Discover Naves: Roman Road and Architectural History

The ancient Roman road Chaussée Brunehaut runs through Naves; the D114 follows it in the direction of Bavay. This connection gives the village a clear historical focus, also reflected in its churches, chapels and individual farmsteads. If you are planning a stay with an interest in cultural history, you can view the route of the road, architectural history and a walk as different perspectives on Naves.

Roman Road and Circular Walk

The “Boucle entre Cagnoncles et Naves” circular walk is moderately difficult, 12.13 kilometres long and takes an average of 3 hours and 35 minutes. In Naves, it passes Saint Paul Church and the Chaussée Brunehaut. Both waypoints give the route a concrete connection to the village: here, a church with several phases of construction meets the historic road. Distance, average duration and difficulty are different factors to consider when planning your time. Check the trail conditions and signs before setting off.

Churches and Architectural History

Saint Paul reflects several periods: the bell tower’s entrance porch dates from the 18th century; the rest of the building dates from 1925, after it was completely destroyed in the First World War. Polychrome bricks and mosaics define its decoration. In the choir, an Art Deco cross and a gold mosaic background create a distinctive accent. The church brings together older architectural elements, reconstruction and specific design details.

Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes Chapel was built in 1933 on the site of a chapel dating from 1680, which was destroyed in the First World War. Its history thus spans three points in time: the construction of the earlier chapel, its destruction and the later rebuilding. The hexagonal Notre-Dame-de-Hal Chapel also tells a story of reconstruction. According to the inscription beside the door, it was built in 1666; after being badly damaged in the Second World War, it was rebuilt stone by stone.

Chapels, Farmsteads and Local Tradition

Saint Roch Chapel was built in 1818 at the request of Henriette Soyez, wife of the mayor at the time. A Corpus Christi procession used to take place there. There was also once a procession at the Calvary of Naves, on Whit Monday. The calvary was erected in 1850 following the cholera epidemic of 1849. Near the cemetery, it stands in a small chapel built of dressed stone, with a plinth made of Tournai stone. The two processions are historical traditions; they do not describe present-day events.

The Ferme des Boutriaux was built in 1460 and restored in the Flemish style in 1695. A brick dovecote, believed to date from the 17th century, survives at the Ferme Soyez. The dates for the Boutriaux mark its construction and restoration, while the dating of the dovecote remains explicitly uncertain. These differences make Naves’ architectural history varied: alongside churches and chapels, farm buildings are also among its historic examples.

The Chaussée Brunehaut also inspired a local cultural initiative: because the road runs through Naves, the HISTOIRE ET CULTURE association created the giant figure Brunéhaut in 2000. Its christening took place in 2001. Alongside the architectural heritage, this adds a more recent story connected to the historic road.

Bus Timetables for Planning

Bus timetable information for Naves is available from the Arc-en-ciel network. Check current departures before travelling. Together with the circular walk’s estimated duration and trail conditions, this will help you base your stay plans on specific transport information and the planned outing.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Bachy, Wattignies, Orchies, Watten, Hordain, La Gorgue, Bas-Lieu, Aubry.

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