Things to see in the Sept Vallées

 

The Val d'Authie is a pretty valley a few miles inland from the coast just south of Le Touquet.

A short distance off the A16 autoroute from the Channel Ports, the valley is only 40 minutes drive from the Tunnel, making it an ideal weekend base for cross-channel visitors.

It is a pleaseant area for walking and cycling, or just for relaxing and being part of 'La France Profond'. Dominated by the historic Abbe de Valloires and surrounded by woods and traditional villages it can feel as though time has stood still.

And yet just a few minutes drive away is the bustle and glamour of Le Touquet and the long beaches of the Emerald Coast.

For more information about Saulchoy itself:   www.saulchoy.free.fr/

Abbe de Valloires

The Abbey was founded in the 12th Century by Cistercian monks.

The building are now mostly in use as a school, but the grounds are open to the public, as are the large gardens, spread over 18 acres with over 5000 species of plants and a huge collection of old roses.

The gardens are open year round and have a restaurant and shop selling local products and books. Summer opening hours are 10 to 6.

 

 

Moulin de Maintenay

The Moulin (mill) is still a working bakery, using the water wheel to mill the flour. Try some of the local counntry-style bread or the speciallity 'Tartine au Meunier' (baker's choice tart).

At the 'Fete au Fil de l'Eau' each August visitors get a chance to discover the River Authie by canoe and listen to music on the riverbank.