Féron Between Nature and History

Féron combines protected landscapes with church and industrial history, as well as regional produce. When planning your trip, you can choose between nature, historic buildings and culinary events. If you are looking for a hotel in Féron, you can tailor your stay to these interests. The following details show what the town and its surroundings have to offer.

Nature in a Protected Area

Féron is part of the Natura 2000 protected area “Forêt, bocage, étangs de Thiérache,” which covers 8,144 hectares according to the INPN standard data form dated January 16, 2025. The protected area includes forests, wetlands, ponds, and meadow and bocage landscapes. Species found there include the black stork, red-backed shrike, kingfisher, osprey, eagle owl and black kite. The combination of diverse habitats and a rich birdlife gives the area a distinctive natural character. If you would like to include nature in your trip plans, the protected area offers a specific place to start.

Church and Industrial History

The first written mention of Féron appears in 1095 in a deed of donation from Thierry d’Avesnes to Liessies Abbey. The history of Saint-Martin Church can also be traced through several dates: the tower of the fortified church was raised and fitted with loopholes in 1614. Around 1627, Saint-Martin became the parish church, and its choir was rebuilt in 1784. The church has been listed as a historic monument since February 10, 1948. These dates tell the story of changes to the building and its function over time, rather than just a single construction phase.

Another strand of local history leads to the ironworks industry. In 1581, Philippe de Lallis of Glageon founded an ironworks at Pont-de-Sains. Liessies Abbey developed the ironworks industry in connection with Féron; in 1791, it still owned a blast furnace at Rue Heureuse. After the revolutionary confiscations, Talleyrand acquired the Château de Pont-de-Sains. In 1808, he had a wing added, and in 1829, another floor. The town’s history thus links early ironworking with later changes to the château.

A Route and Insights into Cheesemaking

The autumn 2025 edition of the Parc naturel régional de l’Avesnois describes the “Route du lait bio” as an interactive experience for families or friends. It includes treasure-hunt activities, quiz questions, riddles and local stories. The route description gives the car park at the ESAT Ferme du Pont-de-Sains riding centre as the starting point. A stop is planned at Ferme du Piopot, where visitors can read explanations through the Baladavesnois app.

There are different ways to visit the cheese dairy at ESAT Ferme du Pont-de-Sains: when the dairy is open, visitors can enter the visitor walkway and discover how Maroilles is made. When the dairy is closed, the workshop can be viewed through two exterior glass doors. Check the latest access information before your visit so you can take these conditions into account when planning.

Farmers’ Market and Farm Produce

In 2026, the “Marchés de l’Avesnois” farmers’ market is scheduled to take place on the village square on the second Sunday of each month, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Check the specific date before travelling. This time slot offers a particular reason to visit on a Sunday morning if you would also like to connect your stay with regional produce.

Ferme du Pont de Sains makes organic Maroilles and Flamiche, and sells its own products and regional produce directly from the farm. The farmers’ market and direct sales thus add a culinary perspective on Féron to its nature and history. You can already consider which of these aspects you would like to shape your stay when looking for a hotel in Féron.

Discover more destinations: Douchy-Les-Mines, Wignehies, Avesnes-Sur-Helpe, Prisches, Saint-André-Lez-Lille, Hem-Lenglet, Merville, Auberchicourt.

For the wider travel overview: Nord.