Attractions and Places To See around Fresnes-Lès-Montauban - Top 20

Remains of a fortified mill during the First World War, a testament to the fraternization of the French. It was rediscovered in 2015. The Red Mill On this hill, which marks the boundary between the villages of Thélus and Neuville-Saint-Vaast, a windmill had stood since the Middle Ages. It produced flour, oil, and also woad, a blue dye used in Arras tapestries. It was rebuilt in 1678 in red brick, which later gave it the nickname "The Red Mill," in contrast to another mill in Thélus built of white stone and called the White Mill. The Mill Trench In October 1914, the Germans captured the hills outside Arras. The Moulin Rouge was quickly destroyed, but the Germans fortified the ruins to create an observation post facing the trenches of the Labyrinth sector, located 1,500 meters from here toward Arras. In May and September 1915, the French recaptured ground from the Germans during the Battles of Artois, and this observation post found itself on the French front line. It was then repurposed to observe the German lines toward Thélus. It then served as a landmark and gave its name to the "Mill Trench" that led to it. Fraternizations It was here that on December 10, 1915, Louis Barthas, a corporal in the 280th Infantry Regiment of the French Army, participated in a moment of fraternization between German and French soldiers emerging from their flooded trenches. The account he gave of them in his War Diaries contributed to their recognition, leading to the creation of the Fraternization Monument, located in Neuville-Saint-Vaast, 2 km away. Archaeology In 2015, archaeological excavations uncovered the foundations of the mill and its outbuildings, a concrete observation post, and traces of a trench. These remains are displayed in this garden, which evokes the trenches that faced each other. During the development of the adjacent Parc d'activité des Meuniers, more than 30 soldiers' bodies were found: French, German, and Canadian. Six soldiers were identified; they came from Périgueux, Limoges, Saintes, and Béthune. Gaston Basset, a soldier in the 50th Infantry Regiment, died on September 27, 1915, during the attack on Thélus. His body was found in 2012 at the location indicated by a comrade in a letter addressed to his widow.

The Seven Bonnettes are a fascinating megalithic site, surrounded by legends and mysteries. Located in a picturesque valley, this 75 meter high mound is crowned with standing stones forming a crown. According to legend, these stones represent six young girls and a musician, transformed into statues by Heaven for having danced instead of attending vespers.

They are part of the unknown treasures of Arras and the Pays d'Artois. The various megalithic sites are good for a beautiful walk, among mysteries and legends, history and extraordinary landscapes. Set sail for the Scarpe valley and the Sensée valley, in the wake of the megaliths of the Pays d'Artois.

Small mythical location. The stone pillars on top have already made many passers-by think. They are part of the unknown treasures of Arras and the Pays d'Artois. The various megalithic sites are good for a beautiful walk, among mysteries and legends, history and extraordinary landscapes. Set sail for the Scarpe valley and the Sensée valley, in the wake of the megaliths of the Pays d'Artois.

The story goes that once the people of the country showed the scratches produced, according to legend, by the claws of the demon when he seized the stone. Streaks do indeed appear on two sides of the menhir… But are they the same as before or do they come from the destruction of the stone in 1918

The Scarpe Canal Towpath is a peaceful and leafy greenway created by the Arras Urban Community as part of the Arras Green and Blue Network. This Greenway along the Scarpe Canal towpath aims to ensure continuity of wooded areas between rural and urban areas. The route is interesting and pleasant, as it allows you to safely leave the city, along the water's edge, crossing several natural parks along the towpath. The Greenway starts in Arras, right in the city center, on Rue Louis Blanc or on Boulevard R. Schuman. The end is on Rue de l'Ecluse in Fampoux. This Greenway has a stabilized dolomite surface, suitable for all types of bicycles but not rollerblades.

Menhir to discover. A descriptive panel is present at the parking lot of the site. Access is by a grassy path, not dented, practicable.

A pleasant route along the Scarpe. Places very frequented in good weather.