At 65 metres from the base to the cross, the bell tower of the Église Saint-Nicolas offers a tangible starting point for exploring Beauval’s architectural history. Beauval connects this church with the history of the Saint-Frères textile companies; the Circuit du Papillon also passes through the town as a walking trail. For planning your visit, you can choose between architectural and industrial history and a walk with two specified time options.
Église Saint-Nicolas: Design and Dimensions
The Église Saint-Nicolas is built mainly of brick and designed in the Gothic Revival style as a Latin cross. These details describe different aspects: brick refers to the building material, Gothic Revival to the style, and the Latin cross to the floor plan. The bell tower measures 65 metres from the base to the cross; the spire alone is 20 metres high. These two measurements refer to different sections and should not be read as two figures for the total height. The church was built in 1888 with financial support from the Saint brothers. Its construction history can therefore be traced through both its architecture and a specific date.
Saint-Frères and Beauval’s Industrial History
Beauval is considered the original centre of the Saint-Frères textile companies’ activities. The factory’s history also reflects a period of development: in 1933, Rotatiss developed the circular loom innovation, which Saint Frères acquired. After the Second World War, the factory in Beauval became the group’s first production unit with circular looms. This development is considered significant for the jute industry. The town’s industrial history can thus be explored through the innovation itself and its later role in production.
Cité Quénot was built in 1898 as one of three workers’ housing estates in Beauval. Other sites include the former offices and the factory director’s residence, some of which are protected as historic monuments. The town’s history therefore encompasses not only production, but also workers’ housing and former administrative and residential spaces.
The Saint family mausoleum is also a cultural heritage site worth visiting in Beauval. Beauval’s landscaped cemetery is open to visitors as well. These sites complement the architectural and industrial themes with a mausoleum and a landscaped cemetery.
The Circuit du Papillon: Two Walking Options
The Circuit du Papillon is 10.7 kilometres long and runs through Beauval as a walking trail; the walking time is about 2 hours and 30 minutes. A shortcut reduces the route to 8.4 kilometres and the walking time to about 2 hours. Compared directly, this is a route that is 2.3 kilometres shorter and takes around half an hour less according to the estimated walking times. The shorter option therefore reduces both the distance and the estimated time. When planning, you can allow for the approximate walking time as a separate block and plan additional visits or breaks separately.
The trail is marked with the standard yellow hiking sign and an additional pink butterfly symbol. The two markings provide clear guidance for choosing a route. Comparing the main route with the shortcut can help you estimate how much walking you want to include in your stay.
Discover more destinations: Bailleul, Sailly-Flibeaucourt, Ergnies, Vaux-Marquenneville, Cayeux-Sur-Mer, Forest-Montiers, Fressenneville, Laleu.
Return to the regional travel overview: Somme.
