Avesnelles: Church Art and Circular Routes

Avesnelles combines its religious architecture and history with archaeological traces and several circular routes. The church preserves a square tower dating from 1535, which gives it a military appearance, as well as a rare 16th-century liturgical ivory crucifix.

Church and Religious Heritage

The church of Avesnelles preserves a blind, square tower dating from 1535, which gives it a military appearance. The church also houses a 16th-century ivory crucifix, considered a rare work of liturgical art. The tower’s military appearance and the rare liturgical crucifix bring architecture and sacred art together in the church.

Avesnelles’ religious heritage includes 11 oratories and 3 chapels. A historical tradition links Notre Dame d’Avesnelles with a pilgrimage on August 15 near the hamlet of Beau Regard. This pilgrimage continued until the middle of the 19th century.

The Léo-Lagrange monument stands between the church and the town hall. It was unveiled on June 5, 2010, and commemorates Léo Lagrange.

Circular Routes and Planning

An older route description gives the Circuit d’Avesnelles as 13.5 km long, with a duration of 3 hours 20 minutes. It lists the church and town hall in Avesnelles as the starting point. The circuit follows the red-and-yellow-marked GR de Pays de l’Avesnois. Local signage may have changed; markings may be adjusted during maintenance or detours. Therefore, check the current local signage before setting off.

Another named circular route is the Circuit du Camp de César. This route in the Pays d’Avesnes is accessible year-round. For tour planning, an older description lists the Circuit d’Avesnelles as 13.5 km long, with a duration of 3 hours 20 minutes and a start at the church and town hall; the Circuit du Camp de César is accessible year-round in the Pays d’Avesnes. On the Circuit du Camp de César, the hill known as “Camp de César” is on the right.

Archaeological Traces and Place Names

In Avesnelles, Camp de Flaumont is known as “Camp de César.” Three Gallic gold coins were discovered in a dry well near the Grotte du “Catelet.” For travelers interested in archaeology, the discovery of three Gallic gold coins adds to the religious history of Avesnelles.

Brewery and Cycling Trips

Les Etangs Avesnellois is a waterside brasserie next to fishing ponds. It serves hearty, homemade meals in the Flemish tradition. The establishment also carries the Accueil Vélo® label, recognizing a high standard of welcome and services along cycling routes for cycle tourists. At Les Etangs Avesnellois, hearty, homemade meals in the Flemish tradition go hand in hand with the Accueil Vélo® label and its services for cycle travelers.

Discover more destinations: Romeries, Marchiennes, Proville, Ferrière-La-Petite, Amfroipret, Pont-Sur-Sambre, Auberchicourt, Naves.

For the regional travel overview: Nord.