In Bailleul, two distinct themes can be explored side by side: the fortified motte-and-bailey castle and a waymarked circular route through the Bois de Bailleul. The “Autour du bois de Bailleul” trail covers 7.8 kilometres and is rated very easy to easy. There are also architectural landmarks, such as the stone spire of the Église Saint-Martin and the iron cross in the hamlet of Grandsart. You can shape your stay around a local walk, the history of the motte or other traces of the area’s past.

The motte-and-bailey castle and its history

At the Motte féodale de Bailleul, the visible foundations of the castle, a well lined with stones and deep surrounding ditches have been preserved. Together, these features give a tangible impression of the fortified site: the foundations, well and ditches each tell a different part of the story. The motte is the fortified motte-and-bailey castle of Jean de Bailleul, who became King of Scotland. It is also listed as a protected site under France’s “Sites” protection system.

Check on site whether the private woodland is accessible to visitors. Its protected status and preserved features are separate from the question of access.

Circular route through the Bois de Bailleul

The “Autour du bois de Bailleul” route is suitable for walking and cycling. It starts in front of the church in Bailleul, goes into and along the Bois de Bailleul, and ends in Bailleul. Yellow PR markers indicate the way. The route avoids the narrow woodland paths bordering the Bois. It is therefore clearly distinct from a trail that includes those adjoining paths.

Check the waymarks and local access conditions before setting out. Conditions in the woodland may also vary with the seasons.

The GR 125 also runs along the Bois de Bailleul. Stretching 250 kilometres, it connects the Île-de-France with the Baie de Somme. The two routes therefore represent different scales: the local circular route is described by its distance and difficulty rating, while the GR 125 is defined by its cross-regional connection. Both relate to the Bois, but information about one route does not automatically apply to the other.

Church, cross and place name

Another historical landmark is the Église Saint-Martin, whose stone spire dates from the 14th century. In the hamlet of Grandsart, an iron cross stands on a carved stone base, probably dating from the 13th century. The dates therefore refer to different features and are not equally certain: the spire is attributed to the 14th century, while the dating of the base is probable.

Bellifontaine adds a landscape connection to the picture. The hamlet takes its name from a small river that rises here and flows into the Somme at Eaucourt. This connection leads from the built heritage of the motte, church and cross to a place name associated with a watercourse.

When choosing a route, it helps to consider the local circular trail and the GR 125 separately: the yellow PR markers and difficulty rating belong to the “Autour du bois de Bailleul” route; the 250 kilometres refer to the GR 125. If you would first like to focus on a local circular walk, the former has a specified distance and difficulty rating. The GR 125, by contrast, offers a broader geographical perspective, connecting the Île-de-France with the Baie de Somme. The historical details add a different focus, ranging from the fortified motte-and-bailey castle to individual buildings and the name Bellifontaine.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Aumâtre, Beaumetz, Feuquières-En-Vimeu, Bray-sur-Somme, Fontaine-Sur-Maye, Port-Le-Grand, Treux, Belloy-Sur-Somme.

For the broader travel overview: Somme.