There are two distinct highlights for a trip to Cilly: the Balthazard et Labry walking route and the Église Saint-Martin. The route explores the area around the village via a ridge, farmsteads, and viewpoints over the Serre Valley. At the church, the focus shifts to architectural history and the memory of a specific historical figure. Depending on your interests, you can shape your stay around either the landscape or the cultural heritage.

Hiking the Balthazard et Labry Route

The Balthazard et Labry walking route is 13.5 km long and is listed as taking 3 hours and 45 minutes. It runs from the Église Saint-Martin in Cilly to the fortified church in Bosmont. The distance and estimated time provide a specific framework for planning your day: if you include the route in your stay, you can schedule it as a separate activity. The stated duration provides a clear basis for setting aside a block of time for the walk. If you plan to hike the route, check the current waymarking locally.

The route crosses a ridge where the Balthazard and Labry farmsteads are located. Several viewpoints offer views over the Serre Valley; from one point, you can see both the valley and Cilly. The route therefore offers two kinds of orientation: the named farmsteads describe the ridge, while the viewpoints direct your gaze across the valley and toward the village. This focus on the landscape differs from the church history, which centers on a single building.

The Église Saint-Martin and Its History

The Église Saint-Martin is one of the fortified churches of the Thiérache region. The year 1645 is visible above the entrance; it is believed to be the year the church was fortified. The date is visible, while its interpretation as the year of fortification remains probable. Its classification as a fortified church also gives the building a clear architectural context within the Thiérache.

Another historical point of interest is a gravestone made of Belgian bluestone for the knight Ferri de la Bove. He was lord of Cilly and governor of Guise, and died in 1573. The gravestone connects the village with a known historical figure; his offices and year of death give the remembrance specific detail. Together with its classification as a fortified church, Saint-Martin offers a cultural highlight encompassing both the building’s history and that of a lord of Cilly.

Locating Cilly

The Église Saint-Martin is in Cilly, about 6 km east of Marle. This approximate distance helps you get your bearings. When planning your trip, you can weigh the two interests according to your priorities: a hike with a specified distance and duration, or a closer look at a fortified church, its date, and the gravestone. The route starts at the Église Saint-Martin and leads to the fortified church in Bosmont; landscape and church architecture thus also come together in the same route description.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Château-Thierry, Bruyères-Et-Montbérault, Courmelles, Chauny, Vendresse-Beaulne, Wiège-Faty, Selens, La Chapelle-Sur-Chézy.

For the overview of the wider region: Aisne.