Tour of the Canche and Authie Valleys (Pas-de-Calais)

Starting from Hesdin-la-Forêt, an ancient city founded by Emperor Charles V, the trail plunges into the state forest before reaching Vieil-Hesdin, an archaeological site of vanished medieval splendor. The route follows the Canche river, passing through the villages of Fillièvres and Boubers-sur-Canche. In Frévent, the Cercamp Abbey bears witness to 18th-century architectural elegance. Leaving Artois for the Authie valley, the landscape transforms into a mosaic of wet meadows and limestone hillsides. In Auxi-le-Château, the ruins of the ancient fortress overlook the river, offering a unique viewpoint over this historical border between the Spanish Netherlands and France. The path then winds through Beauvoir-Wavans and Labroye, where watermills and cob houses (torchis) reflect a preserved rural way of life.

Tour of the Canche and Authie Valleys (Pas-de-Calais)

Nestled in the south of Pas-de-Calais, the Canche and Authie valleys offer bucolic landscapes where water and greenery reign supreme. These coastal rivers have shaped winding valleys, dotted with poplar groves, marshes, and ecologically rich wet meadows. Historical heritage is everywhere, with the medieval town of Montreuil-sur-Mer and its intact ramparts, and Hesdin, former residence of the Dukes of Burgundy. Sacred architecture shines through Valloires Abbey and its renowned gardens, as well as Saint-Riquier Abbey, a masterpiece of Flamboyant Gothic style. Nature expresses itself fully in the nature reserves where storks, herons, and preserved wetland flora flourish. Watermills, witnesses to centuries of milling activity, punctuate the course of these rivers that once served as borders between kingdoms. These valleys offer a "Little Switzerland of the North" atmosphere, ideal for slow hiking and contemplating the traditional timber-framed and brick villages.

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Hiking around the Canche and Authie (Pas-de-Calais) 2

Hiking around the Canche and Authie (Pas-de-Calais) 3

Distance: 102km (approx. 63 miles), Max altitude: 128m, Min altitude: 15m, Total elevation gain: 1128m

Hiking around the Canche and Authie (Pas-de-Calais) 10 Nearby trails:
GRP® Tour of the Ternois Region (Pas-de-Calais)
GRP® Tour of the Artois Region (Pas-de-Calais)
GR®120 Coastal Path
GR®121 From Bon-Secours (Belgium) to Equihen-Plage (Pas-de-Calais)
GR®123 From Contes (Pas-de-Calais) to Carlepont (Oise)
GR®124 From Rebreuviette (Pas-de-Calais) to Cires-lès-Mello (Oise)

It is advisable to follow the beacons all along your hike and to bring you the FFRandonnee topo-guide. You will also find information on MonGR.fr.

GR®, PR®, GRP®, and the corresponding signs of markings (white / red, yellow and yellow / red) are trademarks of the French Federation of Hiking. They may not be reproduced without permission. The French Federation of Hiking, state-approved, includes organizations that create and maintain hiking routes on GR®, PR® and GRP®. It publishes guides these topo hiking routes. With your donations, support the actions of the thousands of volunteer markers of the FFRandonnee.

GR-Infos.com is an editorial partner of MonGR.fr.

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Former holiday hotel with a garden along the Allier, L'Etoile Guest House is located in La Bastide-Puylaurent between Lozere, Ardeche, and the Cevennes in the mountains of Southern France. At the crossroads of GR®7, GR®70 Stevenson Path, GR®72, GR®700 Regordane Way, GR®470 Allier River springs and gorges, GRP® Cevenol, Ardechoise Mountains, Margeride. Numerous loop trails for hiking and one-day biking excursions. Ideal for a relaxing and hiking getaway.