Merval: Saint-Martin Church and the Les Alleux Route
Accommodation in Merval
Merval offers two distinct highlights to consider when planning your trip: the architectural history of Saint-Martin Church and the Les Alleux Route through the countryside. The church brings together historic building phases from several centuries; Les Alleux connects Merval with four other places and takes about three hours. Depending on your interests, you can explore the architecture and the route separately or combine them as themes for your stay.
Saint-Martin Church: Architectural History and Design
The choir of Saint-Martin Church dates from the third quarter of the 12th century. The nave was built in 1852. On October 15, 1919, the church was classified as a historic monument. From 1921 to 1924, it was faithfully restored under the direction of architect Lucien Sallez. The sequence reveals several building phases: the medieval choir, the 19th-century nave, and the restoration belong to different chapters in the church’s history.
The design also offers specific details: the capitals of the choir pillars—their upper sections—feature fantastical figures and plant motifs. Figurative depictions and floral ornaments thus appear side by side on the same architectural elements. The Les Alleux Route also lists Merval Church as a point of interest.
Les Alleux Route: Distance and Scenery
Les Alleux is 11.1 kilometers long and takes about three hours. The route connects Longueval-Barbonval, Serval, Merval, Glennes, and RĂ©villon. It passes through a wooded gorge, valleys, and agricultural plateaus. A steep path leads up to the heights of Merval. A series of viewpoints offers views of Merval, RĂ©villon, and Glennes. The route therefore combines several types of scenery with views of three of the places along the way.
The route includes several climbs, as well as a dangerous section on the RD 21. Take these features into account when planning your route, and check local conditions before setting out. The stated duration and distance help you estimate how much time the hike will take; the terrain and climbs are also practical considerations when planning.
A simple distinction can help you choose your focus: Saint-Martin offers datable architectural history and decorated capitals, while Les Alleux is an approximately three-hour route through varied landscapes. This lets you plan according to your interest in architecture or in a longer route.
Bus Service and Brocante
The 2025 timetable lists the “Merval Abri Eglise” stop on regular route 519. Before traveling, check whether the route operates on your travel date and whether the timetable applies to your trip.
The Merval Brocante is scheduled for the second weekend of July. Visitors may receive a free breakfast; this offer is subject to change. If you are planning your trip around the brocante, check the exact event date and breakfast offer in advance.
Discover more destinations: Mercin-Et-Vaux, Coucy-Le-Château-Auffrique, Guignicourt, Saint-Pierre-Aigle, Monthenault, La Neuville-Lès-Dorengt, Dorengt, Prémont.
For the broader travel overview: Aisne.
