Discover Wignehies

Wignehies lies on both sides of the Helpe-Mineure River. In the Fagne de Trélon, it is the only municipality not surrounded by forest. South of the town centre, a succession of valleys and clusters of farms shape the landscape. These distinct townscapes and landscapes give your stay more than one possible focus: you can explore the historic town centre, the textile history or the trails through the Thiérache.

Townscape and trails through the countryside

The Sentier Nature et Paysage runs through the bocage landscape of the Thiérache. Elevated points offer panoramic views of the surrounding bocage and forests. The circular route is 4.3 kilometres long, rated very easy and listed as taking 1 hour and 30 minutes. These details can help you plan time for a countryside walk during your stay.

The Sentier Architecture takes a different approach: this predominantly urban family walk explores Wignehies’ industrial and textile past through its architectural heritage. It is 3.1 kilometres long, rated very easy and listed as taking 2 hours. Comparing the two walks shows that the shorter route is not the one with the shorter stated duration: the Sentier Architecture is listed as taking two hours, while the longer Sentier Nature et Paysage is listed as taking an hour and a half. Their themes also differ: the focus here is architectural heritage, while the other route explores the bocage landscape.

Textile history and buildings

The textile history can be anchored to a specific point in time: in 1886, Wignehies had five spinning mills and three weaving mills as part of the town’s wool and textile industry. These figures put the industrial past into context, a subject also covered by the Sentier Architecture. Another part of the industrial heritage is the entrance portico of the former Filature François Boussus. Its description as a former spinning mill links the portico to the town’s historic textile production.

The Église Saint-Étienne also bears witness to several phases of construction. It was rebuilt in 1890 and consecrated in 1892, replacing the earlier church, which had been destroyed in the fire of 1675. The carved furnishings inside are attributed to Gustave Pattein. Smaller religious buildings also form part of the town’s history: the 1742 oratory is dedicated to Notre-Dame de Montague. A chapel dating from 1683 is dedicated to Jesus and Notre-Dame de Montserrat. Together, these buildings reflect a range of historical and religious connections that, alongside the industrial past, contribute to Wignehies’ cultural character.

Plan your market visit and stay

A market selling fruit, vegetables and dairy products takes place on Thursdays from 8 a.m. to noon at Place François Mitterrand. If you want to include the market in your plans, check before travelling whether it is currently being held at that time. This makes it easy to combine a market visit with other interests that make Wignehies distinctive: the history of the wool and textile industry, the town’s buildings or one of the two walks with their different themes.

Discover more destinations: La Gorgue, Caudry, Villeneuve-D'ascq, Watten, Feignies, Cuincy, Looberghe, Lompret.

For the main travel overview: Nord.