Ferrière-la-Grande: Discover cycling routes and cultural heritage

Ferrière-la-Grande brings together two easy-to-recognize themes for visitors: cycling routes and local cultural heritage. The Relais Éco-Vélo is a central cycling hub on EuroVelo 3, located in the heart of the Regional Nature Park. The former railway station was converted into the Relais Éco-Vélo; its address is 1 Rue Aristide Briand. The Relais is also the starting or finishing point of the Voie Verte de l’Avesnois.

Cycling and hiking

Two hiking trails can be easily distinguished by their distance and duration. The Sentier de l’Octroi is 7 kilometers long, takes around two hours, and starts at Place Gambetta. The Circuit des censes de Raidmont is 10 kilometers long, takes 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 20 minutes, and starts at the car park of the former railway station in Ferrière-la-Grande. These details offer a practical comparison when planning a shorter or longer walking itinerary.

The Sentier de l’Octroi passes the Chapelle Notre Dame du Bon Vouloir and offers panoramic views of Ferrière-la-Grande. Parts of the trail run through neighboring municipalities. Fields and meadows bordered by hedges characterize the Sambre-Avesnois landscape through which the trail passes.

The Circuit des censes de Raidmont passes close to Fort du Bourdiau. The fort is the highest point in Ferrière-la-Grande and part of Maubeuge’s defensive ring. This hiking route therefore combines its stated distance details with a notable connection to military history.

Another option is the “Circuit 1: le Village” loop: this 3-kilometer route also starts at Place Gambetta. By distance, it is the shortest of the routes described here. Together, the different lengths provide a guide for planning a stay with hikes of the desired duration.

Chapels, church and local history

The Chapelle Notre Dame de Bon Vouloir is at the top of Rue Roger Salengro and was built in 1752. A chronogram above the entrance refers to the year of construction. The fact that the Sentier de l’Octroi passes the chapel connects this historic landmark with one of the hiking trails described here.

The Église St Amand de Ferrière-la-Grande also has a documented construction history: a choir and sacristy were added in 1848, and its two side chapels were rebuilt in 1851. The church also houses a large organ from the Anneesens workshop in Halluin. The building phases and the organ are separate details that can be of interest to those exploring local church history.

Another site with a recorded date is the Oratoire N.D. de Walcourt at 19 Rue Alphonse Splingard. It dates from 1790. Local historical tradition also includes the Cense de Rémont, which was the most important property of the Benedictines in Ferrière-la-Grande.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Templeuve, Romeries, Merris, Banteux, Sains-Du-Nord, Hem-Lenglet, Déchy, Cuincy

Go to the main travel overview: Nord.