For a trip to Arquèves, the La Montinette circular trail offers a clear focus: it is 11 kilometres long and is listed as taking 2 hours and 30 minutes. Alongside it are specific aspects of local history, from features of Saint-Martin Church to a millstone by the war memorial. You can plan your stay around the hike or also explore historical details.

Walking the La Montinette Trail

The circular trail starts at Arquèves Town Hall. One section follows the GR 124; from the D31, the route can be split into two shorter loops. This means the full route is distinct from the option of dividing it into shorter loops. Before setting out, it is worth checking local trail conditions. The stated duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes refers to the 11-kilometre route.

The Tour de Haies section runs alongside hedgerows and passes an orchard. These details describe the landscape right beside the trail. The route also offers views of Marieux, Vauchelles-les-Authie, Louvencourt and Acheux-en-Amiénois. The hedgerows and orchard give an impression of the route at trail level; the views draw the eye to several named places. Both the trail itself and its viewpoints are part of the hiking experience.

Saint-Martin Church and its Building History

Different building phases can be distinguished at Saint-Martin Church. Features dating from the 13th century include the large arcades and a pillar on the west wall. By contrast, most of the nave wall dates from the 18th century. The dates therefore refer to different parts of the church, not to a single construction year for the entire building. This distinction makes the building history more specific than a single date would.

Another detail is the church bell: it is called Marie-Henriette and was blessed in 1784. Its name and date add a distinct aspect of local history to the architectural features. Those interested in historic buildings will find information here about architectural elements and centuries, as well as a specifically named detail about the bell.

Memorial Sites and Local History

A millstone stands beside the war memorial. It commemorates a former mill between Arquèves and Belle-Église. The memorial and the millstone therefore refer to different subjects: the remembrance of those killed in war and the former use of a mill between the two places. The Ferme de Belle-Église in Arquèves is also part of the area’s history; it was once a Templar site.

An English bunker from the First World War stands at the entrance to Arquèves. Arquèves also has a water-collection well known as the “puits des anglais.” These named features add a variety of historical landmarks and artefacts to the local history. Together with the church and millstone, they offer a different way to explore the area than the La Montinette hike: the focus here is on building history, former uses and historic memorial sites.

Discover more destinations: Breuil, Glisy, Ergnies, Beauval, Montigny-Sur-L'hallue, Mers-Les-Bains, Woignarue, Cayeux-Sur-Mer.

For the broader travel overview: Somme.