Unusual places along La Scandibérique!
Following the routes of La Scandibérique, from north to south, treasures are hidden in the landscapes. These 13 unusual sites are worth getting off your bike to discover!
1. The Salle Sthrau in Maubeuge, in the Nord
It is one of the heritage masterpieces to discover in Maubeuge. Built in 1624, the chapel of the Jesuit college was deconsecrated during the Revolution before being renamed Salle Sthrau. Destroyed in 1914, its reconstruction 11 years later marked its new cultural vocation.
This vast building now hosts shows, conferences and the “micro-folies” of the virtual museum. Guided tours let visitors discover the features of a rare architecture, deeply rooted in the interwar period, almost century-old frescoes and the unique honeycomb vault, the only still legible remnant of the former chapel.
Discover the Salle Strhrau in video.
In the historic centre of Alaincourt, the Marie-Jeanne house is an atypical museum that offers visitors a journey through time, through the display of hundreds of everyday objects and how they changed over the decades.
Past the entrance hall (dedicated to the Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson), 7 spaces arranged in an original scenography over 600 m² tell the story of the world’s evolution, through the themes of fabric and fashion, the care given to clothes, toys and childhood. A former seamstress, Marie-Jeanne Delville, donated her personal collections to the museum so that all generations could enjoy them.
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Photo credit: A.S. Flament
3. The Fontaine-Chaalis estate, in the Oise
The Chaalis estate is a prime destination for lovers of heritage, art and history. Of this former royal abbey founded in the 11th century there remain the ruins of the Gothic church and cloister, the chapel with its exceptional decoration of Renaissance frescoes, and the imposing 18th-century conventual building. The estate was acquired in 1902 by Nélie Jacquemart-André, who assembled a collection of nearly 6,000 works of art there. A museum dedicated to Jean-Jacques Rousseau and a rose garden, listed as a “Jardin remarquable”, complete the ensemble today.
© Eric Seillé
4. The barges of Paris
Without its barges, Paris would no longer really be Paris! These long boats that sail on the Seine have become one of the identity symbols of the capital.
Some have chosen to combine business with pleasure by taking on a cultural vocation. “La Bougeotte” is a travelling barge that promotes local produce; “Antipode” offers various artistic activities and fast food built around fair trade; “Nez rouge” is devoted to theatre and “L’Eau et les rêves” has been turned into a bookshop. The list is far from complete: discover the cultural barges on the canals of the city of Paris!
5. A street art walk in Vitry-sur-Seine, in the Val-de-Marne
For some years now, Vitry-sur-Seine has been celebrating urban art! Gigantic murals, animal depictions, trompe-l’œil and portraits are on offer for walkers’ curiosity. Signed by renowned Street Art artists such as Christian Guémy (aka C215), Meushay or Stew (and others!), more than a hundred works can be discovered in the streets of the town.
Guided tours are available to better understand and discover this very particular art form, which turns cities into open-air museums!
© CRT Paris Ile de France - Amélie Laurin
6. The village of Saint-Mammès, in Seine-et-Marne
Labelled a “Village de caractère”, Saint-Mammès is the historic capital of inland boating. This boatmen’s village long lived to the rhythm of the boats entering and leaving its port. Although the transport of goods aboard “sapinières” has given way to pleasure boating today, the village has remained a unique site, where water jousting tournaments are held every year to respect tradition.
Do not hesitate to also pack a watercolour set and sketchbooks in your panniers. Many amateur painters come here to sketch from life the landscapes that inspired Sisley and the Impressionists.
©SMA_CBadet
7. The Faisanderie sculpture park in Étiolles, in the Essonne
In the Sénart forest, the Faisanderie park surrounds a former 18th -century hunting lodge. This is where 19 monumental sculptures have been installed.
Several international artists worked on site between 1971 and 1978, with no restriction on materials, to give free rein to their creativity. The result is an admirable collection of three-dimensional works of art , made of concrete, steel, fibreglass or wood; to be discovered through the guided tours organised by the Grand Paris tourist office.
@OT Grand Paris Sud
8. La Maison Prodigieuse in Montbouy, in the Loiret
A former lock-keeper’s house turned into an inn and literary tea room: somebody had to think of it… The village of Montbouy did! Along the Briare canal, the Maison Prodigieuse invites you to enjoy a drink and a snack while browsing the books available in the bookshop area.
New releases, “grands crus” and “rescued from the pulping machine”: the managers of the site gladly share their favourites with their visitors. Workshops and lots of micro-events regularly liven up this atypical place, so pleasant to discover.
Photo credit: @Cruel
9. The Cassinomagus site in Chassenon, in the Charente
It is one of the best-preserved ancient archaeological sites in Europe! The baths of Cassinomagus can be discovered in the commune of Chassenon, in the Charente. To better understand the architecture and operation of this monumental historic site, an archaeological park has been created, telling the story of everyday life among the Gallo-Romans.
An exhibition, a film, ancient play areas and immersive, interactive or costumed tours, a garden, a maze and even an escape game make this site a particularly enjoyable place to discover, with family or friends.
10. Kaolune & the Maison du Kaolin in the Charente-Maritime
In Haute-Saintonge, the Kaolune quarry supplied until 2014 the kaolin needed in particular for making porcelain. Now closed, this unusual natural site located in the commune of Le Fouilloux offers a unique landscape, with a false air of a Polynesian lagoon and crystal-clear blue water; to be discovered from the viewpoint and by following the educational trail dedicated to it.
A few kilometres away, the Maison du Kaolin in Montguyon traces the origin and evolution of this very particular industry, in a scenographic space of 100 m2, punctuated by photos and videos.
11. Castets and Castillon, in the Gironde
Located upstream of the last 2 locks of the Canal des Deux-Mers, which links the Mediterranean to the Garonne, Castets et Castillon is a very pretty village. Its banks lined with centuries-old plane trees, its “Eiffel” bridge and its marina (ideal for setting off on a boat trip on the canal) make it a pleasant place for a stroll.
Among the sites not to be missed are the Château du Hamel (built in the 16th century), the terraced gardens and the lock-keeper’s house, for a programme combining nature and heritage.
Photo credit: David Remazeilles
12. Dax & Saint-Paul-de-Dax, in the Landes
The 2 towns of Dax and Saint-Paul-de-Dax have long been renowned for the healing virtues of their springs. A few years ago, these 2 spa towns took a turn towards wellness. They now also welcome visitors who care about their fitness and beauty.
On the programme: massages, hammam, sauna, jacuzzi, high-pressure jets and waterfalls; for a relaxing stop, to be discovered in the Landes, at the Splendid Hôtel or in the other spas nearby.
©Landes Attractivité/Sébastien Chebassier
13. The Orgambide cromlechs, at the Orgambide pass, in the Basque mountains
Stone circles (or cromlechs) abound in the Pyrenees. They were once used as burial places.
And the cromlechs of the Orgambide pass are filled with a rare energy. Lost in the middle of the summer pastures, they mark a border invented by humans, which horses, sheep and cyclists couldn’t care less about. The panorama up there is exceptional, and Roncesvalles, the next stop, is only a stone’s throw away.
The cromlechs mark the end of your adventure on La Scandibérique and perhaps the start of a new one! Agur! (goodbye in Basque).
So, are you ready to enjoy these 13 ideas for walks and visits that are out of the ordinary? So many amazing places to discover and ideas to give a fresh dimension to your escapes by bike across France, following the routes of La Scandibérique!
