Crécy-En-Ponthieu: Forest and Battle History

As a destination, Crécy-En-Ponthieu brings together two clearly defined themes: the forest of Crécy-En-Ponthieu and memorial sites related to the Battle of Crécy. Other points of interest include the Church of Saint-Séverin, La Croix du bourg in the village centre, and an interpretation centre dedicated to the Middle Ages. If you are looking for a hotel in Crécy-En-Ponthieu, these highlights can help you shape your choice of destination: would you like to focus primarily on nature, the battlefield landscape, or architectural and memorial history? The following sections distinguish between these perspectives rather than suggesting a set visiting itinerary.

Forest and marked trails

At the heart of the forest of Crécy-En-Ponthieu lies the Natura 2000 site “Massif forestier de Crécy-en-Ponthieu”. This gives the forest a specific protected-area designation as well as defining it as a landscape. The forest also has nearly 50 kilometres of marked horse-riding and mountain biking trails. These trails are suited to travellers who would like to combine their stay with horse riding or mountain biking; this is a different focus from the Natura 2000 site's nature theme. When choosing what to focus on, you can therefore consider whether the forest landscape or the marked trails for one of these two activities matters more to you.

Battlefield: panorama and art

The Édouard III observation tower offers sweeping panoramic views of the battlefield and its surroundings. Since 2024, visitors have been able to view artworks on the history of the battle in the sculpture garden at the Édouard III battlefield site. These offer two distinct ways to explore this historical theme: the tower directs your gaze across the battlefield landscape, while the garden focuses on artworks relating to the history of the battle. This lets you choose between a focus on the landscape and one on art and history when planning your visit. Check local access conditions before adding the sculpture garden to your plans.

Buildings and remembrance

The Church of Saint-Séverin in Crécy-En-Ponthieu is a 16th-century example of Flamboyant Gothic architecture. By decree of 24 May 2023, it was listed in its entirety as a historic monument. Here, a clear architectural classification goes hand in hand with a specific heritage designation: you can focus on both its style and period of construction and its formal listing. La Croix du bourg offers a different emphasis. This enigmatic brick structure stands in the centre of Crécy-En-Ponthieu; unlike the church, it is the material and its enigmatic character that shape the impression it makes.

The Monument to Jean de Luxembourg stands in the market square. It commemorates Jean de Luxembourg and his brothers in arms, who died fighting for France at Crécy in 1346. Each year, a memorial gathering takes place at the monument during the medieval Saint-Louis festival. The monument is therefore also associated with a recurring commemorative event. If you would like to attend the gathering during your trip, check the programme for the relevant year.

Another perspective on the Middle Ages

The Centre Historique Crécy la bataille is an interpretation centre dedicated to the Middle Ages. It therefore offers a different historical focus from the Monument to Jean de Luxembourg, which commemorates those who died at Crécy in 1346. In this way, a specific remembrance of the battle and an interpretation of the Middle Ages stand alongside one another as distinct ways of engaging with history.

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