Best attractions and places to see around Gonnelieu include a mix of historical sites, natural features, and cultural experiences. Situated amidst the Picardy plains, Gonnelieu offers a rural setting with opportunities for walks along hedgerow-lined paths. The area has historical significance, with archaeological material suggesting Roman occupation and the village becoming property of King Philip Augustus in 1185. It serves as a base for exploring nearby landmarks and natural attractions in the Nord department of France.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
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For bikepacking trips, A magnificent base for cycle touring. It's a place steeped in history, peaceful, and surrounded by lush greenery. Don't miss the hamlet of Revelon or a visit to the source of the Scheldt River in Gouy (right next door). Happy riding! 🚴♀️ Franck
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Some very beautiful remains to discover during a hike 😉.
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This watering trough is probably a distant legacy of the Cistercian monks of Vaucelles. Nestled in the pastures surrounding the farm, it is fed by the nearby fountain, which filters the water and is itself fed by water from the Saint-Bernard spring, via an aqueduct. Hence the name of the bicycle trail "des sources" 😎.
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The Masnières Newfoundland Memorial in France commemorates the heroic actions of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment during the First Battle of Cambrai in 1917. Located on the northern edge of the town of Masnières, this monument honours the Newfoundlanders who took part in the capture and defence of the town during this battle.
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This Cistercian abbey was founded in 1132 by Bernard of Clairvaux and grew into a large and influential community within a century. Royal armies camped there as in a fortress and Charles V signed peace with Henry II in 1556. In addition to the sick and outcasts, travellers and pilgrims also found shelter in the hospital. The largest abbey church in Europe stood here with an extraordinary length of 135 metres. On feast days, 3000 meals were provided to the needy in the wide area. After the French Revolution, it was declared national property and an inglorious end followed as an open-air quarry. Now, restored parts remain, such as the abbot's palace with the dormitories and monks' halls with the chapter house next to it. The 7-hectare abbey park is being restored to its former glory. Open March to November (Tue-Sat 10am-12pm and 2pm-5.30pm, Sun 3pm-6.30pm, closed Mondays).
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Parts of this gigantic abbey are interesting to visit. The church has disappeared but must have been enormous. Beautiful garden and shop with, among other things, abbey beer.
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Vaucelles Abbey is a former monastery of Cistercian monks. Founded in 1131 by Saint Bernard himself.
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entrance to the park prohibited private property you must turn left towards cambrai
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The area around Gonnelieu is rich in history. You can explore the impressive Vaucelles Abbey, a Cistercian abbey founded in 1132 that once featured the largest abbey church in Europe. Another significant site is the Masnières Newfoundland Memorial, commemorating the Royal Newfoundland Regiment's actions during the First Battle of Cambrai. Further afield, you can visit UNESCO World Heritage Belfries in nearby Cambrai, Douai, and Arras, or the Arras Citadelle and Arras Carrière Wellington, which offer insights into the region's military past.
Yes, the most prominent religious site is Vaucelles Abbey, a historic Cistercian monastery with a rich past and beautiful restored parts. Within Gonnelieu itself, you can find the Saint-Quentin Church and the Saint-Christophe Chapel, offering local architectural and spiritual interest.
Gonnelieu is nestled in the Picardy plains, offering a peaceful rural landscape with hedgerow-lined paths. You can discover the Vaucelles watering trough, a historical site fed by a natural spring. For more extensive natural beauty, the Forest of Mormal, the largest forest in the region, is within reach, as are several nature reserves like the Réserve naturelle des Marais d'Isle.
Absolutely. Gonnelieu is a great starting point for walks. There's a moderate 10.28 km trail exploring the local countryside, passing by the Saint-Christophe Chapel and a British Military Cemetery. You can also find various hiking routes, including those around Gouzeaucourt and Villers-Guislain, which reveal shaded forests and green valleys. For more options, check out the Hiking around Gonnelieu guide.
Yes, the area offers various cycling opportunities. You can find routes for both road cycling and touring bicycles, exploring the local villages and countryside. For detailed routes and difficulty levels, refer to the Road Cycling Routes around Gonnelieu and Cycling around Gonnelieu guides.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Vaucelles Abbey is considered family-friendly, offering historical exploration and beautiful gardens. The Vaucelles watering trough also provides a peaceful, historical setting that can be enjoyed by all ages.
Visitors particularly appreciate the historical depth and peaceful atmosphere. For instance, the Vaucelles Abbey is praised for its gigantic scale, interesting restored parts, and beautiful gardens. The Vaucelles watering trough is noted for its historical significance and lush, green surroundings, making it a great spot for cycle touring. The Masnières Newfoundland Memorial is valued for its poignant commemoration and the impressive bronze caribou monument.
Yes, the Masnières Newfoundland Memorial is noted as being wheelchair-accessible, allowing visitors to pay their respects at this significant historical site.
Several charming towns are within easy reach. Cambrai, about 13 km away, and Peronne, 21 km away, are popular choices. You might also consider Le Quesnoy, known for its impressive ramparts, or Arras and Douai, which host UNESCO World Heritage Belfries and other historical sites.
Gonnelieu is situated amidst the Picardy plains, characterized by a rural landscape. You'll find opportunities for walks along paths lined with hedgerows, as well as shaded forests and green valleys, particularly on routes around Gouzeaucourt and Villers-Guislain. The area offers a peaceful and picturesque setting for outdoor activities.
Yes, several nearby towns host local markets. Cambrai, approximately 14 km away, has markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Caudry, about 20 km away, holds markets on Tuesdays and Fridays, while Saint-Quentin, 26 km away, has markets on Wednesdays, Sundays, and Fridays. These markets are excellent places to experience local culture and find regional produce.
For easier walks, the local Gonnelieu trail offers a moderate 10.28 km route exploring the village and its surroundings. Many of the paths through the Picardy plains are relatively flat and suitable for leisurely strolls. You can find more options for various difficulty levels in the Hiking around Gonnelieu guide, which includes routes like the 'Vaucelles Abbey – Abbaye de Vaucelles loop from Bantouzelle' that are moderate in difficulty.


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