The best cycling routes around Ébouleau

The faithful trust in the help of the Mother of God – who in France is always venerated under the title “Notre-Dame” (which corresponds to the German name “Our Lady”) – was expressed by the French nun, mystic and Doctor of the Church, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux (religious name Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, 1873 to 1897) as follows: “In trials or difficulties I turn to Mother Mary, whose gaze alone is enough to dispel all fear.”

The Église Notre-Dame de Plomion is a historic church located in Plomion, in the Aisne department, France. The church was built between the 12th and 16th centuries and is an example of a fortified church. The building consists of a large quadrangular tower between two towers, with a truncated tower at each end of the transept. The church has an impressive interior with a choir and transept covered with ribbed vaults. There are several paintings and sculptures on display, including a depiction of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane in the left transept.

Beautiful route with views

Without doubt one of the most beautiful of the 65 fortified churches in Thiérache. Remarkably restored. A must-see!

The village has beautiful houses and old barns built of wood and cob. Archon has a private and restored castle, the Château d'Ogny, a 16th/17th century building with a square dwelling flanked by two towers at opposite angles, a square portal, two square towers. The old Ogny mill has become a farm. The Saint-Martin church is fortified. The facade is protected by two round towers on each side of the door and connected by a gateway, loopholes and bretèche. Homeland of Jean d'Ongnies abbot of La Valroy in 1394, of Pierre Antoine Menu (1769-1844) born in Archon on November 2, 1769 knight of the Legion of Honor, and of Marcel Cury (1891-1984) local historian author of Glossary of Archon, Rozoy sur Serre and Parfondeval

The fortified church of Plomion is one of the most remarkable in Thiérache. Completely renovated and freely accessible upstairs, since June 25, 2022, it was built in bricks and stands on the foundations of an old church, where a permanent garrison was stationed. This church is the "finished" type of fortress church which includes all the elements of fortification: tower, keep, turrets, watchtowers and a set of more than 60 loopholes including 42 on the keep! Numerous geometric patterns in vitrified bricks such as hearts and diamonds adorn the building.

The Notre-Dame de Plomion church is one of the most remarkable fortified churches in the region. Built in brick on the foundations of an old church, it has a large square tower, two round towers, two turrets and more than 60 loopholes. You will be able to admire the geometric patterns of the enameled bricks, such as hearts and diamonds, which decorate the building. The church is open to the public and has an interactive terminal which allows you to discover the upper floors without climbing. You can also see a small prison and a semi-circular dome ceiling.

The church of Harcigny is a fortified church which dates from the 13th century and which was rebuilt several times over the following centuries. It is characterized by its brick bell tower-keep, decorated with vitrified brick patterns, and by its funerary chapel which houses the tombs of the former owners of the Gironsart farm. The church is dedicated to Saint Martin, the patron saint of soldiers and the poor. It is located in the Aisne department, in the Hauts-de-France region, and is part of the cultural heritage of Thiérache.