Discover Pouru-Saint-Remy

Pouru-Saint-Remy can be explored through several cultural and historical themes: the design of the Notre-Dame-du-Bon-Secours Chapel, the construction phases of Saint-Remy Church, and the history and current use of Château Réméhan. Also of interest is the pilgrimage to the chapel, which began in 1841. When planning your trip, you can decide whether to focus on architectural styles, the development of a church building over time, or the connection between the château’s history and its present-day use for horse breeding.

Notre-Dame-du-Bon-Secours Chapel

The Notre-Dame-du-Bon-Secours Chapel is a small building with a square floor plan and a tent-shaped roof covered in slate. The floor plan describes the shape of the building at ground level; a tent-shaped roof has sloping roof surfaces that converge at the top. Slate refers to the roofing material. The chapel was built in the 19th century at the request of Abbé Thomas, after he made a vow during a war. A vow is a religious promise; the chapel’s history places it in the context of a war. If you are interested in religious architecture, the chapel offers both an architectural and a religious point of interest: its design and history can be considered independently of one another.

The construction phases of Saint-Remy Church

Two construction phases can be distinguished at Saint-Remy Church. In 1822, the bell tower and probably the nave were rebuilt. The church was extended in 1834; the apse and sacristy were very likely added at that time. A reconstruction means building something again, whereas an extension enlarges the structure. The nave is the main space of the church, the apse forms its architectural end, and the sacristy is an adjoining room. These distinctions help make sense of the chronology: 1822 marks the reconstruction, while 1834 marks the extension. If you would like to visit the church, it is open by arrangement with the town hall. Contact them in advance; visiting arrangements may change.

Château Réméhan: Exterior and present-day use

Château Réméhan is privately owned and can be seen from the outside. Today, it is a stud farm used for horse breeding. The château is said to have belonged to the d'Anglemont de Tassigny family for several centuries. Its private ownership and visibility from the outside are separate considerations to take into account when planning your visit. The family’s association with the château is part of its history, while the stud farm reflects its present-day use. The château’s historical ownership and its current connection to horse breeding therefore coexist.

Pilgrimage and travel planning

The pilgrimage to Notre-Dame-du-Bon-Secours began on a first Sunday in May in 1841. Its historical beginnings and the date of a present-day event are different planning considerations. If you are thinking of making the pilgrimage part of your trip, check locally whether it is currently taking place and when it is scheduled. The first Sunday in May does not fall on the same calendar date every year, so confirm locally whether and when it is held today.

Discover more destinations: Semuy, Montigny-Sur-Meuse, Signy-Le-Petit, Signy-Montlibert, Cornay, Grandpré, Lançon, Saint-Étienne-à-Arnes

For the regional travel overview: Ardennes.