The Forest of Saint-Michel and the Bois de Sougland

This route starts in the centre of the village of Saint-Michel and offers a beautiful transition between town and nature. After leaving the village streets at the Sougland foundries, the route enters the peaceful forest of Saint-Michel, in the Bois de Sougland, along the River Le Gland. Shady paths and green forest roads follow one another in the forest. The return route takes you back to the village and leads hikers to the remarkable abbey site of Saint-Michel, whose architecture and tranquillity invite contemplation. At the end of the route, on Boulevard Savart, the Maison du Prévost stands proudly, a witness to local history and the final heritage stop before returning to the starting point on Place Rochefort. This route combines nature, heritage and discovery, perfect for a Thiérache getaway in the forest.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.38 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 68 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 67 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 240 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 173 m

Description of the walk

This route starts at the war memorial in the heart of Saint-Michel and offers a beautiful transition between town and nature.

(S/E) Starting from the war memorial, opposite the town hall, turn left towards the bandstand.

(1) Walk past the post office and turn left onto Rue Léon Blum. Then take the second street on the right, Rue Gambetta. At the end of this street, turn left and continue until you reach the Motrio garage on the left-hand side.

(2) Take the street on the right: Rue Edmond Dormoy. At the end of this street, turn right towards the Sougland Foundries.

(3) When you reach the factory, turn right to go down and cross the Gland. Take the bridge and immediately enter the Bois de Sougland on the left. At the edge of the woods, go down on your left along the river. Be careful, as the path is steep and may be slippery in places. In the woods, cross a first stream, then continue on your way. You will come to a second stream.

(4) Without crossing it, go up to the right along the straight forest track to reach the Route Forestière du Pré Lorquin.

(5) Continue right on this road to reach Rue des Leups.

(6) Follow it to the left. At the next crossroads, take the first right to go down to the abbey site. Take the opportunity to admire the new forecourt and stroll around the courtyard and the surrounding area.

(7) When you reach the abbey, turn right onto Boulevard Savart to pass in front of the Maison du Prévost.

(8) Continue on your way to Place Rochefort and the war memorial (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 187 m - War memorial
  2. 1 : km 0.14 - alt. 191 m - The kiosk
  3. 2 : km 0.8 - alt. 200 m - Motrio Garage
  4. 3 : km 1.64 - alt. 184 m - Sougland Foundry
  5. 4 : km 2.69 - alt. 173 m - Gland (rivière)
  6. 5 : km 3.6 - alt. 227 m - Pré Lorquin forest road
  7. 6 : km 4.77 - alt. 230 m - Rue des Leups
  8. 7 : km 5.38 - alt. 188 m - Église abbatiale Saint-Michel (Saint-Michel)
  9. 8 : km 5.71 - alt. 185 m - Maison du Prévost
  10. S/E : km 6.38 - alt. 187 m - War memorial

Notes

The Sous le ciel de Thiérache association recommends that you take great care on the path along the River Le Gland (the path immediately on the right as you enter the Bois de Sougland). The banks can be slippery, especially after rain. Always stay on the marked paths and avoid getting too close to the water. Some passages are narrow or unstable: caution is advised, especially with children.
Respect nature and enjoy the tranquillity of the river in complete safety.
In winter, check the hunting plans filed with the Saint-Michel town hall by the various hunting societies.
The Sous le ciel de Thiérache association provides this walking route for information purposes only. You are free to use it or not, and to follow the route in its entirety or in part.

Worth a visit

The war memorial
The town hall
The bandstand on Place Rochefort
The Sougland Foundries
Le Gland
The Abbey Site of Saint-Michel
The Provost's House

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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.