Carly can be viewed through several historical periods and a range of different themes. The Church of Saint-Martin brings together architectural history and a 12th-century baptismal font; another historical reference dates back to 1570. Alongside these are the area’s designation as a named natural site and two different trail-related references. To plan your trip, you can first decide whether local history, the landscape, or a hiking and route perspective should be your main focus.

The Church of Saint-Martin and Historical Periods

The Church of Saint-Martin is a key landmark in Carly’s architectural history. Following problems caused by the watercourse, it was demolished and rebuilt at its present location from 10 May 1876 onward. Architect Carre built the church in 1887 or 1888; it replaced the former parish church, which stood at a different location. The church also contains a 12th-century baptismal font from the first church. The font therefore dates back much further than the 19th-century building phase. Those interested in the history of Saint-Martin will find both a connection to the first church and a record of the changes at the present site.

Another dated reference is the fief of Contery, documented in the parish of Carly in 1570. This date broadens the perspective beyond Saint-Martin and provides a historical marker between the 12th-century baptismal font and the 19th-century building phases. The church’s architectural history and its connection to the parish can thus be viewed as distinct historical periods in Carly’s past.

Landscape and Trails

Carly is included in the continental ZNIEFF Type 2 area “Le complexe bocager du Bas-Boulonnais et de la Liane.” The area’s name refers to the bocage landscape complex of Bas-Boulonnais and the Liane. This landscape designation forms a separate theme alongside the history of the Church of Saint-Martin: you can place Carly in context both through the development of a specific building and through its inclusion in this area. This gives you both a church-history perspective and a landscape perspective for planning your trip.

Two different pieces of information are useful when it comes to trails. The Sentier du Hourquet offers opportunities for hiking. The Escapade entre Samer et Hardelot starts in the commune of Samer, heading toward the commune of Carly; the return route goes over the heights of Carly and then back to Samer. The Escapade therefore has a described sequence with a start and return, while hiking opportunities are the main focus of the Sentier.

You can use this distinction to guide your choice: the Sentier du Hourquet is a hiking option, while the Escapade is a route with a described course from Samer, over the heights of Carly, and back. If you are planning a hike, check whether the Sentier suits your plans; if you are considering the Escapade, use its starting point and return route as a guide. Check conditions and trail markings on the Sentier locally; conditions on the Escapade route may change. This lets you treat local history and practical route planning as two different focuses for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Contes, Cambligneul, Outreau, Beuvry, Blingel, Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise, Blessy, Camiers

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