Guess who’s back!!
It feels so good to be back on the road again! There’s something truly magical about walking through the French countryside—the charming villages, gentle hills, tree-lined paths, and colorful fields make it an unforgettable experience. I’m genuinely happy to be out here once more, soaking it all in.
Today was made even better by a chance encounter with two fellow travelers from Sydney, Australia. They’re currently touring Europe and making their way to Paris from London. We chatted for a bit—such fun, lively people! Encounters like these are part of what make traveling so special.
This stretch of northern France offers a quiet, pastoral escape with a deep sense of history. My journey began in Saint-Omer, a town steeped in medieval character. With its cobbled streets, canalside walkways, and historic buildings, it’s a beautiful place to start a walking adventure. The lively town center contrasts nicely with the slower pace of the countryside just beyond.
From Saint-Omer, the path to Thérouanne—about 15 kilometers southeast—winds through peaceful farmland, dotted with small farms and occasional wooded pockets. The route is mostly flat and easy-going, perfect for thoughtful, reflective walking.
Thérouanne itself is a quiet village today, but it once held great significance. Though little remains of its grand medieval past, interpretation panels and scattered ruins offer glimpses into its dramatic history of destruction. There’s a calm, almost isolated feel to the place—a haunting contrast to what it once was.
Continuing on, the trail from Thérouanne to Amettes stretches about 20 kilometers southward. It’s a longer walk, meandering through rolling fields and classic rural scenery. The solitude here is soothing, and the simplicity of the landscape has its own kind of beauty.
Amettes is a peaceful, modest village, known primarily as the birthplace of Saint Benedict Joseph Labre. Pilgrims still walk here today, and there’s a quiet presence in the air. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and simply relax!
Lord Colliers Active Retirement Life 
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