The Ferme des Dames gives Marenla a tangible historical landmark: it dates from 1651 and was rebuilt in 1761 under the administration of the Abbess of Sainte-Austreberthe, Anne-Marie de Jouanne d'Esgeigny. The two dates mark different stages in the farm’s history: 1651 its origins, and 1761 a later building phase. Naming the abbess links the rebuilding to the administration of the abbey and gives the second date its own historical context.

Farm, Church and Paper Mill

Marenla’s notable, unprotected architectural heritage includes the Église Saint-Aubin and a remnant of the former abbey provost’s residence. Together with the Ferme des Dames, these bring a farm, a church and a remnant of a provost’s residence into focus as distinct examples of architecture. The remnant is a surviving part of the former residence, not the entire complex.

The Papeterie de Marenla adds an industrial chapter to this architectural history. From 1852, Adrien Fresnaye developed it into a mechanical paper mill; in 1889, the paper mill received a bronze medal at the World’s Fair in Paris. Unlike the later building phase of the Ferme des Dames, these dates mark the development of a paper mill and an award. For a history-focused visit, industrial history thus complements the themes of the farm, church and provost’s residence.

Plan Hiking and Kayaking in Different Ways

Those who would also like to explore the landscape can consider the “La Falaise” hike. It is about 11 km long and takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes. Along the way, the hike offers views of the heights of Marenla and the Canche Valley. The approximate duration gives you a distinct block of time for planning your day, while the distance indicates the route’s length. Check route conditions before setting out.

Another activity is Marenla FS, a double freestyle kayaking spot on the Canche near the village of Marenla. A kayak topo dated 12 October 2019 describes one section as more wave-like and the other as more hole-like. Here, “double spot” refers to two sections at the same freestyle kayaking spot, not two separately named locations. The spot is formed by an old weir with guillotine gates. As physical conditions can change with river management and water levels, check them on site before using the spot. Marenla FS is not directly accessible on foot: paddlers put in downstream and travel about 100 m upstream against the current on the Canche. These 100 m refer to the upstream paddle after putting in.

Planning therefore calls for a different measure: for “La Falaise,” distance and duration are the clear reference points; at Marenla FS, water access and changing conditions shape the decision.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Omer, Warlincourt-Lès-Pas, Reclinghem, Neufchâtel-Hardelot, Valhuon, Carly, Meurchin, Lisbourg.

For the broader travel overview: Pas-De-Calais.