City of Pas-de-Calais, in northern France, Hesdin is also the door of the Country of the 7 Valleys. Crossed by the river Canche, it allows to discover unique landscapes, beautiful architecture and surrounded by a vast forest and lush green valleys.
City Hesdin has the distinction of being completely enclosed in a nearby village, MARCONNE. It is located on the road from Arras in Montreuil, in the heart of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. One that called Pelletier-sur-Canche during the French Revolution, was integrated into the Kingdom of France in 1477 during the reign of Louis XI, following the death of the great Charles the Bold. Still found today in the city of numerous vestiges of that era.
In the streets, we discover the typical architecture of the region, and we appreciate the special charm of this old medieval city loaded with history. A true paradise in the heart of northern France!
By visiting Hesdin, one can discover an important architectural and cultural heritage, recalling all the history of this ancient city of Charles the Bold.
Hesdin The Town Hall, built in the sixteenth century, has a red brick facade, while its plinth is made of sandstone. One can observe the coat of arms of Charles V, and the weapons of the Prince de Ligne, on the part of the sixteenth century. Inside, the marriage hall exposes an array of Vluitel inspired by Dante's Inferno by Delacroix, while the music room has an impressive fireplace of the sixteenth century the arms of Robert de Melun. The Flemish tapestries from the room tapestries, have been classified as an historic monument. They are part of a series called La Marche, with the art of war and the famous war Flanders.
Built in the mid-sixteenth century, Notre Dame has suffered much damage during the French Revolution, before being restored in the late nineteenth century by Clovis Normand. Furnished with churches Jesuits and Recollects, it allows to admire a splendid Renaissance-style portal composed of two Corinthian pilasters and an attic to weapons of Hesdin, Austria, Spain and Artois. The portal has been classified as an historic monument, while the church itself has been entered.
City Hesdin also has many monuments or listed historic monument, like the former Saint-Jean hospital, facades, roofs and portals Siougeat hotel, city hall, or even different homes in the Rue des Nobles, for their facades and roofs.
In the museum of the city, it is possible to admire the archaeological collections of objects found at Hesdin and Old-Hesdin. Documents, ceramics, tools or even skull can be enjoyed. In the dungeon of the first floor, it is possible to admire the keys to the city or memories of Victor Jacquemont, a botanist born in the city.
Top 70 meters, the Belfry Hesdin is a square tower with three floors. It contains a bell of nearly 2,000 kilos, and was built in the late eighteenth century.
Built in 1821, the arena Cavalry has a superb framework based on imposing brick walls. It serves as village hall today to the municipality.
Lively, City Hesdin no shortage of events spread out throughout the year to entertain the passing visitors and locals.
A market takes place all year, Thursday from 8 to 13h. From May to August, a second market takes place on Saturday, all day, and in December, a Christmas market presents different artisans. In early December, the city also hosts the famous winter fair, with its many activities. Concerts, a market, or a weekend of pork products are available.
From late October to early November, the photographers sitting settles in the streets of Hesdin. Photographers, amateur or professional, present their work at a major free exhibition, while a raffle to win framed offers prints of some of the works presented.
At the same time, the rally instead of the 7 valleys of Artois, including by City Hesdin.
In early December, Hesdin presents its Rural Style Hip Hop Festival, with demonstrations of dances and concerts.
