Situated close to the vast Mormal forest, the town of Le Quesnoy is a walkers' paradise, with peaceful lakes and green spaces to stroll around at the foot of the well-preserved 16th-, 17th- and 18th-century fortifications. An excellent way to discover the natural and military heritage of this fortified town is to walk around the lovely waymarked footpaths running along the ramparts.
Walled city, Le Quesnoy is at the heart of the Northern Department. Within the Regional Natural Park of Avesnois, the town lies at the center of the triangle Valenciennes, Cambrai, Maubeuge.
especially tourist city, Le Quesnoy has the distinction of having preserved its intact city walls and reveal the art of defense from the seventeenth to the early twentieth century. Known for its long shoemaking craft activity, this common North is today mainly on tourism. Its history is very rich, passionate visitors eager to learn more about the ancient family of Hainaut. French became in the seventeenth century, the town of Le Quesnoy still reveals a beautiful architectural and cultural heritage.
The heritage is so important to Le Quesnoy, one does not know where to start!
The ramparts, intact, were built in the Spanish era, before being modified by the famous Vauban himself. We can still admire today the towers surrounding the city since the seventeenth century as well as many other monuments: the tower of the Edifieur Baudoin, one of the oldest of all, Bastion Caesar erected under Louis XIV the Green stronghold and headquarters hospital, or the Fauroeulx door, the only one who has not suffered from the Second World War and its degradation.
The present castle, the Cernay, was built in the seventeenth century, replacing the XIIth century building built by Baldwin IV of Hainaut. You can still see some remains of the original castle that served as residence to Charles the Bold, as a gateway and a set of Romanesque cellars.
Walking through the streets of Quesnoy, visitors discover a series of remarkable monuments like the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and Christ the links listed as historical building, the belfry of the town hall and its carillon 48 bells, the chapel of the hospital and its gothic style, or the memorial of the New Zealanders on the ramparts. Note that you can also admire the beautiful statue of Wisdom, Mr. Lawrence, who was listed building.
| Information points |
|---|
The market is held on the second and fourth Sunday of each month, in the morning.
In early December, the Christmas market is the scene of many events.
In March, the city hosts an egg hunt on the ramparts.
In May, a strawberry festival celebrates this popular fruit with entertainment and tastings.
The communal feast with its flea market and carnival is organized in June.
The town of Le Quesnoy hosts two motocross racing on its walls, in May and 14 July.
In early August, Le Quesnoy proposes giant party Bimberlot. The program included a night flea market, musical entertainment or fireworks.
The hitch party with a wild competition takes place in September.
To highlight this famous food, the city offers a Milk Day in September, including a market and a cattle competition.
In October, Le Quesnoy his famous book festival.
Fun party appreciated, St Crispin fair takes place in October.
