The best walks and hikes around Chépy

Very large equipped rest area with snack bar opposite

The Courtgain district and its Calvary This is the district that used to be inhabited by sailors in the 18th and 19th centuries. They went fishing aboard their grasshoppers, these flat-bottomed boats with a large square sail. They mainly fished for gray shrimp, locally called "grasshoppers" because they swim, walk and jump in the sand and water. Despite difficult and dangerous working conditions, sailors earned little money. It is from these short profits that the district takes its name. Spared by the war, the typically Picardy buildings have retained their old-world charm thanks to the inhabitants who strive to perpetuate the traditional aesthetics of fishermen's houses: flowery and colorful facades, as in the days when surplus paint intended for boats was used to decorate the house. The Courtgain district is richly decorated, notably with fishing nets and gladioli, and is the epicentre of the Fête de la Mer, held every August to honour the missing sailors. Walk through these alleys and go to the Calvary of the Sailors. It offers a clear view of the Bay of Somme. This is where women went to see the return of their husbands who had gone to sea.

The church is built of natural stone with a characteristic pattern. It consists of two naves, separated by high arches. The baptismal chapel is still part of the original church. A church was first mentioned in the 12th century, but the current church dates back to the 13th century. The church was repeatedly destroyed during the Hundred Years' War and was set on fire in 1475, when the city defended itself against the English and Burgundian rulers. The church was rebuilt at the end of the 15th century and reconsecrated in 1500, but construction activities lasted until 1559. During the French Revolution, the furniture was sold, shrines and paintings were burned and bells were melted down. In 1845, a rectangular brick building was built next to the tower. Next to the church is the heavy tower, equipped with buttresses. In 1786, it was crowned with a tent roof.

n the 12th century, a church was first mentioned, but the current church dates back to the 13th century. The church was repeatedly destroyed during the Hundred Years' War and was set on fire in 1475, when the city defended itself against the English and Burgundian rulers. At the end of the 15th century, the church was rebuilt and reconsecrated in 1500, but construction continued until 1559. During the French Revolution, the furniture was sold, shrines and paintings were burned and bells were melted down. In 1845, a rectangular brick building was built next to the tower. The church is built of natural stone with a characteristic pattern. It consists of two naves, separated by high arches. The baptistery is still part of the original church. Next to the church is the heavy tower, equipped with buttresses. In 1786, it was crowned with a tent roof.

Perfect for relaxing and enjoying the sea air

The former gravel pits of Incheville and Bouvaincourt (Les Ballastières de Incheville et Bouvaincourt) in the valley of the Bresle river are now ponds and lakes, recreational and fishing waters. Since 2015, they have also been part of the network of protected areas within the European Union Natura2000. The Vallée de la Bresle long-distance hiking trail runs through part of the area.

With its gargoyles emerging from elegant flint and stone checkerboard walls, the St-Martin church stands on the square of the same name. Its very first construction probably dates back to the 12th century. It was completely rebuilt in the 15th century. Once battered by the sea, battered by the vagaries of history, the result today is a surprising building with multiple aesthetics. It is a unique building in France and a precious witness to time. As such, the church was listed in the supplementary inventory of Historic Monuments in 1926, then classified in 2022.

This calvary is perched on a promontory on the seaside, at the top of the city. This is where women went to watch for the return of their husbands who had gone to sea. It offers a clear view of the Bay of Somme. A true beacon of memory for the fishermen of Courtgain, the sailors who passed in front of the calvary with their boats never failed to uncover themselves.