The Notre-Dame de Cercamp abbey is located in Frévent, in Pas-de-Calais, 35 km west of Arras. Located in the hamlet of Cercamp, it was founded in 1137 by Hugues de Camp d'Avesne, count of Saint-Pol, who, fearing a reaction from the king of France, wanted to follow the advice of the pope after having devastated the region to establish his grip.
Attached to the Cistercian order, it was "daughter" of the abbey of Pontigny.
Partly along the course of the Canche, which was then channeled by the monks to irrigate the gardens of the monastery, the abbey was ravaged by English troops during the Hundred Years War and was then rebuilt by the abbot Pierre de Bachimont (1512-1550). In the meantime, King Louis XI had confirmed the privileges of the abbey.
Prosperous, endowed with a beautiful church, the abbey was sold and partly dismantled during the Revolution. A spinning mill was installed on the ruins of the convent but was burnt down in 1871. The convent building dating from 1740 was however restored and turned into a castle, which was occupied during the second half of the 19th century by Auguste de Fourment, member of the Superior Council of Commerce. and Industry, also mayor of the town and art lover.
If the abbey church has disappeared, the estate is then regularly embellished. The horseshoe-shaped entrance pavilion is also an ultimate testimony to the abbey.
Listed in the Inventory, the castle was chosen for a time by General Foch to set up his quarters there during the First World War (his bedroom is still visible there).
Sober but imposing, the building is still private property and has undergone careful restoration work. You can admire in particular the rococo-type woodwork (figuring shells and plants) and a white marble staircase dating from the Second Empire.
Surrounded by a park, the area is accessible to the public and hosts receptions.
Open in season for individuals and all year round for groups by reservation. Price: from 4 to 6 euros for the castle, 3 euros for the park alone. Information on +33 3 21 47 13 46 or +33 6 60 99 07 70.
