 1,095 soldiers, 388 of whom are buried in collective graves, together with four British and two French soldiers. The necropolis is located in a region where the German advance towards Paris passed through in 1914, and where fierce fighting took place in 1918 during the Battle of Matz. Today it is a serene place of remembrance and reconciliation, in the middle of a landscape that was once the scene of devastating battles.

The church is believed to have been built in the 12th century under the authority of the Knights Templar[2]. The church was almost completely destroyed during the First World War and was rebuilt identically in its original Romanesque style. It received its new blessing on March 6, 1932. It is characterized by its two-story bell tower, one square and the other octagonal, the capitals in the shape of heads perched on small columns, numerous sculptures along the gutters, and the modillions carved with fantastical figures. Source: Wikipedia

We used the abbey park for our breakfast. A wonderful place for a break. 🫖🥖

Ourscamp Abbey is located a few kilometers from Noyon, in the upper Oise Valley. Founded in 1129, it is the second-oldest Cistercian abbey in Picardy. It has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. Its longevity and conflicts have contributed to the abbey's transformations: from religious building to hospital and manufactory; over the centuries, it has served various purposes. Admire the ruins of the abbey church's Gothic choir, a magnificent stone structure. The nave, of which nothing remains, had nine sides, now symbolized by pine trees. Finally, the 13th-century sickbay, also known as the mortuary, is also worth a visit. Anecdotally: the abbey's name dates back to the 7th century. In 641, King Dagobert's advisor began construction, and according to the story, he used a bear to transport the heaviest materials...

The Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Noyon is an impressive Gothic building in the heart of Noyon, in the Oise department. Built between 1145 and 1235, the cathedral is a major religious and cultural monument. It exemplifies the transition from Romanesque to Gothic architecture. The cathedral is 103.11 meters long (exterior) and 91.33 meters (interior), with a nave height of 22.73 meters. The interior is richly decorated with works of art and features a magnificent Merklin organ from 1898. The cathedral also has a Louis XVI-style high altar.

Deserves to be renovated

Visible from afar