The best cycling routes around Carnières

easy and pleasant walk

The Château d'Esnes is a historic castle located in the picturesque French village of Esnes. Dating back to the 18th century, the castle is surrounded by lush gardens and a charming park, giving it a picturesque and peaceful feel. The Château d'Esnes is known for its classical architecture, with impressive facades and elegant interiors that reflect the grandeur of that time.

The Tour Saint-Fiacre, also known as the Tour des Sottes, is a historic tower in Cambrai. The tower is part of the old city walls of Cambrai and was built in the 14th century. The name "Tour des Sottes" comes from a nearby women's asylum in the 19th century. The tower has retained its Cambrésis stone structure up to the foot of the terrace, while the sandstone base is now buried.

The Porte de Paris in Cambrai is a historic city gate built in the 14th century as part of the city's defensive wall. The gate is known for its Gothic architecture and has a strategic location at the southern entrance to the city. The gate was originally known as the Porte du Saint-Sépulcre.

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).

The Porte de Paris in Cambrai is an impressive remnant of the old city defences. Originally built to protect the southern entrance to the city, this gate dates from the end of the 14th century. The architecture of the gate is typical of the style of the time, with sturdy stone structures designed to withstand attacks. The Porte de Paris is part of what was once a four-kilometre-long city wall, reinforced by around fifty towers and seven gates. This gate is one of the few remaining parts of these defences and offers a fascinating insight into medieval military architecture.

The Carrière des Peupliers in Abscon is a former chalk and marl quarry used to produce lime for the USINOR factory in Denain. These industrial activities have significantly changed the landscape of the Denaisis plain. After the end of the industrial activities, the land was transferred to the Nord department. Today, the area is an interesting place for nature lovers and offers a unique insight into the industrial history of the region.

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.