Saint Amand les Eaux, Le Quesnoy, Bavay

Travelled : 85km
Stay:Bavay- aire, free parking and free service point. N50.2999 E3.79586
Visited: Saint Amand les Eaux, Le Quesnoy,  Bavay

It was finally time to move on. Our first destination was St.Amand less Eaux. It is a city famous for its thermal and mineral waters. In the main square there are only 2 buildings that have survived the dismantling of the huge Abbey that was once here. The five storey, 82 metre high tower was unfortunately closed in the mornings. 

Nice to see them using a different mode of transport to go around watering the flowers.

We were then off to Le Quesnoy which has a nearly intact Vauban fortification. After being in German hands for most of WWI it was finally recaptured by the New Zealanders on 4th November 1918. We went to have a a look at the memorial at the place they scaled the walls.

It's very common in this part of France to have 'Giants' to parade in times of celebrations.

Our final stop was Bavay which lured us with its service point.  

So like many towns, it has a rich history,  the most revered is its Gallo-Roman one. The town was the capital of the area and had an important junction of 7 roads.

 In the late 1st century large monuments were built: a forum, thermal baths and others official in nature. A small museum and the ruins can be  visited for €5 each.