Saint-Vaast-Lès-Mello: Quarries, hiking trails and history

Saint-Vaast-lès-Mello can be explored through several highlights: a landscape shaped by quarrying, hiking and climbing opportunities, the wetland at Marais de Chantraine, and historic buildings. When planning your visit, it is worth distinguishing between the routes and their respective features. This will help you decide whether to focus your stay on hiking, climbing, nature observation or architecture.

Quarry landscape and hiking trails

Les Glachoirs is a former quarry that has become an Espace Naturel Sensible (sensitive natural area) and has naturally regenerated over time. The site has distinctive geological features and is suitable for walks. The history of quarrying also shapes the area: in Saint-Vaast-lès-Mello, it dates from Gallo-Roman times to the present day and has helped shape both the landscape and the history of the village.

La randonnée des carrières is a signposted and waymarked PR hiking route. It takes you to Les Glachoirs; the round trip to visit the site is said to take about 45 minutes. Be prepared for steep, rocky terrain along the way. The route also leads to a viewpoint overlooking a quarry and includes the Chapelle Saint-Nicolas. In 2025, its information panels, signposts and furnishings were completely renewed.

La randonnée des Sources offers a different route: it runs from Rousseloy to the Chapelle de Saint-Vaast-lès-Mello and passes the ponds and marshes of Mello. This gives you a choice of different destinations and landscapes; the approximate 45-minute round trip, however, refers to visiting Les Glachoirs via La randonnée des carrières.

Climbing and wetlands

Climbing at Les Glachoirs has been overseen by the FFME, the Fédération Française de Montagne et d’Escalade, since 2019. The FFME’s digital climbing guide lists more than 260 routes and 100 boulder problems; these numbers may change. If you plan to climb there, check access and the rules in force at the site beforehand.

Marais de Chantraine offers a different focus: a constructed 2.8-kilometre-long path runs around the pond and is designed for observing the species that live there. Information panels introduce typical wetland flora and fauna. The path and panels complement each other, combining nature observation with information about the habitats. The marsh can be visited independently at any time, without a guide; check local conditions before your visit.

Canoeing and kayaking are possible on the River Le Thérain in the area around Saint-Vaast-lès-Mello. Before taking part, check water conditions and local access regulations.

Church and architectural history

The church of Saint-Vaast-lès-Mello is classified as a Monument historique (historic monument); it was classified by decree dated September 11, 1906. Its main construction phases date from the 12th and 13th centuries. The church thus provides a tangible reference point for the village’s architectural history.

The hamlet of Barisseuse is home to an architecturally notable former farmhouse, built from dressed stone in the 18th century. Along with the church, it broadens the perspective on the village’s history beyond its quarries and hiking trails.

Directions to the climbing car park

From Creil, follow the D123 towards Beauvais for 5 kilometres, as far as the entrance to Saint-Vaast-lès-Mello. After turning off, the climbing car park is another 200 metres ahead on the right. Check local conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Le Meux, Belle-Eglise, Thiers-Sur-Thève, Cuvilly, Rousseloy, Bailleval, Auneuil, Jonquières.

For the broader travel overview: Oise.