Strolling the roads to Santiago de Compostela

Welcome to Rombies and Marchipont, following in the footsteps of the first route to Santiago de Compostela!

You’re just a few meters from the Belgian border and close to the church of Saint Nicolas de Marchipont, rebuilt in the 18th century. It was a stopping-off point for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Along this country walk, chapels and churches tell an important part of the history of the villages you pass through.

Published on 11 October 2024

Make your silent revelation!

Priority management, self-awareness, rejuvenation, letting go… What if strolling along this stretch of the Camino de Santiago were to embody, in its own way, all the objectives targeted by the various techniques of personal development? As a modern pilgrim, you’re no longer setting out to do penance, but you’re still deeply introspective.
It’s up to you to surpass yourself, to feel the need for solitude or, on the contrary, for sharing, during this pleasant stroll.

From church to church follow the guide

From the Eglise Saint-Nicolas to the Chapelle Saint Roch and the Eglise Saint-Rémy, you’ll wander from steeple to steeple, along pretty country lanes.

After L’Eglise Saint-Nicolas, you’ll come close to the Belgian border. For the record, the charming little village of Marchipont, nestling in the Aunelle valley, has the peculiarity of being cut off by the border between France and Belgium. Since November 18, 1779, the Aunelle has served as the border between the two countries. The French commune of Marchipont, with just four houses and a church at the time, asked to be attached to the commune of Rombies.

Our favorites

#1 religious buildings

The architecture of these buildings leaves no one indifferent, and neither does their history. Destroyed and rebuilt in the past, these monuments have stood the test of time.

#2 Le moulin de la vallée

This place is a true haven of peace. The tranquility will envelop you and rest your mind.

#3 La Table de Fred

This restaurant offers traditional cuisine based on fresh local produce. A warm and friendly welcome. An essential gourmet stop-off at the end of your walk.

In the field and at the mill

Your silent revolution continues its course between panoramic views of the Valenciennes countryside and paved roads. Slowly make your way towards l’Aunelle. Be sure to stop off at the Dupont farm, where delicious local produce awaits you.

The Aunelle takes you gently towards the Moulin de la Vallée, listed as a historic monument since 1993. This water-powered mill produced flour for the villagers (fifteen quintals per day (1.5 tons) in the 20th century). The mill ceased operations in 1966. The mill was sold in 1981 to become a single-family dwelling.