The Artresian Loop An enchanted interlude with Rhônelle

Admire the magnificent Moulin d’Artres, a former water mill that now provides a peaceful night’s sleep for those in search of tranquillity. Classified as a Gîte de France and Logis Hôtel, you’ll also find a table d’hôte serving original, tasty cuisine.

This will be your first encounter with the Rhônelle, the river that rises in the Mormal forest in the Avesnois region. It will be your guiding thread for this hike along the river.

On the left after the bridge, after a few meters, the asphalt gradually gives way to a dirt track, along the Etang des Sources and through the fields.

You’ll pass through a pretty wooded area, which will make your hiking boots happy! white sneakers, please!

How about a relaxing break?

What better place to stop for a moment than “La Tranquité”? It’s the ideal spot for a zen moment by the water…

The Rhônelle, with its torrent-like character, can be enjoyed as long as you take the time!

If you see this turnstile on your left, go through it and you’re on the riverbank.

Sit on the fresh grass, feel the breeze on your face and listen… Listen to the birds, the sound of the water…

Close your eyes, enjoy the moment… you’ll return to your walk feeling relaxed and at peace…

Your walk continues on cobbled paths…

This cobbled ribbon winds its way through the landscape, in the middle of the valleys, and offers some of the most beautiful panoramas of your walk.

And a little further on…other surprises await you…

A set from the film Germinal is just around the corner!

Between autumn and winter 1992-1993, Claude Berri set up his cameras in the village of Artres to shoot several scenes from his famous film in tribute to the miners and the mine! The little chapel below the church was built for the film, while the building next door was used as a grocery store, and the sheds as factory offices!

Saint-Martin Church and Lourdes grotto

The church of Saint-Martin d’Artres is unique in that it houses a miniature replica of the famous grotto at Lourdes. Tombstones also recall the existence of the old cemetery that once adjoined the church. The grotto was erected in 1885 as a “gift” of thanks from the family of Georges d’Haussy, a powerful local farmer and industrialist.