L'étoile brings together several distinct themes for planning a trip: prehistoric sites, sacred and industrial history, and a viewpoint over the landscapes of the Somme valley. Camp César and the Neolithic enclosure represent different periods; the Prieuré de Moreaucourt, Chapelle Sainte-Anne and Moulins Bleus add different historical contexts to the picture. There is also the Balcons sur la Somme trail and the area designated as a ZNIEFF Type 1, “Cours de la Somme”. If you are looking for a holiday rental for a stay combining culture and landscapes, you can choose L'étoile according to the aspect that interests you most.
Archaeological periods
Camp César was developed as an oppidum as early as the Bronze Age and has been classified as a historic monument since 1862. The Neolithic enclosure of L'étoile represents a different archaeological theme: it covers just under five hectares, and its main period of use is attributed to the Middle Neolithic and dated to around 4500 BC. The Bronze Age development of the oppidum and the main period of use of the enclosure in the Middle Neolithic thus represent different periods of prehistory. The classification of Camp César in 1862 belongs to a much later period.
Sacred and industrial history
The Prieuré de Moreaucourt was founded in 1146. Archaeological excavations uncovered the church and the buildings surrounding the cloister. Alongside its foundation date, the layout of the priory also comes into focus. The priory is regularly open to the public; check the current opening schedule before your visit.
The building now known as Chapelle Sainte-Anne was converted into a chapel in 2004, intended to replace the church destroyed by fire in 1991. On 24 March 2004, Monseigneur Bouilleret, Bishop of Amiens, consecrated the chapel. It is built of brick and roofed with slate. The fire that destroyed the former church and the subsequent conversion mark different stages in the history of the area.
The industrial history comes to the fore at the Moulins Bleus. They include the textile factory district of the Saint-Frères company and its associated 19th-century workers’ housing estate. This historical theme thus encompasses both the factory district and the workers’ homes. The former cemetery of L'étoile adds a further dimension, with decorative elements of 19th-century funerary art.
Landscape and trail
L'étoile includes the area designated as a ZNIEFF Type 1, “Cours de la Somme”. The Belvédère de l'Étoile offers panoramic views of the landscapes of the Somme valley. It can be reached via the uphill path to the ruins of the Church of Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur, which was destroyed by fire in 1985. The path therefore also leads to a historic site before the view opens out across the landscape from the belvedere.
The Balcons sur la Somme trail passes through Long, Fontaine-sur-Somme, Longpré-les-Corps-Saints and L'étoile. It is suitable for hiking and mountain biking. Unlike the individual viewpoint, this trail is a circular route through several places. This offers a different perspective for planning your trip: you can focus on a viewpoint or consider the circular route as the main feature of your stay.
First consider whether archaeological and historic sites or the landscape views and trail will play a bigger role in your stay. This will help you tailor your search for holiday rentals in L'étoile to the aspect that appeals to you most.
Discover more destinations: Acheux-En-Vimeu, Domléger-Longvillers, Villers-Sur-Authie, Crécy-En-Ponthieu, Saint-Valery-Sur-Somme, Gapennes, Saint-Blimont, Vadencourt.
For the regional travel overview: Somme.
