Honnecourt-Sur-Escaut: Church, History and Walking Route

For a trip to Honnecourt-sur-Escaut, the history of its buildings and community, as well as the “Un détour par Honnecourt” walking route, offer two distinct highlights. The church brings together evidence from different periods: Romanesque remains, fragments of a sculpted portal, and a history of rebuilding. The route runs through the Haut-Escaut Valley and combines several types of paths. Visitor activities at the Ferme Aquaponique du Cambrésis are another highlight, including farm tours and guided nature walks.

Church, Portal, and Local History

The church of Honnecourt-sur-Escaut was rebuilt in the 1920s and preserves Romanesque remains. Fragments of a sculpted portal dating from 1160 to 1170 have been preserved in the current bell tower. The former church portal showed Christ in Majesty in the tympanum, with the Elders of the Apocalypse depicted in the archivolts. The tympanum is the picture field above the portal, while the archivolts are the decorative sections along the arch. The former portal can therefore be understood through its imagery and architectural features: the depiction of Christ was at its center, accompanied by figures from the Apocalypse.

The longer history of the town also includes an important religious center. A double Benedictine abbey stood on the banks of the Escaut from the 7th century until the French Revolution. Its long history is quite distinct from the church’s more recent building history, making the town’s historical development a subject in its own right. Honnecourt-sur-Escaut is also known as the birthplace of Villard de Honnecourt. An exhibition in the church presented all of Villard’s drawings, along with several of his inventions. Before planning a visit, check whether the exhibition is currently open to visitors.

The “Un détour par Honnecourt” Walking Route

In Honnecourt-sur-Escaut, the route leads to the church and the village square. It then follows the tree-lined towpath to the Banteux lock. In the Haut-Escaut Valley, the route combines paths along the canal, agricultural tracks, and village streets. This gives the itinerary a clear sequence of village destinations and different types of paths, rather than limiting it to a single stretch by the water.

The route is about 8 km long; the walk takes approximately 2 to 2 hours 40 minutes. This estimated walking time can help you plan your schedule. Local trail markings may change; check them before setting out.

Farm Tours and Nature Walks

The Ferme Aquaponique du Cambrésis includes ponds, a forest garden, and other areas managed in harmony with nature. These combine public access with the protection of biodiversity. Public farm tours include a tasting of the farm’s own products. Dates and booking arrangements may change; check both before your trip if you plan to take a tour.

The farm also offers guided nature walks. These focus on biodiversity around the farm and on the features put in place to support it. Dates for these walks have not yet been set. When planning, it is therefore important to distinguish between the farm tours on offer and the nature walks: dates for the latter have yet to be determined.

Discover more destinations: Cappelle-La-Grande, Le Cateau-Cambrésis, Lannoy, Grand-Fort-Philippe, Louvroil, Armbouts-Cappel, Mouvaux, Prémesques.

For the regional travel overview: Nord.