The best walks and hikes around Vigneux-Hocquet

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.”

Superb village with architecture typical of this region, including this church

Be sure to visit the church of Jeantes

This village is listed among the "most beautiful villages in France", but the local star is the church, hidden at the back of the square. Fortified, it only reveals its charms to the most daring. To see it up close, you have to do some strange gymnastics. The neighboring houses, made of red brick, topped with slate, seem to form a continuous enclosure. An integral part of the village's interpretation circuit, open all year round, the church has been specially equipped for visits and offers you the possibility of going upstairs to discover its guard room-refuge!

The church dates back to the 16th century and is an example of a fortified church built to protect the population during wars and conflicts. The building has an impressive facade flanked by towers and is an important historical heritage in the region.

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.

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

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.