Lecelles: Saint-Denis, Building History and Routes

Those choosing Lecelles as a destination for a stay can focus on a range of things, from historic architectural and stained-glass details to a running event and walking routes. It is worth distinguishing between the different options: the Trail de la Fraise is a running event, while the Circuit de Lecelles is a moderately difficult 9.3-kilometre circular hiking trail. Another route runs for 31.4 kilometres through Lecelles.

Saint-Denis: Windows and Building History

The church of Saint-Denis in Lecelles has 19 stained-glass windows. They bear the inscription “E. STELZI PEINTRE VERRIER NANCY 1870.” The French term “peintre verrier” means stained-glass artist; Nancy and 1870 are also part of the wording. The windows thus bring together a specific number and a named reference to stained-glass art. Two historical layers should be distinguished when looking at Saint-Denis: in 1759, the church was rebuilt at a more central location in the village, while the inscription marks the windows with the year 1870. The former concerns the rebuilding and the church’s location, the latter a detail of the glazing.

The present-day temple was built in 1861 by the municipalities of Maulde, Saint-Amand and Lecelles, to a design by Lepers, an architect from Roubaix. Thus, alongside Saint-Denis, the building history includes another project involving several municipalities and names the architect whose design it followed.

The Elnon and the Village Landscape

The Elnon River crosses Lecelles and flows near the church of Saint-Denis. Alongside the construction dates, the village landscape also has a specific geographical feature: the river and the church are located close to one another.

The Trail de la Fraise and Hiking Routes

The Trail de la Fraise is a running event affiliated with the French Athletics Federation. It was established in 2005 on the occasion of the Fête de la Fraise. Its course runs along paths, across fields, through fords, woods and rivers; about half of it crosses private land, which is opened exceptionally for the event. The route may vary from one edition to the next. So if you are planning to travel to Lecelles for the Trail de la Fraise, check the date and route details for the specific edition. Access to the private sections is tied to the event.

The Circuit de Lecelles is a 9.3-kilometre, moderately difficult circular hiking trail. It highlights strawberry growing as a distinctive feature of Lecelles; casemates and nurseries are also among its themes. In addition to information on distance and difficulty, the circuit therefore offers a local focus for your hiking plans. The route connects strawberry growing as a theme with the special role of the Fête de la Fraise in the history of the Trail de la Fraise, even though the two formats remain distinct: a circular hiking trail and a running event. Details of the Circuit may be revised, so check the current route information before planning.

The “Entre Scarpe et Patrimoine rural” route runs for 31.4 kilometres through Lecelles. Compared with the Circuit, that is a considerably longer route; the two distances provide a concrete comparison to help you plan how much ground to cover. The route’s status and markings may change. So if you are including it in your travel plans, check the current route information.

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Go to the main travel overview: Nord.