Besmont: Church, Washhouse and Nature

Besmont offers several distinct points of interest for a stay: the architectural history of Saint-Nicolas Church, the Lavoir du Bourrelier and fine basket-making, which was the commune’s most important craft in 1882. The Forêt domaniale d'Aubenton, with its hiking and riding trails, is also near Besmont. If you’re looking for a hotel in Besmont, you can consider in advance whether the village’s history or activities in the surrounding area will play a greater role in your travel plans.

The architectural history of Saint-Nicolas Church

Saint-Nicolas Church is documented as far back as 1181. Its history goes back further: the Sainte-Marie Chapel was built before 1175, demolished around 1230 and replaced by a church. The building’s history therefore encompasses more than a single construction phase. The former chapel and the later church mark distinct stages.

The surviving architectural features also span different periods. The choir has round-arched openings that probably date from the second half of the 13th century. The present-day nave is considerably newer, dating from the 17th century; the building campaign was probably completed in 1688. The choir and nave can therefore be identified by their different dates.

The outer walls of the nave and the west façade feature checkerboard patterns made of glazed bricks. This geometric motif creates a distinctive decorative accent. Together with the round arches in the choir, it offers another clue for distinguishing the different architectural elements of Saint-Nicolas Church.

Ceilings and furnishings with their own timelines

The nave and choir have a plastered ceiling laid over wooden laths, complemented by stucco and plaster decoration. Here, the structural framework and decorative finish come together. The baptismal font, in turn, reflects several periods: its base probably dates from the late 16th century or the first half of the 17th century, while the basin itself is a 19th-century Neo-Renaissance pastiche. The base and basin therefore do not date from the same period.

The furnishings also include a harmonium from the 1870s or 1880s. The bell’s history links two specific years: the bell installed in 1922 replaced one that German troops destroyed in 1917. The ceiling, baptismal font, harmonium and bell add individual furnishings, dating from different periods, to the building’s history.

The washhouse and fine basket-making in Besmont

The Lavoir du Bourrelier is in the hamlet of Le Bourrelier in Besmont and was built in the late 19th century. The name means “washhouse”; in terms of the village’s history, its location in the hamlet and its date of construction are particularly noteworthy. Alongside the church, it is another named historic landmark in Besmont.

Fine basket-making reveals another side of the village’s history. It was the commune’s most important craft in 1882, when there were two basket-makers there. This information describes the craft’s importance at the time and the number of basket-makers working in Besmont then. It complements the built heritage with a glimpse of a local working tradition.

Hiking and riding trails near Besmont

The Forêt domaniale d'Aubenton is near Besmont. Visitors can use its hiking and riding trails. This adds an outdoor activity to the village’s historical attractions. Two distinct options are therefore available when planning a trip: exploring the architectural history and furnishings of Saint-Nicolas Church in Besmont, or hiking or riding in the nearby forest. You can decide which aspect matters more for your stay, then look for hotels in Besmont.

Discover more destinations: Craonnelle, Braye-En-Laonnois, Neuville-Sur-Ailette, Roucy, Bouffignereux, Vauxbuin, Dorengt, Fayet.

For the wider travel overview: Aisne.