Attractions and Places To See around Ham - Top 9

The Ham region is ideal for cycling, with numerous routes along canals and rivers. You can explore the Somme Valley Cycle Path, known for its smooth bitumen coating, or the Canal de Saint-Quentin Path, which offers largely flat and easy cycling with views of water, bridges, and locks. For more specific routes, you can find various road cycling routes, running trails, and MTB trails in the area.

Yes, Ham has several historical points of interest. Seraucourt-le-Grand is a significant location on the Via Francigena pilgrimage, with roots dating back to Gallo-Roman villae. Nearby, the Seraucourt le Grand British Cemetery serves as a poignant memorial to soldiers from the First and Second World Wars, offering insights into the region's wartime history.

The cycling paths around Ham are notable for their scenic routes along canals and rivers, offering a pleasant experience on flat terrain. The Somme Valley Cycle Path, for instance, features a recently updated bitumen coating, enhancing accessibility. The Canal de Saint-Quentin Path provides views of water, bridges, and locks, making for an engaging ride. While some sections, like parts of the Cycle path along the Canal de Saint-Quentin, may have uneven asphalt, they still offer car-free exploration.

While the guide focuses on cycling and historical sites, the Canal de Saint-Quentin Path is categorized as family-friendly due to its largely flat and easy terrain, suitable for leisurely rides with children. The Seraucourt le Grand British Cemetery is also listed as family-friendly, offering a respectful and educational visit for older children interested in history.

The best way to explore the waterways around Ham is by cycling along the dedicated paths. The region is rich in canals and rivers, and routes like the Somme Valley Cycle Path and the Canal de Saint-Quentin Path offer direct access to these scenic environments. You'll encounter locks and bridges, providing a unique perspective on the area's water infrastructure.

Seraucourt-le-Grand is historically significant as Stage 73 of Sigeric's Via Francigena pilgrimage. Its ancient name, 'Serodi Curtis,' indicates Gallo-Roman origins with two famous villae founded around the 2nd century. Traces of a Merovingian cemetery have also been found here, highlighting its long history.

Yes, if you are visiting Seraucourt-le-Grand, which is a stage on the Via Francigena pilgrimage, you will find a food shop available on Sundays, which is particularly convenient for travelers and pilgrims.

The condition of cycling paths varies. The Somme Valley Cycle Path boasts a recently created bitumen coating from 2019, offering a smooth ride. However, parts of the Cycle path along the Canal de Saint-Quentin may have uneven asphalt, with loose stones, broken sections, or even gravel, so it's advisable to be mindful of the surface, especially if using a racing bike.

The Seraucourt le Grand British Cemetery contains 1,378 graves, predominantly of British soldiers who died in 1918, along with some Canadian, Australian, and airmen from 1944. It's a place for peaceful reflection, with information panels and memorial stones detailing the history of the battles and the fallen soldiers. The cemetery is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with free entry.

Yes, the region offers opportunities for long-distance cycling. The Cycle path along the Canal de Saint-Quentin is part of a much longer network, allowing for extended car-free journeys through the landscape. The Somme Valley Cycle Path also provides a significant stretch for longer rides, connecting various points of interest.

For runners, there are several routes available. You can find a running guide that includes routes like the 'Ham Castle loop from Eppeville' (9.16 km, moderate) or the 'Tower of the Château de Ham loop from Ham' (10.09 km, moderate). These trails offer a chance to explore the local scenery on foot.