The Marais de Longpré-Les-Corps-Saints covers more than 160 hectares: ponds, reed beds, meadows and wooded wetlands shape this natural area. Those interested in the landscape can also explore its wildlife and plant life, as well as the history of the peat bog. Run by the tourist office, the Maison des Marais welcomes visitors and provides a place to discover natural habitats.
Explore the marshland and trails
On the Véloroute Vallée de Somme, the Maison des Marais serves as a starting point for discovering the ecosystem of Longpré-Les-Corps-Saints, including its fauna, flora and the history of the peat bog. It also provides access to a network of more than 100 kilometres of marked trails. This offers plenty of scope for exploring nature, without requiring every trail to have the same destination or route.
One option is the Circuit des Prés volés, a nature walk through the peatlands and marshes of Long and Longpré-Les-Corps-Saints. The route can also start at the Maison des Marais, where parking is available. The railway station is 1.7 kilometres from the Maison des Marais. Check the current route before setting out.
For those who prefer cycling, Chés Intailles (Boucle B) is a 36-kilometre route. It starts at the Maison des Marais in Longpré-Les-Corps-Saints and ends in the commune. The two options therefore differ clearly in how you get around: one is a nature walk through the peatlands and marshes of two places, while the other is a cycling route with a specified distance. The Maison des Marais also offers canoe trips as another nature activity; exact times may vary.
Heritage and planning your visit
The town’s architectural and commemorative heritage is also distinctive. The Collégiale Notre Dame de l’Assomption was built in the 12th century to house around 116 relics brought back from the Crusades. Its Romanesque crypt includes a pilgrims’ hall, the founders’ tomb, a 16th-century Entombment sculpture and the cenotaph of Aléaume de Fontaine. A reservation at least 48 hours in advance is required to visit the crypt, and a minimum of two people must take part. Check the visiting arrangements before you arrive.
The 1914/1918 English Cemetery contains 79 graves: 58 English, 20 Australian and one French. A ceremony is held there each year, followed by a wreath-laying. If you would like to plan your trip around this event, check the current date.
Another historic site is the 19th-century Chapelle Notre Dame des Sept Douleurs on Cavée du Quesnoy. On 8 September, the procession of the relics of Longpré stops there during the Feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. If you would like to combine your visit with this occasion, confirm the current arrangements before travelling. This makes it possible to plan nature trails, a cycling route and heritage sites according to different interests, while taking reservation requirements and event dates into account.
Discover more destinations: Bresle, Franleu, Cocquerel, Domvast, Frettecuisse, Pendé, Cahon Gouy, Beauquesne
For the broader travel overview: Somme.
