Liessies

The testimonies of its abbey constitute the first richness of the local heritage. Founded in the middle of the 8th century by Wibert, Count of Poitou who had fled the persecutions of the Duke of Aquitaine, the abbey of Liessies has since preserved the relics of Saint Lambert. Very quickly, it also welcomed a female annex, young noble women following the example of Hiltrude, daughter of Wibert, who had wished to be secluded in this new monastery. Abused by the Normans (end of the 9th century), Liessies regained its vitality in the 12th century when Bernard of Clairvaux came to preach the second crusade there, then in the 13th century when pieces of the true cross were offered to him. After the Hundred Years War, the abbey reached its peak from the 16th to the 18th century, in particular thanks to the excellence of its illumination work and its wealth of land. Destroyed and dismantled after the Revolution, only vestiges remain today. Some of these are visible in a 48-hectare departmental park which broadly follows the park that the monks had modeled in the 17th and 18th centuries to "control" the effects of the frequent flooding of the Helpe. In addition to hydraulic facilities (pipes), the park includes paths, meadows, ponds, orchards and vegetable gardens. Its bucolic character is enriched by protected flora and fauna. Information panels line the site. Place of relaxation and meditation of the time of the abbey, it remains very pleasant to walk. We discover some built elements such as the old Bûcher aux Moines (where the wood for heating was stored) and a mill. Free entry every day, guided tour possible: information on +33 3 27 57 91 11. Romanesque and Gothic. Former abbey chapel, we notice its two half-towers framing the facade, a fairly common example of fortification in the region. At the level of the altar, there is a reliquary statue of Saint Hiltrude (with a shrine in gilded bronze), a finely carved pulpit (18th century), other elements saved from the abbey during the Revolution, but also stained glass windows designed by the contemporary painter Alain Mongrenier.

The Sainte-Hiltrude chapel, which overlooks a crossroads, and similar 18th century oratories are also worth mentioning.

Finally, on the municipal territory, it should be noted that two other sites inherited from the monastery have been preserved and enhanced: the old forges which house guest rooms, and the farm known as the Château de la Motte which depended of the abbey where a luxury hotel has been established (information on +33 3 27 61 81 94).

To still enjoy the green setting of the town, a number of hiking trails (in addition to the park surrounding the old abbey) for walkers or cyclists are available. Thus the town is crossed by the Avesnois Greenway, a section of the European cycle route project linking Trondheim in Norway to Santiago de Compostela. Loops and itineraries of varying lengths, through forest or bocage areas can also be considered. Maps and information on +33 3 27 61 16 79.

Also note that the Regional Natural Park of Avesnois, of which the town is a member, regularly offers themed hikes, exhibitions, events, workshops... Information on +33 3 27 77 51 60.