Le Neufour: Glassmaking History and Forest Route

Le Neufour combines a long history of glassmaking with First World War memorial sites and a hiking route. When planning your stay, you can consider these distinct highlights: the glassworks reflect the local history of the craft, while the church and hiking trail offer different forms of remembrance.

Glassmaking History

Under the name “Verrerie des Recrêtes, puis Le Neuf Four,” several workshops operated in Le Neufour from 1525 to 1826, followed by a factory. The Verrerie du Cristallin is documented from 1539 and produced tableware from a high-quality glass known as “cristallin.” Here, “cristallin” refers to the glass used to make the tableware.

The product range of the Le Neuf Four glassworks changed over time: until the mid-17th century, it produced tableware; afterward, it made bottles in various types and sizes, garden cloches, and items from black glass. The succession of workshops and factory describes the forms of operation, while the product range shows the shift from tableware to other glass goods. Verreries du Neufour is a stop on the Circuit Verre d’Argonne.

Church and Remembrance of the First World War

The church of Le Neufour is one of 32 churches or chapels in the Pays d’Argonne that have or have had memorial windows dedicated to the First World War. The window depicts Saint Francis of Assisi alongside a dying soldier. Here, remembrance takes the form of a figurative depiction; along the hiking route, by contrast, traces of the war remain in the landscape.

Forest Hiking Route

The route along the GR14B and GR14 leads from Le Neufour to Varennes-en-Argonne. It is 25 kilometres long and runs entirely through forest. The Haute Chevauchée ossuary lies along the route; remnants of trenches and craters from the First World War mine warfare also remain there. The forest setting and traces of war combine to make this a hike with two distinct points of interest. Check current trail conditions before setting out. At 25 kilometres, the hike takes up a distinct part of your stay; bear the distance in mind when scheduling other visits during the same trip.

Easter Egg Hunt 2026

In 2026, the Easter egg hunt in Le Neufour marked its 40th year. During the Easter Monday 2026 hunt, participants collected 700 fresh eggs and hundreds of sweets in the forest. This was followed by a large communal omelette, which dozens of guests took part in. If you are travelling at Easter, please check the dates and arrangements for the relevant year.

Discover more destinations: Aubréville, Dun-Sur-Meuse, Clermont-En-Argonne, Laheycourt, Cléry-Le-Grand, Pagny-Sur-Meuse, Geville, Marre

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