The best road cycling routes around Clastres

This is where the Somme River rises. Its name is traced back to Celtic origins and also gives its name to the department of the same name. At the time when Gaul was part of the Roman Empire, the river was called the Samara. It ends its approximately 245-kilometer-long river life in the Baie de Somme, where it flows into the English Channel.

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.

The Saint-Quentin war memorial is a unique memorial dedicated to the city's soldiers who fell in combat during different wars. The monument is located near the train station and features a large granite wall with three bas-reliefs depicting scenes from 1557, 1870 and 1914-19181. You can admire the work of architect Paul Bigot and sculptors Henri Bouchard and Paul Landowski, who created this impressive structure in 1927. The monument is also a tribute to the resilience of the residents of Saint-Quentin, who endured the destruction and exodus caused by conflicts.

The Saint-Quentin de Vadencourt church is a Catholic church located in the Aisne department, in the Hauts-de-France region. It is dedicated to Saint Quentin, the patron saint of tailors and cloth merchants. Here is some information I found about this church: *It dates from the 12th century and was rebuilt several times over the following centuries. *It has a white stone facade, with a brick bell tower porch, decorated with vitrified brick patterns. *It has a transept with side chapels, a choir with a flat apse and a nave with three naves. It houses ancient liturgical furniture, including a 17th century altarpiece, an 18th century marble altar and a 19th century preaching pulpit.

Very nice little village with pretty churches and monuments; a few cafes, restaurants and bakeries of course.

The track runs along the Oise all the way, first in town, then between the fields and the barges. On arrival at the Croix Saint Ouen, you have to drive through the village and on small roads to catch up with the cycle paths inside the forest. It is best to start south of Compiègne in the ZAC de Mercières, near the swimming pool and the ice rink. The place is easy to spot. The walk is very nice and runs along the Oise. You always have to stay on your side.

It's very green, we are close to nature.

An excellently developed bike path through beautiful countryside along the river. Highly recommended!