Merris: A Story of Reconstruction and Remembrance Trails

Merris brings together the story of reconstruction after the First World War, places of remembrance and a landscape between the Monts de Flandre and the Lys plain. Different themes can shape your travel plans: the Church of Saint Laurent and its stained-glass windows, the Chemin de la mémoire 14/18 or the architectural traces of the town’s history. If you are looking for a hotel in Merris, you can consider whether architecture, remembrance or the landscape should be the focus of your trip.

Church, Reconstruction and Local History

After three years of construction, the Church of Saint Laurent was officially opened for worship on 21 April 1929. Its stained-glass windows were created by glass artist Jacques Gruber. A guided tour focusing on the listed stained-glass windows is planned for the church. Check the current date before your visit.

Merris was rebuilt after its complete destruction in the First World War. The creative, unified reconstruction makes the town an example of the heritage of post-First World War reconstruction. The heritage trail also includes the Internat Familial: built as a hospice from 1888, it was later used as an orphanage.

The Maison du souvenir is a small museum in the former chapel of the Internat Familial. If you plan to visit the museum, confirm the current opening arrangements in advance.

Remembrance Trails and Notable Places

The Chemin de la mémoire 14/18 is 18 km long in total: 12 km run through Merris and 6 km through Vieux-Berquin. The Merris section consists of three different circular routes and includes seven information panels. The total route length and the part within Merris are therefore clearly distinguished.

The panels can be reached by car, on foot or by bicycle. You can choose how to access them according to your plans; check the local signs, as they may change.

In Merris, the Borne Vauthier stands at the junction of Rue de Strazeele and Rue Neuve. It symbolizes the front line of 18 July 1918, the beginning of the recapture of the area. Its location at a named junction and the historical date provide two concrete points of reference for this place of remembrance.

The heritage trail also features a very large wayside cross. From there, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Monts de Flandre. Visibility depends on the weather and vegetation.

Landscape and Visit Planning

Merris lies on the rise in the terrain that marks the transition between the Monts de Flandre and the Lys plain. This landscape setting adds a different focus to the historical stops: alongside the places of remembrance, the contrast between higher ground and plain also comes into view.

The L'Échappée Belle food truck is on Merris village square on Saturday evenings. As recurring schedules may change, check the latest information before your visit. This lets you plan visits to the places mentioned separately from a possible stop in the village square, without assuming fixed opening hours or a particular schedule.

Discover more destinations: Merville, Mortagne-du-Nord, Ferrière-La-Petite, Bousignies-Sur-Roc, Avesnes-Sur-Helpe, Douai, Ribécourt-La-Tour, Bousbecque.

For the full travel overview: Nord.