The best traffic-free bike rides around Assis-Sur-Serre

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 listed building is striking for its original architecture with a porch tower over 34 meters high, a double transept or a radio-concentric choir. Inside, the visitor is seduced by the ancient 260 m long labyrinth engraved in the paving of the nave. Stained glass windows installed at different times complete the artistic offer of the Saint-Quentin Basilica, with in particular medieval stained glass windows in the apse chapels dating from the 12th century. These depict episodes from the life of the Virgin Mary and Saint Stephen.

The Basilique Saint-Quentin is a beautiful Gothic church in the heart of Saint-Quentin, France. Built between the 12th and 15th centuries, this basilica is dedicated to the martyr Saint Quentin. With an impressive 133 meters long and 40 meters high, it is a real eye-catcher. What makes this basilica really special are the unique architectural elements such as the tower-portico at the front, the double transept, and the choir with radiating chapels. Inside, you will also find an ancient labyrinth of 260 meters in the floor of the nave, which is a fascinating detail. The basilica has a rich history and contains the relics of Saint Quentin, who were an important object of veneration in the Middle Ages. Although the building was badly damaged during the First World War, it was reopened in 1956 after extensive restoration.

*The church of Saint-Sulpice-et-Saint-Antoine1. In the cemetery, the tomb of the painter Maxime David. *War memorial. *The castle tower, near the multi-purpose hall, the only vestige of an old castle. *The forest. *The marshes, of a unique character in France: according to Natura 2000, this site is one of the richest and most diverse in the plains of Western Europe. Its exceptional character is reinforced by the variety of local climates (from boreal to hot mountain): even in summer, the temperature can be close to zero degrees. The floristic interest is great: an exceptional diversity linked to the presence of varied microclimates over a small area, with many protected species. From a faunal point of view, the site is home to many species of insects, birds, amphibians and reptiles.

Via Francigena: In the village of Cessières, the church of Saint-Sulpice-et-Saint-Antoine was fortunate enough not to be destroyed by the war, unlike the churches in the neighbouring villages.

The church has light walls and a dark roof. The interior is composed of white walls, pretty stained glass windows and a starry blue ceiling at the level of the heart. 3 bells exist and are functional. Nearby are some tombs, including that of the painter Maxime David.

As a memorial to the many dead, such a "MONUMENT AUX MORTS" (usually called a "Central Memorial" or "War Memorial" in German-speaking countries) is still very important today. "Now, Lord, you let your servant depart in peace, as you have said..." it says in the so-called "Hymn of Simeon" (Luke's Gospel, Chapter 2, Verse 29). However, the people who are remembered here did not depart in peace, but became victims of war and tyranny. Therefore, the term "fallen memorial" is now sometimes used instead of the "war memorial" that was previously common in German. In the French-speaking world, however, this aspect of commemoration of the dead has long been included in the most commonly used term "MONUMENT AUX MORTS". Regardless of language and nation, such a memorial has two important and at the same time everlasting tasks: -1- to keep the memory of the suffering and horror of war alive, -2- and to remind people of the need to maintain peace in the long term.

In my opinion, this bike highlight is identical to the following: https://www.komoot.com/de-de/highlight/4657565