Favières is a commune in the Somme department, in the Hauts-de-France region, 22 km north-west of Abbeville.
Its territory of 12 km² belongs to the natural region of Marquenterre, within the Baie de Somme which it borders to the south.
This southern part of the locality is moreover formed geologically from white clay coming from deposits of the sea.), grasslands (29%) and wetlands and coastal areas.
The parish appeared in the 12th century with the construction of a first church, half of the small seigniory being then owned by the chapter of Saint-Wulfran. Later, the village whose inhabitants took refuge in Rue during the troubles were granted part of the coastal marshes and the village depended on the abbey of Saint-Valéry.
Tested again during battles marking the end of the First Empire, Favières then regains its quiet prosperity. Nowadays, the town, which has nearly 500 inhabitants, highlights its bucolic environment and its natural riches in the heart of the Baie de Somme - Picardie Maritime Regional Natural Park. Lovers of hiking, ecological diversity and bird watching, Favières awaits you!
In terms of heritage, the village has retained several sites of interest. It is thus worth mentioning the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church of medieval origin but which has undergone many alterations over the centuries. These different periods of construction are reflected in the diversity of masonry equipment materials: stones, bricks but also pebbles (from the seaside or the estuary).
In the hamlet of Hamelet, to the south, the Sainte-Corneille chapel is remarkable. The building was founded in the 9th century before being rebuilt in the 16th century by the lord of the place, the Count of Essarts de Meigneulx. One of his descendants chose the chapel as a burial place in the 18th century. However, the site is less maintained thereafter, and the picturesque chapel turns into a barn. Damaged during the Second World War, it very fortunately benefited from a welcome renovation in the 1950s. houses a bell classified as an object. Inside, the exposed framework in the shape of an "overturned boat hull" remains spectacular. The windows of the chapel have retained their Romanesque style, and are housed inside a painted Stations of the Cross, plaster statues, stained glass windows made in 1954 by apprentices from the Franco-American Foundation of Berck. Finally, more recently, a painting by Louis Hispa (who lived in the town for a long time) was hung at the door, representing a Christ on the cross.
In addition, in the village and in the hamlets, there are also traditional Picardy farmhouses (in the form of farmhouses), some of which have retained a dovecote. And along the way, we notice a number of Calvaries or wayside crosses.
Homeland of the Caudron brothers, aviation pioneers whose birthplace is still visible in the small town (in the street which is now dedicated to them), and to whom a museum is dedicated in the neighboring town of Rue, Favières cultivates also its natural heritage.
The town has created an environmental garden and a carefully maintained pond, symbols of the Baie de Somme.
The typical landscapes of the latter, marshes and wetlands, coastal areas, meadows dedicated to livestock and horses, are all plots of a high place of ecological wealth. The flora and fauna are as sensitive as they are rich and diverse. The whole, punctuated by observation points, is thus crossed by numerous paths and hiking trails (also accessible for the most part to cyclists and horse riders). Obviously, many are connected to larger routes including neighboring territories (de Roue or Crotoy for example). Recently, the route of the Véloroute Maritime was also finalized. Linking Roscoff (Finistère) to kyiv (Ukraine), 5,000 kilometers long, this track which secures soft mobility crosses Favières. Maps and information on +33 3 22 24 27 92.
This singular territory can also be discovered thanks to the centuries-old Baie de Somme railway which runs along streams and meadows. The lines cross the south of the municipality of Favières. Operates in summer and during school holidays the rest of the year. Price: from 8 to 15 euros. Information on +33 3 22 26 96 96.
Finally, it is strongly advised to contact the Maison du Parc Naturel Régional Baie de Somme - Picardie Maritime, which regularly schedules exhibitions, thematic walks or workshops in the territory... Join +33 3 22 24 40 74.
