Rivière: Heritage and Walking Routes

Rivière brings together historic water supply, sacred art, château architecture and First World War memorial sites. If you are looking for a hotel in Rivière, these highlights can shape your plans for your stay: for example, the history of the Carré des Sources, the choir windows of Saint-Vaast, or the cemeteries of Bellacourt and Fermont. The historic sites differ both in their function and in their historical context: the reservoir is linked to Arras’s water-supply history, while the cemeteries reflect different periods of the First World War.

Water History and Heritage Protection

The Bassin des Fontaines, also known as the Carré des Sources, is a rectangular, open-air water reservoir dating from 1723. The Corps of Engineers built it at the expense of King Louis XV to collect spring water for supplying the city of Arras with hygienically safe water and for the watering troughs of the cavalry barracks. The structure thus bears witness both to the water supply and to the military infrastructure of the time.

On 9 April 2024, the reservoir was listed as a historic monument in its entirety, including its masonry and surrounding wall. It is located in the hamlet of Brétencourt, in the “Brétencourt centre” district, between Rue du Château, Rue du Fermont and Rue du Crinchon. These street names provide precise directions for locating the site.

Heritage protection for the Château de Grosville is precisely defined: the decree of 25 April 1975 covers the château’s façades and roofs, the outbuildings including the dovecote, and the entrance portal. The listing therefore applies to these structural elements.

Saint-Vaast: Church and Choir Windows

The Church of Saint-Vaast was classified as a historic monument by decree on 7 June 1919. Its choir windows, dating from 1931, tell the story of Saint Vaast and were restored in 1985. The dates mark distinct stages: the classification of the church was followed by the creation and later restoration of the windows.

Bellacourt and Fermont: Two Cemeteries, Two Timelines

The Bellacourt Military Cemetery was established in October 1914 by French troops during the fighting of the Race to the Sea. At the beginning of 1916, the British took over the defence of the sector; British and Canadian dead were buried there until the end of the First World War. The cemetery records 434 Commonwealth graves, including one unidentified grave. There are also 116 French graves and one unknown German grave.

Fermont Military Cemetery lies 1.5 km northeast of the village, on Rue du Fermont, and contains 81 graves. It was established in March 1916 and closed in March 1917; one burial in March 1918 is an exception. By comparison, Bellacourt was established as early as 1914 and used for burials until the end of the war, while Fermont was established and closed in 1916 and 1917.

Walking Routes and Event Date

The tourist offer “BALADE AU COEUR DU VILLAGE” features two signposted discovery walks, of 2.2 km and 6 km respectively. The programme therefore offers a shorter and a longer route option. Before your visit, check whether the offer is currently available and when a guided tour may be scheduled.

The “Fête de la pomme et du verger” is scheduled to take place in Rivière on 17 October 2026. Announced activities include a fruit tasting, traditional apple pressing, and the making of bread and sourdough. Contact the town hall in advance to check whether the event is going ahead.

Discover more destinations: Beussent, Bully-les-Mines, Clairmarais, Cambligneul, Écourt-Saint-Quentin, Aubin-Saint-Vaast, Colembert, Le Sars

For the main travel overview: Pas-De-Calais.