Jeff On The Road discovers a hidden facet of Thetford

Stop 2. To learn a little more about the history of the region, a visit to the King Mine Historical Centre | KB3 is a must. As mining operations came to an end at the end of the last century, many of the original buildings have been rehabilitated and transformed into a life-size museum by the Musée Minéro.

The staging is a complete success, and this modernized site offers an important slice of history.

I loved the total immersion you can experience, and the sheer quantity of artifacts from the era.

For a panoramic view of the region, head to the very top floor of the center, where the exhibition continues in a 360-degree glass observatory.

Then it’s on to the charming village of Ireland, a short distance from the mining landscape. The mining mountains slowly fade away, giving way to lush green valleys.

Stop 3. Le Manoir d’Irlande is where you’ll set down for your overnight stay in the Thetford region. On site, you’ll be greeted by charming hosts Philippe and Muriel.

In their superb Victorian home, which has retained its period charm, you’ll enjoy a 3-course meal of French cuisine, all concocted with ingredients from nearby farms and producers. Philippe introduced me to boudin blanc, and I loved it! After dinner, take the time to explore the surrounding area, where several magnificent works of art can be seen directly on the Manoir grounds.

The good news is that you’ll only have to walk a few steps to get some rest, as the dining room is located on the first floor of the Manoir and the bedrooms are upstairs.

All the rooms are unique and tastefully decorated. I was lucky enough to sleep in the L’Irlandaise suite, and I loved it.

Stops 4 and 5. The next day, as I leave the area, I take the opportunity to stop in a few places to see the landscapes that characterize this sector. In summer and winter alike, the mine workings are fascinating, and there are numerous lookouts to facilitate observation. The view from the Belvédère du Quartier Mitchell was magnificent!

One last stop is a must to end your stay on a high note. Remember I mentioned that the Dairy Joy (yes, again!) offered many frozen desserts? I heartily recommend the rhubarb ice cream sundae and the ice cream donut hole. Because a roadtrip without a sweet ending isn’t a real roadtrip!

Photos : Jeff Frenette