Canny-sur-Matz can be explored from three distinct perspectives: the Matz Valley plain, the architectural and artistic history of Saint-Michel Church, and the Bois des Loges Route, with its connection to the First World War. Local farming and craft traditions add another dimension. This offers a choice between landscape, local history and a clearly defined activity for your stay.
Saint-Michel Church and stained-glass windows
Saint-Michel Church in Canny-sur-Matz was built in 1926 in the Neo-Romanesque style. The style designation points to a revival of Romanesque forms and places the building in its architectural context. The stained-glass windows also span several periods: works by Avenel date from the 1930s, windows by Flachat from 1960 and those by Pasquier from 1961. The building and its stained glass therefore do not belong to a single moment of creation. For those interested in cultural history, they provide a specific timeline from the church’s construction in the 1920s to later works spanning more than three decades. The names and dates make this chronology clear.
The Matz Valley plain and river course
Canny-sur-Matz lies on a plain in the Matz Valley. The Matz rises in the commune at the locality of Le Bouillon. The river then flows for about 25 kilometres through 16 communes before joining the Oise at Thourotte. Two scales come together here: Le Bouillon identifies the local source, while the river’s length and course place the Matz in a broader context. The landscape can thus be understood both through Canny-sur-Matz’s location in the valley and through the river’s course to its confluence.
Ferme de Canny and local crafts
Ferme de Canny stands on the ruins of a former fortified castle. This historical connection complements the church’s architectural history with another site in the commune. In August 2026, Joli Grain offered farm-made pasta and organic flour for online ordering, with collection at Ferme de Canny. This links the farm to a specific ordering and collection option, which applies only as of that date.
Another craft tradition is the pottery of Aux Grés Des Vents. There, functional stoneware pottery is made and fired in a wood-burning kiln inspired by Japanese “Noborigama” kilns. The material, purpose and firing method give this pottery a distinctive character. During the 2026 visit period, you can visit the shop or tour the workshop by appointment. If you would like to visit the workshop, be sure to arrange an appointment when planning your trip.
Bois des Loges Route: movement and history
The Bois des Loges Route passes through Canny-sur-Matz and is 8.1 kilometres long. It is suitable for hiking and mountain biking. The stated duration is two hours on foot and one hour by mountain bike. This gives you a concrete difference to consider when planning your day: hiking the same route is estimated to take twice as long as mountain biking it.
Seven stops illustrate the trench warfare of the First World War around the villages of Crapeaumesnil, Fresnières and Canny-sur-Matz. The historical connection also reaches directly into local history: Canny-sur-Matz was again the scene of fighting during the Spring Offensive of 1918. The stops give the route its thematic focus, while the fighting in 1918 anchors that focus in the history of the village. You can therefore assess the route in terms of both its duration and its historical theme.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Margny-Lès-Compiègne, Saint-Vaast-Lès-Mello, Noailles, Brétigny, Compiègne, Hénonville, Crisolles, Tillé
Go to the overview of destinations: Oise.
