The ruins of the old church of Ablain-Saint-Nazaire are an impressive and symbolic remnant of the First World War. Built in the 16th century in flamboyant Gothic style by Jacques Le Caron, this church was badly damaged during the fighting in 1915. The ruins have been preserved as a monument to commemorate the horrors of war.

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Willem VS

June 13, 2025

Cycling

A remarkable story about the ruins concerns the decision not to rebuild the church after the war. Although the church had been classified as a historical monument in 1908, the Commission for Historical Monuments decided that the ruins should remain as a testimony to the German destruction. Ironically, it was the French guns that had destroyed the church, but the ruins became a symbol of the war and the reconstruction.

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Alex Zozo

June 5, 2022

Mountain biking

Surprising because this monument remains "hidden" until you get there.

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Nearby routes

Best routes near The ruined church of Ablain-Saint-Nazaire

4.7

(18)

125

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1. Mont de Justice – Small natural arch loop from Souchez

11.3km

03:07

140m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Moderate

4.7

(18)

125

hikers

2. Mont de Justice – Small natural arch loop from Souchez

11.3km

03:06

140m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Moderate

4.6

(8)

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3. Small natural arch – Ring of Remembrance loop from Souchez

17.6km

04:46

230m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Moderate

Details

Informations

Elevation 90 m

Weather

Saturday 14 March

12°C

-1°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 22.0 km/h

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Take Me There

Location: Ablain-Saint-Nazaire, Atrecht, Hauts-De-France, France

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The ruined church of Ablain-Saint-Nazaire

1. Mont de Justice – Small natural arch loop from Souchez

2. Mont de Justice – Small natural arch loop from Souchez

3. Small natural arch – Ring of Remembrance loop from Souchez

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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