Attractions and Places To See around Aubencheul-Au-Bac - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Aubencheul-Au-Bac, a commune in the Nord department of France, offer a blend of historical sites and natural landscapes. The area is characterized by its cultural heritage, including prominent landmarks and monuments. The River Sensée contributes to the commune's green surroundings, providing opportunities for outdoor appreciation.
Best attractions and places to see around Aubencheul-Au-Bac
- The most popular attractions is The Menhir of Lécluse or the Devil's Stone, a historical site and natural monument…
Last updated: May 10, 2026
The Menhir of Lécluse or the Devil's Stone
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Belfry of Cambrai
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Porte Notre-Dame de Cambrai
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The Big Rock
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Be careful, the place is very swampy and it is more easily accessible in dry weather 😉.
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The Orangery Castle
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Roucourt Castle was built at the end of the 18th century by Monsieur Béranger, a cannon founder under the Empire.
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Magnificent..I love walking there to see the deer 😍
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A Brief History Note. Roucourt Castle was built at the end of the 18th century by Monsieur Béranger, a cannon founder under the Empire. …During World War I, the castle was occupied by the squadron and men of Captain Baron Von Richthofen, known as the "Red Baron," who sheltered his planes in the avenue of over 100-year-old lime trees that precede the entrance gate. Destroyed by fire in 1918, it was rebuilt between 1921 and 1923 and restored in 1997 by Colette and Guy Becquet de Mégille, the current owners.
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Built in 1623, the Notre-Dame gate marks the northern entrance to the city. At that time, city gates, protected by bastions, freed themselves from their defensive role and became symbols of the wealth of cities. With its “diamond point” hardware and its rich sculpted decoration, the Notre-Dame gate is representative of the Baroque style. The sun that adorns the upper part was added after the capture of Cambrai by Louis XIV. https://www.villedecambrai.com/decouvrir/decouvrir-la-ville/portrait-de-ville/patrimoine-et-architecture/heurs-et-malheurs-dune-ville-frontiere/la-porte-notre-dame
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The belfry, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was once the bell tower of the Saint-Martin church, the rest of the building having disappeared during the French Revolution. A symbol of communal freedoms, this belfry also ensured the security of the city. Night and day, lookouts monitored the city and warned of the arrival of enemies or the start of fires by sounding the tocsin. The oldest parts of this building date back to 1474 and rise from the base to the height of the cornice. Supported by wide buttresses, the first bell chamber opens onto triple bays in a Gothic-style pointed arch. Since 1736, this tower has been raised by another level in the classical style into which the second bell chamber opens. This part is topped by a drum where the watch room was located, the whole being topped with a dome and a lantern. Four sculptures made of cast concrete by Marcel Gaumont after the First World War evoke the historical periods of the city. We can see a Frankish warrior; a crossbowman symbolizing the communal militia; Louise of Savoy, mother of François I, who signed the Treaty of the Peace of the Ladies in Cambrai and the knight of Cezen, first governor of the city that became French. The entrance to the belfry has a sculpted decoration by René Faches. The central part bears the arms of Cambrai, surmounted by Saint Martin sharing his cloak to offer it to a poor man. These sculptures evoke the civil and religious duality of this belfry. (Cambrésis Tourisme)
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The Beffroi de Cambrai is an impressive tower in Cambrai, located in the Nord department of France. Originally part of the old Saint Martin's Church, this tower is built in the Gothic style and is approximately 62 metres high. The beffroi is known for its sturdy buttresses reminiscent of medieval donjons. At the foot of the tower is a statue of Saint Martin, the patron saint of the city. The tower has a rich history and has survived both world wars unscathed. Since 1965, the beffroi has been classified as a historical monument and in 2005 it was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, together with other beffrois in the region.
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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.
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A hike to Porte Notre Dame in Cambrai will take you to one of the most beautiful monuments in the city. It is an old gate of the medieval fortifications, built in the 14th century and renovated in the 17th century. With rich baroque decoration, a diamond-shaped stone pattern and a coat of arms of the city, you can admire the architecture and history of the gate, which was once the entrance to the cathedral and the episcopal palace.
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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
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in Aubencheul-Au-Bac?
Aubencheul-Au-Bac offers a rich history to explore. You can visit the Église Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, known for its red brick facade and 18th-century origins. The village also features a German Monument of Hanneton from WWI and a general War Memorial. Don't miss the Old Village Center with its traditional architecture and historical plaques, or the unique 18th-century Dovecote.
Are there any ancient monuments or megaliths to see near Aubencheul-Au-Bac?
Yes, the region is home to several intriguing megalithic sites. The most popular is The Menhir of Lécluse or the Devil's Stone, a classified historical monument standing at 3.20 meters, steeped in local legends. Another fascinating site is the stone that grows, a 2.90-meter high menhir listed as a historical monument, with a tradition suggesting it continues to grow. You can also discover The Big Rock (Menhir of Oisy-le-Verger), a particularly impressive menhir planted in the marshy terrain of the Sensée valley.
What natural features define the landscape around Aubencheul-Au-Bac?
The primary natural feature is the River Sensée, which flows through Aubencheul-Au-Bac, contributing to its green landscapes and pleasant natural setting. The surrounding area also features marshy terrains, particularly around sites like The Big Rock, offering unique natural environments.
Are there opportunities for hiking or walking near Aubencheul-Au-Bac?
Absolutely! Hiking and walking are popular activities. You can find various routes, including easy options like the 'Jetty on the Aubigny Marsh – the stone that grows loop' (5.2 km) or 'The stone that grows – Calm of the pond loop' (6.3 km). For more options, explore the Hiking around Aubencheul-Au-Bac guide.
What cycling routes are available near Aubencheul-Au-Bac?
The area offers several road cycling routes, ranging from moderate to challenging. Examples include the 'Marchiennes State Forest – Croix-ou-Pile loop' (91.6 km) and the 'Thun-l'Évêque loop' (67.8 km). For mountain biking enthusiasts, there are also routes like the 'Oisy-le-Verger Marshes – Single Canal Arleux loop' (58.5 km). You can find more details in the Road Cycling Routes around Aubencheul-Au-Bac guide and the MTB Trails around Aubencheul-Au-Bac guide.
Are there any family-friendly attractions in the area?
Beyond the historical sites, families might enjoy a day trip to Le Fleury in Wavrechain-sous-Faulx, an amusement park offering entertainment. Many of the natural monuments, such as The Menhir of Lécluse or the Devil's Stone and the stone that grows, are also categorized as family-friendly, offering a blend of history and outdoor exploration.
What unique historical landmarks are there from the World Wars?
Aubencheul-Au-Bac holds poignant reminders of the World Wars. You can visit the German Monument of Hanneton, erected in 1917, marking the site of a German war hospital. The commune also has a dedicated War Memorial honoring victims of both World Wars. The Former Tarlier Brewery, though rebuilt, also carries the history of its destruction during WWI.
What is the best time of year to visit Aubencheul-Au-Bac for outdoor activities?
The spring and summer months (roughly April to September) are generally ideal for outdoor activities in Aubencheul-Au-Bac, offering pleasant weather for hiking, cycling, and exploring the natural landscapes along the River Sensée. The marshy areas around sites like The Big Rock are also more easily accessible in dry weather.
Are there any nearby attractions worth visiting for a day trip?
Yes, within a reasonable distance for a day trip, you can visit the Mining History Centre in Lewarde, which offers insight into the region's industrial past. The impressive Belfry of Cambrai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the historic Porte Notre-Dame de Cambrai are also excellent options for cultural exploration.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions here?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical depth and natural beauty. The ancient megaliths, like The Menhir of Lécluse or the Devil's Stone, are particularly enjoyed for their legends and historical significance. The architectural structures and monuments commemorating local history also draw interest, offering a glimpse into the commune's past. The komoot community has shared 35 photos and given 18 upvotes to the attractions, highlighting their visual appeal and engaging nature.
Are there any easy walking routes suitable for a leisurely stroll?
Yes, there are several easy walking routes perfect for a leisurely stroll. For instance, the 'Jetty on the Aubigny Marsh – the stone that grows loop' is an easy 5.2 km route, and 'The stone that grows – Calm of the pond loop' is another easy 6.3 km option. These paths allow you to enjoy the natural surroundings and discover local landmarks at a relaxed pace.
Can I find any specific cultural sites related to local traditions?
Beyond the general historical sites, the Église Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul is a significant cultural site, featuring a statue of Saint Gengulf, traditionally regarded as the protector against violent storms, reflecting local faith and traditions. The legends surrounding the megaliths, such as The Menhir of Lécluse or the Devil's Stone and the stone that grows, also offer a glimpse into local folklore and beliefs.
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