Named after a third-century martyr, Saint-Quentin is a historic city in the Hauts-de-France region. It was founded by the Romans under the rule of Caesar Augustus when it was known as “Augusta Veromanduorum”. In the Middle Ages, it became an important site of pilgrimage as home to the tomb of Saint Quentin.
Things to do in Saint-Quentin
Art enthusiasts can visit the Musee Antoine Lecuyer, which is named after the Picardy banker who bequeathed its original collection. It occupies a magnificent building modelled on Paris’ Pavillon de Hanovre that was rebuilt following the World War I bombing. A highlight of the museum is the set of pastel drawings by Maurice Quentin de La Tour.
Dominating the city centre is the Basilique de Saint-Quentin, a Gothic house of worship constructed between the 12th and 15th centuries. Admire the flamboyant decorations on its exterior before stepping inside to see the stone relief of the Tree of Jesse and the impressive stained-glass windows. Keep an eye out for the early-18th-century organ donated by Louis XIV.
There are spectacular views of the basilica from the Plage de l’Etang d’Isle, which is a popular spot for swimming in the summer months. It lies adjacent to the Parc d’Isle where you’ll find a marshy preserve and walking trails, as well as a treetop adventure course. At the Isle Sauvage, you can get up close to animals from across the globe, including meerkats, lemurs and red pandas.
Getting around Saint-Quentin
Saint-Quentin is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Lille and just over an hour from Lille Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. Regular trains connect to the Saint-Quentin railway station and buses travel throughout the city. The centre of Saint-Quentin can easily be explored on foot.