Saint-quentin

The Saint-Quentin region, the present name of this area, replaces the earlier name «Vermandois», which is the name of the people that inhabited the region at the time of the Roman conquest.
Its original capital was Vermand, later replaced by Saint-Quentin.

Since the Middle Ages the region made its fortune thanks to the creativity and the quality of its textile industry.

Around its modern capital, Saint Quentin, this territory combines an exceptional quality of life with an efficient industry represented by major national and international firms.

In the 19th century and at the beginning of the 20th century the region attracted the big names in haute couture, in particular Rodier and Chanel in Bohain.

This great tradition is still alive as the textile industry employs one fourth of all the region’s working population in several companies and very active embroidery workshops.

The Saint-Quentin region is also distinguished by its Art Déco architecture.

The capital, Saint Quentin, is also marked in its architecture and traditions by an undeniable Flemish influence due to its geopolitical location throughout history.

Saint-Quentin has the last square-shaped central square in the north of France and a tower with 37 bells.

Historical personalities were born in the Saint Quentin region, great revolutionaries, and in particular one of the most colorful ones –Condorcet; men like the General de Caulincourt, Charles Rogier (a Belgian); historians like Henri Martin ; inventors like Edouard Branly ; artists like Matisse.

The most prestigious historical personality held the official function of pastel portrait painter for his Majesty Louis XV : Maurice-Quentin de La Tour.

The natural reservation of the Isle marshes is an authentic treasure.

This natural zone, protected by European Community law and located in the heart of the city, is the home of a rare heritage of plants and animals.

t is bordered by a park used for rest and observation (le parc d’Isle). It offers a welcome change of scenery and many nature activities.
Le parc des Champs-Elysées, the Champs-Elysées park, a vast public garden also in the heart of the city, offers a long promenade in the shadow of lime trees, maple trees, chestnut trees, and beech trees…

A little bit further away, other natural zones are worth visiting :

• The Omignon Valley, not far from Vermand, 6 km from Saint-Quentin. Its river, the Omignon, offers the opportunity to go canoeing in a natural green environment or other types of hikes.
• « Le gîte équestre du val d’Omignon » offers promenades on horseback in a horse-drawn wagon, canoeing, rental of cross-country bikes, archery with bows or crossbows, sampling of local specialties. 
• The Sources of the Somme In this pretty village, Fonsommes, in Latin « Fontis Somanae », the sources of the Somme have been developed and equipped. A car park and toilets are available.
• Le Point Y at St-Simon : the Saint-Quentin canal, very present in the Saint-Quentin region, takes on the strange shape of a « Y » at this point, a junction with the Somme canal...
• The Oise Valley crossed by the meanders of this capricious river offers rustic promenades and hikes near ponds, or promenades in a canoe.
• The sources of the Escaut, located on a hiking path, are blessed with the presence of the statue of a dolphin that greets this river, which is so important for Belgium.

Saint-Quentin, a city of Art, will surprise you with its architectural heritage which includes, side-by-side, Gothic art, Art deco, Neoclassical… and with its Fine Arts « Antoine Lécuyer » Museum featuring the largest collection of pastels by Maurice Quentin de La Tour.

Also discover the Saint-Quentin Basilica and Saint-Quentin’s Gothic-style City Hall, the majestic Fervaques palace, the Art Déco façades and the churches of the reconstruction…

You will appreciate Saint-Quentin’s dynamic energy – between sports activities, cultural events, celebrations and festivals every day of the week offers entertainment opportunities…

For a weekend, a short stay or an evening, there are many ways to have a good time in Saint-Quentin and its region.

Water sports centers, golf courses, horseback riding and other outdoors activities, but also the circus school, libraries, cinema, theaters and other places for culture and entertainment open their doors wide open…

After your discovery of the cultural, architectural, traditional side of the Saint-Quentin region…

Take the time to discover its nightlife. Theater, cinema, a tour of the city, places to go, you have everything you need for a pleasant evening…

During a walking tour, discover the landmarks of Saint-Quentin in a play of lights and shadows.

With « le plan lumière » (lighting plan) you discover, by night, the architecture of places like the Jean Vilar Theatre, the City Hall, the Basilica, the library, the Antoine Lecuyer Museum, the National School of Music and Dramatic Art as well as all the city’s churches.