
Thiérache bocagère
The wooded countryside with pollarded willow hedges is reminiscent of Normandy, but make no mistake this is the domain of Thiérache fortified churches and Maroilles cheese.
La Thiérache- land of Maroilles cheese and fortified churches
A rural visitor destination ‘par excellence’, the Thiérache has many hidden treasures along its country paths. The wooded countryside with pollarded willow hedges is reminiscent of Normandy, but make no mistake this is the domain of Thiérache fortified churches and Maroilles cheese.
Enjoy the simple things in life during a peaceful stay, punctuated with discoveries of all sizes, ranging from tiny restored village wash pools to the grand Utopian Familistère, and maybe accompanied by a glass of farmhouse cider or a Maroilles tart.
What to see and do in the Thiérache ?
The unique and rich historical heritage of 60 churches mostly fortified during the 16th century by the villagers themselves who were weary of the pillaging and devastation by the frequent wars waged in this frontier region.
Château-fort de Guise castle, the thousand-year old stronghold of the famous Dukes of Guise, with its impressive keep and 17 hectares of fortifications. The Familistère de Guise, a Utopian dream come true by JB. Godin in the 19th century, an astonishing, marvellous social and industrial reminder.
Parfondeval, a typical little Thiérache village classed as one of the « Loveliest villages in France », with its remarkable fortified church, half-timbered, brick and cob buildings and « La Chouette » discovery trail.
The Benedictine Abbey of Saint Michel en Thiérache and the Museum of rural and woodland life. The customs post at Macquenoise otherwise known as « Courquain » in the film « Rien à déclarer (Nothing to declare) ». A wealth of delicious local produce to try and buy, including cheese, cider, fruit-based aperitifs and craft items.
What to see and do in Thiérache ?

Lots of heritage attractions to visit, with or without a guide. A choice of walks along designated footpaths ranging from micro family walks to hikes along the GR122 hiking path. Cyclists of all levels are catered for with cycle paths, mountain bike tracks and the Eurovélo 3 which runs for 30km along the former railway line beside the River Oise between Hirson and Guise. Accommodation and bike hire at Guise and Marly-Gomont. Horse riding, donkeycart rides and even camel rides ! The possibilities are endless !
Take a canoe trip with family and friends to explore the Oise Valley. Canoe and kayak hire at Guise, Erloy and Hirson. Fishing in lakes and category I rivers. Aquatic complexes at Hirson and Guise, go-karting and bowling alley at Hirson, Outdoor Leisure Activity Centre at Nouvion en Thiérache, Rétroscapade trips in mythical 2CVs.
Our favourite comment : « I love going to the village farm with the children to bottle-feed baby lambs and watch the cows being milked. Life is truly wonderful ! »
How to get to Thiérache ?
By road : N2 : 2½ hours from Paris
A27 et D934 : 2 hours from Lille
D966 : 1 hour from Reims
E19 et N2 : 2¼ hours from Bruxelles
E35 E19 and N2 : 4¼ hours from Amsterdam
By rail : to Vervins (from Paris – Gare du Nord) or to Hirson (from Lille)
Nearest airport : 1 hour 20 minutes from Charleroi (Belgium)
Contact
Office de tourisme du Pays de Thiérache
7 avenue du Préau
02140 Vervins"
Our selection of accommodations
Guest house
Chambres d'Origny-en-Thiérache
in ORIGNY-EN-THIERACHE - Aisne