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The Château d'Esnes is a historic castle located in the picturesque French village of Esnes. Dating back to the 18th century, the castle is surrounded by lush gardens and a charming park, giving it a picturesque and peaceful feel. The Château d'Esnes is known for its classical architecture, with impressive facades and elegant interiors that reflect the grandeur of that time.

This Cistercian abbey was founded in 1132 by Bernard of Clairvaux and grew into a large and influential community within a century. Royal armies camped there as in a fortress and Charles V signed peace with Henry II in 1556. In addition to the sick and outcasts, travellers and pilgrims also found shelter in the hospital. The largest abbey church in Europe stood here with an extraordinary length of 135 metres. On feast days, 3000 meals were provided to the needy in the wide area. After the French Revolution, it was declared national property and an inglorious end followed as an open-air quarry. Now, restored parts remain, such as the abbot's palace with the dormitories and monks' halls with the chapter house next to it. The 7-hectare abbey park is being restored to its former glory. Open March to November (Tue-Sat 10am-12pm and 2pm-5.30pm, Sun 3pm-6.30pm, closed Mondays).

The Carrière des Peupliers in Abscon is a former chalk and marl quarry used to produce lime for the USINOR factory in Denain. These industrial activities have significantly changed the landscape of the Denaisis plain. After the end of the industrial activities, the land was transferred to the Nord department. Today, the area is an interesting place for nature lovers and offers a unique insight into the industrial history of the region.

Parts of this gigantic abbey are interesting to visit. The church has disappeared but must have been enormous. Beautiful garden and shop with, among other things, abbey beer.

Despite a bike ride along the canal, it is still very varied!

This is more about the small cove with a bridge and a fishing hut, just next to the towpath.

Vaucelles Abbey is a former monastery of Cistercian monks. Founded in 1131 by Saint Bernard himself.

The castle of Esnes is a private castle (which belongs to the Landas family for 900 years) can be visited on the last Sunday, from April to October.