Noailles offers two distinct ways to explore: the wooded Bois du Larris and a heritage shaped by religious, historical and industrial traces. The Bois lies in the heart of Noailles. Other points of interest include the Church of Saint-Lucien, the historic Boncourt district, the Relais de Blainville and the history of brush-making. Nature trails and local history offer different perspectives, making it possible to get to know the area from more than one angle.

Hiking Trails in the Bois du Larris

The Bois du Larris has three hiking trails of noticeably different lengths. At 0.8 km, the Sentier des Pics Verts is the shortest; the Sentier des Écureuils is 2 km long, and the Sentier des Chevreuils is 2.7 km. They are marked in green, blue and red. If you choose by distance, it is easy to distinguish the shortest from the longest trail; the two longer trails differ by 0.7 km. These details allow you to compare the trails directly without reducing their different lengths to a single option.

Each trail has explanatory signs about the forest’s wildlife and plant life. This combines choosing a route with learning about nature: the signs cover the same topics on all three trails, while the distances vary. If nature is important to you, this consistent signage is one of the features shared by all the trails. Trail conditions may change, so check them before setting out.

Saint-Lucien and Its Architectural History

The Church of Saint-Lucien stands on the northeastern edge of Noailles, on the slopes of the Bois du Larris in the Longvillers district. Its north nave wall preserves herringbone masonry (opus spicatum), a building technique associated with 11th-century churches in the Beauvaisis. In the 16th century, a large chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary was added on the south side of the choir, which was also given new vaults. The masonry and later extension thus represent different aspects of the church’s history: a regional building style and structural changes dating from the 16th century.

Districts, the Relais and Industrial History

Boncourt is a historic district of Noailles that has preserved its identity. The historic architectural ensemble of Blainville has also retained its authentic character. The Relais de Blainville offers two distinct historical reference points: it was built around 1753 along the new road between Calais and Paris; in 1838, the coaching inn in Noailles was referred to as the “Relais de Blainville.” The approximate construction date and the name recorded in 1838 are therefore two separate details.

The Brosserie Thomas adds the manufacture of toothbrushes to the area’s history. The company was founded in 1843 and established in a building that had already been built in 1818—making the building 25 years older than the company. Throughout the second half of the 19th century, Thomas Frères was one of Noailles’s leading companies and specialized in toothbrushes. This gives the area’s industrial history a tangible focus and a distinct timeline: from the older building, to the company’s founding, to the later prominence of Thomas Frères.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Passel, Fontenay-Torcy, Noyon, Lachapelle-Saint-Pierre, Tillé, Fleurines, Ully-Saint-Georges, Angicourt

For the main travel overview: Oise.