Throughout Picardy, a fascinating reflection of surface life exists. Scores of villages are mirrored underground by ‘villages’ which include houses, stables, stores and streets. Locally they are known as Muches from a regional word meaning ‘hidden’. Because of their defensive importance, they are often undocumented but enthusiasts are recording what they know and learning more each year. Evidence points to the Muches being constructed in the 16th and 17th centuries as refuges during the Franco-Spanish Wars. During these wars, the Spanish occupied the Low Countries and attacked France from the north east. Soldiers and mercenaries roamed the area and stole their food from local farmers. The Muches are within the area where the battle lines of the war ranged over the period of the conflict.
Most of the sites are located under or very close to Churches as these would be the strongest buildings. In addition the Church Tower could be used as a lookout. Livestock and foodstuff as well as the residents were hidden underground when conflict came near. If the enemy were to gain access, they would find darkness, twisting passages and low ceilings, putting them at a disadvantage to those who knew the layout. The Muches are constructed under streets and common ground as in France landowners own everything underneath their own property.
The muches at Graincourt-lès-Havrincourt are accessed from just outside the local church and a brick-lines descending passage cuts through the chalk, the original steps having been worn away. The site was re-used by the Germans in World War I and used, perhaps as a command centre. The excavation was enlarged in places and strengthened with brick walls. The remains of generators, batteries and electric lighting can still be seen.
At the end of what looks like a World War I excavated corridor a vertical shaft fitted with metal staples leads upwards, forming an emergency exit to the complex.