Marcq-en-Baroeul(France) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

The best area to stay in Malancourt is the historic town center, where you can find charming accommodations like Château de Malancourt, a 19th-century manor turned boutique hotel. Located just steps from the Church of Saint-Jean and the Malancourt Memorial, this area offers immersive access to local heritage. Guests enjoy authentic French hospitality, regional cuisine featuring Nord-Pas-de-Calais specialties, and guided walks through the surrounding countryside. Staying here ensures proximity to the Battlefields of the Somme, making it ideal for history enthusiasts seeking both tranquility and deep cultural immersion.

Yes, La Maison des Sœurs is a family-friendly hotel in Malancourt offering spacious rooms, a private garden, and a play area for children. Located just off the main square, it’s within walking distance of the Malancourt Memorial and Saint-Jean Church. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi, on-site parking, and a daily buffet breakfast featuring regional products like lardons de Nord and local cheese. Families also appreciate the nearby hiking trails along the Valonne River and the seasonal festivals celebrating the region’s farming traditions, making it a perfect base for multi-generational travel.

Malancourt stands out as a must-visit for history lovers due to its pivotal role in World War I. The Malancourt Memorial, one of the largest British war memorials in France, honors over 20,000 soldiers who died in the 1916 Battle of the Somme. The site includes preserved trenches, artillery positions, and an underground museum with personal letters and photographs. Nearby, the Church of Saint-Jean features a wartime plaque commemorating local resistance. Guided tours by veterans’ associations offer intimate storytelling, bringing the past vividly to life. This blend of landscape, memory, and architecture makes Malancourt a profound pilgrimage site for those exploring the legacy of the Great War.

When visiting Malancourt, don’t miss Boeuf à la Mode, a rich, slow-cooked beef stew typical of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region, served with potatoes and root vegetables. Another highlight is the Galette de Valonne, a savory buckwheat pancake filled with smoked ham and local cheese, often enjoyed at roadside cafés. For dessert, try Tarte au Sucre, a caramelized sugar tart made with fresh dairy from nearby farms. Many restaurants, such as Le Bistrot du Moulin, source ingredients directly from regional producers. During the annual Fête de la Gastronomie du Nord, visitors can sample traditional pickles, preserves, and artisanal breads, offering a true taste of northern French culinary heritage.

Photography enthusiasts will love the dawn light reflecting off the Valonne River, capturing the Gothic spire of Saint-Jean Church in perfect symmetry. The Malancourt Memorial’s abandoned trenches and crumbling walls create hauntingly beautiful compositions, especially during golden hour. The rolling hills surrounding the town offer panoramic views of farmland dotted with red-brick farmhouses—ideal for wide-angle shots. In spring, the fields burst into bloom with rapeseed flowers, creating a stunning contrast against the old stone structures. Bring a tripod and wide-angle lens for dramatic landscapes and atmospheric black-and-white imagery that tells the story of time, memory, and nature reclaiming war-torn land.

The highlight festival in Malancourt is the Fête de l’Agriculture du Nord, held annually in summer, showcasing traditional farming tools, handmade bread baking, sheepdog trials, and vintage wagon parades. Every Saturday evening, the Place Saint-Jean hosts the Lumière Market, featuring local artisans, potters, and folk musicians performing regional tunes. During winter, the Mémorial des Lumières transforms the Malancourt Memorial into a breathtaking installation of thousands of candles, symbolizing remembrance and peace. These events celebrate rural heritage, community spirit, and historical continuity, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into the heart of northern French culture.