Signy-Le-Petit: Saint-Nicolas Church, trails and Étang de la Motte

Signy-Le-Petit offers a range of options to help you plan your trip: Saint-Nicolas Church, with its visible defensive features; trails and fitness facilities; and the swimming pond at the Base de Loisirs de l’Étang de la Motte. Horseback rides and farm visits add to the activities on offer. Culture, exercise and seasonal water activities each offer a different focus.

History and defensive architecture

Saint-Nicolas Church in Signy-Le-Petit was rebuilt after the Spanish incursions in the mid-17th century. In addition to this history, defensive features are still visible on the church. Its historical background and architectural details can be seen in different parts of the building.

Above the portal is a bricked-up machicolation. Two projecting turrets are located at a height of about ten metres at the tower portal; two smaller turrets sit at the ends of the transept. Traces of machicolations are visible above the windows. The defensive features are distributed across several parts of the building rather than being confined to a single area. If you are interested in defensive architecture, you can compare the different features on the church.

Trails and exercise

The fitness trail is 2,500 metres long and includes 14 wooden exercise stations. Numerous hiking trails run through Signy-Le-Petit. Several trails start at the Base de Loisirs de l’Étang de la Motte and can be used on foot, by bicycle or on horseback.

When planning your visit, it is worth considering two different options: the fitness trail with its 14 wooden exercise stations, and the trails starting at the Base, which can be used on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. This lets you plan around the type of exercise you prefer without treating the different options as interchangeable.

Swimming pond and seasonal activities

The Base de Loisirs de l’Étang de la Motte has a swimming pond with a fine sandy beach. Lifeguard supervision is seasonal. Pedal boats and stand-up paddleboards can be rented during the peak season; availability may vary. Lifeguard supervision and rentals operate on different schedules: supervision is seasonal, while rentals are offered during the peak season. If swimming or rentals are important to your trip, check the current conditions before your visit.

Horseback rides and farm visits

The Ferme équestre de la Croix Colas offers horseback rides in the forests and near ponds. Visits to the farm at La Ferme aux Familles are available by reservation. These offer two different kinds of activities: a horseback ride through the landscapes mentioned above, or a farm visit that requires advance reservation. Check the reservation requirements if you plan to visit.

Discover more destinations: Tailly, Margut, Clémency, Machault, Étrépigny, Chatel-Chéhéry, Les Hautes Rivières, Brécy-Brières

For the broader travel overview: Ardennes.