Today, I’m taking you with me on a green cycling getaway in the Thiérache, located in the Aisne department of the Hauts-de-France region. I admit that this corner of France was completely unknown to me, and as usual, I’m always curious to discover new places.
During this summer day, we were joined by several Instagrammers gathered around the @igerspicardie account for what is called an instameet. We went together to explore the Thiérache, an area located in the north of the Aisne department that is mainly rural with a very beautiful bocage landscape. In terms of heritage, the Thiérache is rich in fortified churches, as these served as shelters for villagers during the wars that ravaged the region from the 15th to the 17th century.
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Practical Information: How to get to the Aisne from Paris?
From Paris, it is very easy to get to the Aisne by train. However, once you arrive in the department, a car (or a bike) is still necessary to get around the heart of the territory.
How to get there from Paris: Take the TER train to Laon from Gare du Nord (approx. €22 for a one-way ticket).
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Discovering wild plants at Hélène’s Garden
For years, Hélène has been interested in wild plants and has decided to share her passion and knowledge with everyone by opening her garden to the public and hosting courses/workshops on plants in Proisy, in the heart of the bocage-filled Thiérache. It’s the perfect opportunity for a detox break in an extremely soothing setting.
During this workshop, Hélène took us into her garden but also onto the EuroVelo 3 greenway that passes not far from the garden. We were able to learn how to recognize plants in their natural environment, how to harvest them correctly, and understand their virtues and ways to use them.
Plants discovered during our little outing: Meadowsweet, Hogweed (for immune support), and Yarrow (and many others whose names I unfortunately didn’t remember).
After this stroll, we were treated to a delicious lunch prepared by Hélène and her family, featuring dishes based on local products and, of course, wild plants.
Hélène's Garden Former station 02120 Proisy Discovery outings for edible and medicinal plants; seasonal meals; culinary workshops (1 day / €75); plant conferences Reservations: +33 (0)3 23 60 24 34
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Cycling along the EuroVelo 3
After my Avenue Verte experience last year, I became a huge fan of this green mode of travel. So I was delighted to discover a new greenway, the EuroVelo 3, also known as “La Scandibérique,” which crosses the Thiérache from east to west along the Oise valley. This European bike route connects Trondheim in Norway to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. In the Aisne department, it allows you to travel through the Oise valley while admiring its bocage and fortified churches. It is a very pleasant route to follow, as it winds through bucolic landscapes of green meadows, hedgerows, and forests. Various circuits, generally without difficulties, are available starting from several towns.
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Where to stop for a drink? L’Estaminet la Halle in Marly-Gomont
This very lovely bar is set in an old train station, and the owner even renovated an old train carriage to house his kitchen! The decor is very charming, and the atmosphere is extremely friendly.
They offer simple, comforting food and a lovely selection of drinks (local cider and local beer). The Thiérache cider is actually very famous and absolutely delicious!
L'Estaminet la Halle in Marly-Gomont 12 Rue de Chigny, 02120 Marly-Gomont
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Thanks to the Aisne department and Tourisme Thiérache for this invitation and this beautiful day.
I hope that with all this, I have made you want to discover the Aisne and the Thiérache by bike, and if you also have your own favorite addresses and tips for this destination, don’t hesitate to share them in the comments below!
Find all my articles on the Aisne department in the Hauts-de-France region below:
⇒ All my articles on the Aisne
⇒ All my articles on the Hauts-de-France
MY ARTICLES ON THE AISNE
⇒ Green cycling getaway in the Thiérache (2019)
Photo credits: Nicolas Diolez Photos are not royalty-free; permission from the photographer is required before any use
