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The Le Quesnoy Story

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The people of Le Quesnoy have always remembered the freedom given to them by New Zealanders in WWI. The Kiwis’ courage and ingenuity won their deep respect and led to a remarkable friendship, alive to this day. 

Now it’s New Zealand’s time to remember.

On 11 October 2023, the New Zealand Liberation Museum – Te Arawhata opened in Le Quesnoy with the visitor experience created by Wētā Workshop. It tells the unique story of a liberation by ladder and honour all New Zealanders who fought in Europe in WWI.

Find out more about the NZ Liberation Museum Te Arawhata, Le Quesnoy France on the museum website.

Extraordinary circumstances call for extraordinary decisions. Such is the story that led to freeing of the people of Le Quesnoy.

Capture of the walls of Le Quesnoy by George Edmund Butler, 1920.

Street scene during the arrival of French President Raymond Poincare at Le Quesnoy, France. 10 November 1918.Photographed by Captain H. A Sanders. H1311. NZ RSA Collection. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand

A crowd stand around a New Zealand regimental band playing in Le Quesnoy, the day after its capture. 5th Nov 1918.Photographed by Captain H. A Sanders. H1153. NZ RSA Collection. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand.

New Zealand stretcher bearers removing the wounded at Le Quesnoy, World War. Photographed by Captain H. A Sanders. H1148. NZ RSA Collection. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand.

Walls of Le Quesnoy. Photographed by Captain H. A Sanders. H1244. NZ RSA Collection. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand.

Travelling to Le Quesnoy, like Gallipoli, will soon become a rite of passage for Kiwis.

Like other allies in Australia, Canada, India, South Africa and the USA, who all have museums and visitor centres on the Western Front post WWI, New Zealand has now taken its place.

Over 100 year later, we have created something immersive and emotive that not only honours our past but engages with the present and looks to the future. With the visitor experience created by Wētā Workshop, an amazing journey awaits in the heart of Le Quesnoy.

Kei roto i tō tātou hītori, he oranga mō tātou.

Within our history is our future wellbeing..

We have some truly amazing partners. These generous Kiwis have ensured New Zealand’s stories will finally have a place they can be told.

Join us! Friendship is at the very heart of this project, and we’d love your companionship on our journey to open the doors at Le Quesnoy. Being our friend is not about money, (although you are always welcome to donate). It’s about showing your support for this project of national importance and staying in touch with what’s happening.

Some of our friends you might recognise, others are everyday people who just want to show their love for the project.

I was proud to visit Le Quesnoy as New Zealand Prime Minister in 2003. The planned Memorial Museum there will continue to nurture the special bond between the town, France, and our country.

I am very pleased we will soon have a uniquely New Zealand place where all ages can go to reflect and appreciate the sacrifice so many of our young men made, so far from home.

The relationship between Quercetains and New Zealanders is truly unique and has only grown over the past century. We look forward to hosting Kiwis here as they make Le Quesnoy a must visit place.

My great great uncle fought at Le Quesnoy and survived. I have been there myself and the friendship you feel as a New Zealander is real. Le Quesnoy should be a bucket list travel destination for Kiwis.

Latest News, Project Updates & Media

Find out about the latest developments, catch up on the news, find some historical photographs of the event, and find some short videos and podcasts about the soldiers who were there.

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Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Nord

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.

Additional information Le Quesnoy

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.

Things to see and do

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.

Places of interest

Events and festivities.

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.

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About Le Quesnoy

Visiting le quesnoy.

If you are considering making a trip to Le Quesnoy in northern France, and you'd like more information on the town and region, we recommend that you make contact with:

- The Le Quesnoy Tourist Information Office Website:  https://www.lequesnoy.fr/vivre-a-le-quesnoy/loffice-du-tourisme/

- The Association Le Quesnoy Nouvelle-Zélande Website :  www.lequesnoy-nouvellezelande.fr   Email:   kiwilequesnoy@gmail.com

Enjoy your visit to Le Quesnoy!

​Postal Address

Private Bag 2402 Te Awamutu 3840 New Zealand

​Physical Address

Waipa District Council Cambridge Service Centre 23 Wilson Street Cambridge

Telephone 07 823 3800 Contact Chairman  Alana.Mackay@waipadc.govt.nz

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Discover Northern France around Le Quesnoy, where history merges with culture and scenic charm. Roam through Arras and Lens for historic architecture and WWI sites, soak in Lille’s lively markets, or unwind amidst Cambrai’s tranquil countryside while savoring its exquisite culinary offerings.

A short drive from Le Quesnoy, you will find the Commonwealth cemeteries in Vertigneul and Romeries. This is where a number of New Zealand soldiers are buried. The town of Beaudignies is also a notable stop, where the NZ troops passed through before liberating Le Quesnoy. From Le Quesnoy, take the route de Valenciennes, to the town of Valenciennes, and enjoy a luxurious stay at the Royal Hainaut Resort & Spa, a former military hospital and one of France’s finest (and largest) renovation projects to date. A lovely restaurant in Valenciennes which sports rustic charm is called l’Auberge du Bon Fermier.

For history buffs, Valenciennes is where you can be based to conduct an independent or organised battlefields tour – Valenciennes is just over one hour to Ypres, Arras and Amiens (Passchendaele, Flanders Fields and the Somme). In the town of Ypres, hear the Last Post poignantly played at Menin Gate at 8pm. Visit the Ypres Salient battlefields including Hill 60, Polygon Wood, the Passchendaele Memorial and Tyne Cot Cemetery. A number of war museums are located in this vicinity. The Wellington tunnels in Arras are also a spectacular experience and particularly poignant for New Zealand visitors. The Amiens cathedral is a beautiful architectural masterpiece and features a reference to New Zealand soldiers. For the adventurous, there are many bike tours available that connect many destinations of the North with its gentle gradient being quite accessible.

In the neighbouring towns, Musée de la Piscine (an Art Museum) in Roubaix, Musée Matisse (Matisse museum) in Le Cateau-Cambrésis and Cambraiscope in Cambrai are worth the detour.

The town of Saint-Amand-des-Eaux, famous for its Olympic Games fervour, as well as its spa resort, is home to the Abbey Tower, known in French as Tour abbatiale, and is well worth visiting. The Opale Coast, where the Atlantic meets the Channel, features beautiful, wind-swept beaches, including Hardelot (famous for its sand dunes), Wimereux (for its classic villas) and Le Touquet (for its luxury resort-style character). Wind-karting is a popular sport along these coastlines. An afternoon trip to Dunkirk is also interesting from a World War Two perspective. In July, the Dunkirk Carnival and the Giants parading through the streets further afield in Douai are not to be missed, as well as the brocante markets scattered around the region which sell their wares from May until July.

Lille is known as the cultural capital of France. Boasting a wide range of gastronomical delights, the restaurants showcase the best of Northern French Cuisine. An international acclaimed light festival in April, and a jazz festival in May are some of the cultural events featured on its calendar. A visit to Villa Cavrois in Croix is a small detour which will captivate those with a keen interest in modern architecture.

Also in Lille, The Citadelle, a spectacular star-shaped formation of ramparts, by Vauban, is a beautiful place to unwind in nature and take in the scenery by foot. The market in Wazzemes, (one of the largest markets in France) provides a culturally diverse setting with fresh fruit and vegetables available most weekends. The Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille holds a wonderful collection of beautifully curated artwork.

We recommend booking B&B or home-stay style accommodation through the Gites du Nord website as AirBNB options can be limited in the North.

There are luxurious Art Deco hotels in Lille as well as plenty of beautiful castles near to Le Quesnoy (Château de Ruesnes, Château d’en Haut Jenlain, Logis Hôtel la Gentilhommière) and campsites. Booking is essential and be sure to check opening days and times of restaurants and tourist activities ahead of visiting to avoid disappointment.

Photo: Château de Ruesnes, source: Tout l’agenda – Avesnois Tourisme

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THE BEST Things to Do in Le Quesnoy

Things to do in le quesnoy.

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1. Fortifications

2. New Zealand Liberation Museum - Te Arawhata

3. Eglise Notre Dame de l'Assomption

• Fortifications
• New Zealand Liberation Museum - Te Arawhata
• Eglise Notre Dame de l'Assomption

                    Ville Forte

L’Office du Tourisme

ACCUEIL / VIVRE A LE QUESNOY / L’Office du Tourisme

Office de Tourisme Communautaire du Pays de Mormal

L’Office de Tourisme est à votre service pour tout renseignement touristique, loisirs de proximité, hébergements, idées week-end :

1, Rue du Maréchal Joffre – 59530 Le Quesnoy Tél : 03 27 20 54 70 Courriel : Office de tourisme

Ouvert du mardi au samedi de 9h30 à 12h30 et de 14h00 à 17h00

Fermé le lundi et le dimanche

Guide touristique

Visites commentées, circuits adultes.

Le Quesnoy est l’une des rares villes Françaises qui ait conservé intact, dans un cadre naturel préservé son site fortifié. L’ensemble classé Monument Historique constitue une excellente illustration du système de fortifications de plaine au XVIIème siècle.

LE CIRCUIT VAUBAN à pied (1h30) Un guide accompagnateur vous aidera à comprendre les grands principes qui régissent la fortification dîte rasante et bastionnée. Bastion, demi-lune, courtine, contre-garde n’auront plus de secret pour vous. La promenade vous conduira également en terre Néo-Zélandaise. LE CIRCUIT CHARLES QUINT A SERE DE RIVIERE à pied (1h30) La partie Nord de la ville fortifiée présente un grand intérêt archéologique et couvre 400 ans d’histoire de la fortification. Vous allez découvrir l’un des premiers bastions Renaissance construit en Europe du nord et dont les vestiges ont été redécouverts récemment. Les derniers travaux d’aménagement de la fin du 19ème siècle ont consisté principalement en la construction de nouveaux ouvrages casematés : poudrières, caserne de siège, télégraphe optique…

LE CIRCUIT INTRA MUROS à pied (1h30) Un guide accompagnateur vous fera découvrir un autre visage du Quesnoy : l’architecture civile et militaire du centre ville. Car, protégée par ses imposants remparts, la petite cité renferme bien des secrets…

LE CIRCUIT PANORAMIQUE en autocar (1h00) L’Office de Tourisme du Quesnoy vous propose un circuit panoramique en autocar*. Le guide vous présentera un éventail du patrimoine historique et militaire de la ville, avec un arrêt en terre Néo-Zélandaise d’un quart d’heure.

*Attention il s’agit de votre autocar

CIRCUITS JEUNE PUBLIC

A LA RECHERCHE DE PIERROT BIMBERLOT Âge : 6 à 10 ans – à pied (1h30) A travers la légende de Pierrot Bimberlot, un circuit ludique et vivant sur le patrimoine fortifié et l’histoire de la ville du Quesnoy. L’enfant se développera, par le jeu, son sens de l’observation et de l’orientation dans la ville et ses remparts. Dans la peau d’un personnage, ils mèneront l’enquête avec un guide accompagnateur, pour retrouver le géant Pierrot Bimberlot…

LE TRÉSOR DE VAUBAN Âge : 6 à 10 ans – à pied (2h00) Nous sommes à la fin de l’an 1673. Pendant 6 longues années, Sébastien le Pestre de Vauban, a remanié les fortifications du Quesnoy. C’est pourquoi, Louis XIV envoie une diligence pleine d’or dans la cité fortifiée. Bientôt, le Roi de France apprend que Vauban n’a pas été payé. Il envoit donc expressément un jeune mousquetaire enquêter, sur la disparition du trésor. Accompagnés par un guide costumé, les enfants se jetteront dans une enquête passionnante, à la poursuite du voleur.

LE JEU DE L’OIE GÉANT Âge : 6 à 10 ans – à pied (2h00) Au pied des remparts, Monsieur de Vauban invite les enfants à jouer à un jeu de l’oie géant qui les amènera à découvrir l’histoire du Quesnoy et les grands personnages qui y ont séjourné. Amusement garanti !!!

Location de Vélo

Location : VTT adulte – VTC homme – VTC femme – Vélos enfants – VAE – Trottinettes – Remorque pour enfant Compris avec la location : Trousse de sécurité, casque, charlotte, pompe et antivol

Les réservations se font uniquement à l’Office de Tourisme et pendant les heures d’ouverture Une caution de 300€ par vélo (en chèque) et une pièce d’identité vous seront demandées pour la location

Tarifs : 4€ pour 1h, 6€ pour 2h, 8€ pour 3h, 12€ pour la journée

Tarif groupe : 10€ pour 1h, 15€ pour 2h, 20€ pour 3h, 30€ pour la journée

NOUVEAU : Vélos à assistance électrique (VAE)

Tarifs : 6€ pour 1h , 8 € pour 2h, 14€  la ½ journée , 16€  la journée  (tarif réduit à partir de 3 vélos loués)

Règlement :

• L’ensemble des vélos ne sera loué qu’à des personnes majeures (+ de 18 ans)
• En cas de dégradation ou perte de matériel, une évaluation des dégâts sera effectuée, facturée et la caution restituée après paiement du montant des réparations . Toutefois, le montant des frais ne dépassera pas le prix de la caution.
• Le dépassement du temps de location sera facturé en fonction du tarif de location.
• Toute heure supplémentaire entamée est totalement due.
• L’Office de Tourisme du Quesnoy décline toute responsabilité en cas d’accident, corporel ou non, lié à l’utilisation du matériel prêté.

Fortifications Vauban du Quesnoy

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• Dès 1150 Le Quesnoy est doté d’un château et de remparts avec une première enceinte composée de murailles crénelées, chemin de ronde et tours circulaires. Ces premières fortifications sont en partie remplacées par une enceinte moderne à partir de 1533 alors que la ville est sous domination espagnole. Assiégée plusieurs fois par la France et les Pays-Bas, la ville est sous Louis XIV définitivement rattachée à la France par le traité des Pyrénées de 1659. Les premiers chantiers consistent... Lire la suite Dès 1150 Le Quesnoy est doté d’un château et de remparts avec une première enceinte composée de murailles crénelées, chemin de ronde et tours circulaires. Ces premières fortifications sont en partie remplacées par une enceinte moderne à partir de 1533 alors que la ville est sous domination espagnole. Assiégée plusieurs fois par la France et les Pays-Bas, la ville est sous Louis XIV définitivement rattachée à la France par le traité des Pyrénées de 1659. Les premiers chantiers consistent alors en une restauration de la place forte. Vauban intervient à partir de 1668. Il conserve quatre bastions datant de l’époque de Charles Quint et en construit quatre nouveaux, pour en 1678 intégrer Le Quesnoy à la première ligne du fameux «Pré Carré». L’ensemble des remparts, parfaitement conservé, est classé «Monument Historique» et un circuit de 12 kilomètres permet de découvrir la richesse et l’ingéniosité des ouvrages fortifiés et notamment un système d’inondation des fossés. Afficher moins

Fortifications

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

FORTIFICATIONS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• (0.25 km) Bed and Breakfast "le Clos Colombe"
• (0.65 km) Duccio-cabana
• (0.81 km) Camping du lac Vauban
• (14.89 km) Royal Hainaut Spa & Resort Hotel
• (14.33 km) Mercure Valenciennes Centre Hotel
• (0.30 km) chez Ahmed
• (0.38 km) Ô Roi Bœuf
• (0.50 km) Le Bellevue
• (0.48 km) Crêperie de la Poste
• (0.44 km) La Carpe D'or

Le Quesnoy travel guide

Visit Le Quesnoy (Hauts-de-France, France)

The town of Le Quesnoy is in the Nord department, in the north-east corner of France to the east of Cambrai and just a few kilometres from the border with Belgium.

Curiously, the town only became part of France in 1659 when the Treaty of the Pyrenees was signed: before that it was for a long time part of Spain's territory in northern Europe.

Explore Le Quesnoy

France This Way review: the main reason to visit Le Quesnoy is to follow the walk around the ramparts that surround the town, but you will also want to take a stroll through the town centre while you are here to see the town hall and belfry.

You can enter the town through the Porte Fauroeulx, the only remaining gate through the ramparts after the others were destroyed during the Second World War. The gate has two arched entrances in stone.

One of the main monuments in Le Quesnoy town centre is the Church of the Assumption, which is quite plain but contains an interesting statue of "Christ aux Liens" (trans: "Christ tied up"). The belfry that dominates the town centre is also noteworthy, and has a group of 48 bells as well as four clocks. The attached Town Hall, like the belfry, is in the classical style and features an imposing staircase.

The ramparts around the town were originally built by the Spanish to defend the town, then later reinforced in the 18th century by Vauban, a famous French military engineer, and further reinforced over the following 150 years until just before the First World War.

There is a walk that follow the ramparts all the way around Le Quesnoy, mostly through parks and trees. You also pass three large lkes and ponds during the circuit, so it is a very pleasant tour to make.

The walk is about four kilometres long and takes about 1 1/2 hours to complete if you aren't tempted to stop for a picnic...You can ask for a guide from the Le Quesnoy tourist office on Rue Maréchal Joffre but it is not really necessary.

One of the most important parts of the ramparts is the tower of Baudoin l'Edifieur. Although the upper part of the tower has been destroyed during bombardments, in the lower part you can see a large vaulted hall in one of the oldest part of the ramparts.

You can also see some of the bastions in the defences including the Bastion Vert, one of the original 16th century bastions although modified later; and the Bastion César, a 17th century rebuild of a 16th century bastion.

(A bastion is part of a defensive wall that extends beyond the walls of a ramparts, allowing the main wall of the ramparts to be better defended, and typically replaces towers used at regular intervals in earlier defensive systems.)

Note: quite a lot of improvements have been made to the lakes and terraces of this walk quite recently so even if you have already followed the rampart walk in the past you will want to do it again.

Attractions nearby

Le Quesnoy falls within the borders of the Region Natural Park of l'Avenois, an extensive area of fields and woodland which offers various opportunities to enjoy walking and cycling in the region: ask for details in the tourist office. The walks in the Mormal forest pass by a lake and through an arboretum and are on the edge of the town.

The town of Cambrai is close to here and interesting to visit with several imposing buildings.

You can find more travel ideas in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais guide .

Arrange a visit to Le Quesnoy

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Map of le quesnoy and places nearby, visit near le quesnoy with france this way reviews.

Forest of Mormal

Mormal forest is the largest forest in the region and has hundreds of kilometres of paths, cycle routes and bridleways

The town of Bavay has an important Roman forum and other Roman ruins

It is the riverside setting and the buildings that remain of the abbey complex that once stood here that form the main attraction in Maroilles

Saint-Amand-les-Eaux

Established as a spa centre for more than 2000 years, it is still the spa treatments that attract visitors to Saint-Amand-les-Eaux today

Remarkably for the town that was the site of the world's first ever tank batle, Cambrai is very interesting to explore with lots of historical monuments and a high quality museum

Solre-le-Chateau

Solre-le-Chateau is best known for its church with a sloping spire and the town hall

Address: Quesnoy, Avesnes-sur-Helpe, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, 59530, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 50.247319, longitude 3.636002

Plan your visit to Le Quesnoy, Nord

Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby.

• Le jardin de Sylvie Fontaine: remarkable garden (15 km)
• l'Avesnois: regional natural parc (19 km)
• Mastaing: ville fleurie 4* (24 km)
• Scarpe-Escaut: regional natural parc (26 km)
• Saint-Amand-les-Eaux : recommended detour (27 km)
• Beffroi de Cambrai (Belfries of Belgium and France) : heritage site (30 km)
• Cambrai : town of art and history (30 km)
• Réserve naturelle régionale de la Tourbière de Vred: site of natural beauty (32 km)
• Réserve naturelle régionale du Pré des Nonnettes: site of natural beauty (33 km)
• Eglise de Notre Dame de Vaucelles (Les Rues-des-Vignes): religious monument (33 km)
• Fourmies: recommended detour (39 km)
• Beffroi de Douai (Belfries of Belgium and France): heritage site (42 km)

The French version of this page is at Le Quesnoy (Francais)

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• La parenthèse nature : Se ressourcer
• La randonnée pédestre

Circuit des remparts de Le Quesnoy

Présentation

Au coeur de la citadelle quercitaine, découvrez les ouvrages de défense élaborés sous Charles Quint et Louis XIV.

Parce que pour pouvoir randonner, il faut des chemins adaptés, le département du Nord s’appuie sur un outil concret : le Plan Départemental des Itinéraires de Promenade et de Randonnée Pédestre (PDIPR). En termes techniques, le PDIPR a pour but de favoriser la découverte des sites naturels et des paysages ruraux par la pratique de la randonnée, en garantissant la continuité des itinéraires et en assurant la conservation du patrimoine que constituent les chemins ruraux. Autrement dit, ce plan encadre l’évolution, la gestion et la préservation des 6000 kilomètres de sentiers et des 360 circuits pédestres que compte le Nord.

Type : Boucle balisée

Altitude max : 133m

Parking : Place de la Carpe d'Or devant l'Étang du Pont Rouge. (D/A) Le restaurant de la Carpe d'Or à votre gauche, dirigez-vous à gauche vers la Porte Faurœulx : à droite, Square Daniel Vincent. Observez les fossés des remparts de chaque côté du pont et passez le passage piéton couvert. Avant l'Office de Tourisme, empruntez le sentier à gauche, grimpez ensuite sur la gauche puis serrez à droite le long du Bastion Vert : prudence. Pour les personnes sujettes au vertige, préférez le sentier du bas. Rejoignez la Place Tournefort derrière le kiosque à musique. Dépassez ce dernier et descendez à l’intérieur des remparts au pied du demi-bastion du château. Poursuivez à droite sur 400 m environ. (1) Prenez sur la droite, empruntez le passage voûté en briques pour découvrir le site du New Zealand Forces Memorial. Revenez sur vos pas, reprenez le passage et continuez à droite sur le sentier en cheminant entre deux étangs. Traversez la route (Avenue de la Libération) au niveau de la Porte Saint-Martin et poursuivez en face sur la contre-garde, devant le bastion du même nom. Montez l’escalier et retrouvez la demi-lune de la Porte de Valenciennes. (2) Coupez la route. De l’autre côté, descendez l’escalier en pierre et structure métallique au pied du monument aux morts. Cheminez dans le fossé et longez le demi-bastion du Château César puis l’imposant Bastion Royal. (3) Coupez la Rue Victor Hugo et continuez tout droit le long des remparts et de l’étang, au pied du Bastion Impérial. Après un coude à droite, en cul-de-sac, empruntez la galerie à gauche. Au bout, sortez et grimpez les escaliers avec prudence. Suivez le sentier sur la droite avant l'Avenue Léo Lagrange. (D/A) Face au restaurant de la Carpe d'Or, prenez à gauche et traversez l'Avenue Léo Lagrange en empruntant le passage piétons face à la Résidence Harmonie. Traversez le Boulevard Faurœulx sur le passage piétons et arrivez face à l'Étang du Pont Rouge. (4) Traversez la pelouse et dirigez-vous vers les sapins à votre droite. Suivez le sentier à l'arrière des maisons, prenez sur votre droite l'escalier en rondins pour accéder aux remparts. Au bout de l'escalier, prenez à gauche. Continuez toujours tout droit sur le sentier en terre et en herbe. À droite, un observatoire vous permet de contempler les oiseaux sur l'étang. Descendez l'escalier en rondins, poursuivez tout droit, puis prenez à droite Porte de Landrecies. Franchissez le pont. (5) Suivez le passage en macadam le plus à droite. Remarquez une demoiselle à droite en passant, passez le tourniquet et engagez-vous sur la passerelle en bois. En sortant de la passerelle, prenez le sentier de droite pour longer l'étang. Traversez la plaine de jeux et dirigez-vous toujours tout droit en longeant l'étang. Passez l'embarcadère et le restaurant Le Chalet de l'Étang, puis tournez à droite pour continuer à longer la berge. (6) Prenez le sentier en cailloux à droite offrant des pontons aux pêcheurs. Au niveau des vannes, traversez la route pour rejoindre votre point de départ (D/A).

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Références cartographiques

Carte IGN : 2706OT

Suggestions

Circuit de Potelle

Les Néozélandais au Quesnoy pendant la Grande Guerre

Parcours des jardins de Le Quesnoy

Circuit grande étoile des remparts du Quesnoy

Circuit des souterrains de le quesnoy.

Our Gîtes and Guest rooms

Bed and breakfast in le quesnoy.

On the first floor of a shop selling local products, you will have a view of the Rhônelle Valley and the orchard (7000 apple trees, including some old varieties).

Bed and Breakfast of Beaudignies

Located in a former “Farm-Brewery”, these guest rooms offer, in addition to a large space of about 800 m², a breakfast based on local products.

Gites of Beaudignies

You will be able to enjoy private green spaces, laid out on a large plot of land and admire the brewery’s chimney, which is entirely covered with ivy.

Description

5 Gîtes de France bed and breakfast rooms, Le Quesnoy (a town fortified by Vauban) is 1 km away, Valenciennes 16 kms, Maubeuge 30 kms, Brussels 100 kms.

5 guest rooms on the floor of a local produce shop:

• Rooms 1 and 5: 1 bed of 160 cm, 2 beds of 100 cm, washbasin, WC, bath, desk.
• Rooms 2, 3, 4: 1 bed of 160 cm, basin, WC, shower, TV.

Living room on the ground floor in an annex wing.

Breakfast based on local products. View of the Rhônelle valley.

Possibility to taste the products of the orchard and the regional products of the Avesnois.

200 m² tasting room (150 people on site). Kitchenette available on the ground floor.

Doctors, pharmacists, shops, sports facilities, restaurants, guided tours of the ramparts of Le Quesnoy fortified by Vauban at 1 km.

Animals : Not allowed

Equipements

• Fenced area
• Baby equipment
• Bedding provided
• Kitchenette
• Charges included
• Wifi – Internet

Rates per night

Rooms 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

• 1 Pers : 60.00 €
• 2 Pers : 65.00 / 70.00 €

Room 1 and 5

• 3 Pers : 85.00 / 90.00 €
• 4 Pers : 100.00 €
• Additional person : 20.00 €

Rates are inclusive of VAT and breakfast.

Tourist tax : 0,30 € /night/adult (18 years and over) (from 01/01/2023 to 31/12/2023)

Please note : these prices are for information only

5 Gîtes de France guest rooms. Come and stay in Martine and Christophe’s guest rooms in the Mormal region. On this former brewery-farm, a witness of our remarkable industrial heritage. Martine and Christophe have renovated this building and have created guest rooms.

5 guest rooms located in a former brewery, on the first floor of the owner’s house.

• Rooms 1, 2 and 5: 1 bed 160, washbasin, shower 80x80cm, private wc.
• Room 3: 1 bed 160, 2 beds 90, washbasin, shower 1x1m, private wc.
• Room 4 : 1 bed 160, 2 beds 90, sink, shower 90x90cm, private wc. 56cm flat screen TV in each room.

Living room on the ground floor with kitchenette. Breakfast based on local products.

Wifi access. Parking. Lawn (800 m²). Restaurant, doctors, chemists, shops, leisure centre, ramparts (guided tour) 3 km. Mormal Forest & Golf 10 km. ).

Le Cateau 16 km, Bavay 16 km, Aulnoy-Aymeries 18 km, Valenciennes 22 km, Avesnes sur Helpe 29 km, Maubeuge 30 km, St.thermale de Saint-Amand-Les-Eaux 35 km, Cambrai 37km, Mons 42 km, Orchies 50 km, Saint-Quentin 55km, Villeneuve d’Ascq 67km, Bruxelles 100km.

RATES PER NIGHT

Rooms 3, 4 and 5

Room 3 and 5

Extra bed (Rooms 1, 4 and 5): 20.00 €

Come and stay in one of Martine and Christophe’s gîtes in the Pays de Mormal. On this former farm-brewery, a witness to our remarkable craft heritage, Martine and Christophe have renovated the building and created two brand new gîtes in the outbuildings adjacent to the brewery.

Shops, local produce shop 3 km. Restaurant, doctors, chemists, shops, leisure centre 3 km.

Le Cateau, Bavay 16 km, Aulnoye-Aymeries 18 km, Valenciennes 22 km. Avesnes 29 km, Maubeuge 30 km, St-Amand-Les-Eaux, Cambrai 37 km, Mons 42 km, Orchies 50 km.

Single-storey apartment of 84 m² adjoining gîte N°1, fitted out in the outbuildings of an old brewery, in the Avesnois regional nature park.

1 bedroom 1 bed 160 x 200 cm and 1 bed 100 x 200 cm. | 1 bedroom: 1 bed 160 x 200 cm. TV (82 cm flat screen) | Washing machine | Dryer | Dishwasher | Microwave | Underfloor heating

Possibility of renting household linen and cleaning package.

Private, unenclosed lawn 150 m², garden furniture, barbecue.

Please note: this form does not guarantee your reservation and you will be contacted later to finalise your booking.

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New Zealand Liberation Museum – Te Arawhata opens in Le Quesnoy

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The NZ Liberation Museum – Te Arawhata in Le Quesnoy, France features Te Arawhata soldiers created by Wētā Workshop. Photo / Supplied

Te Arawhata – New Zealand Liberation Museum has opened in a French town freed in a unique fashion by Kiwi soldiers at the end of World War 1.

Hundreds of Kiwis travelled to Le Quesnoy to celebrate the opening of the museum on Wednesday (NZT), with former governor-general of New Zealand and former soldier Sir Jerry Mateparae and Marie-Sophie Lesne, the Mayor of Le Quesnoy, doing the official opening.

Also in attendance were Waipā Mayor Susan O’Regan and Deputy Mayor Liz Stowyk, because Cambridge is a sister city of Le Quesnoy.

The Waipā District Council attendees funded their own trip to Le Quesnoy.

“After 105 years New Zealand soldiers now have a memorial to tell their story and honour those who did not make it home, it was a real privilege to be part of this event.

“We have attended two days of official ceremonies and tours that will now be a place that honours our past, highlights the importance World War One continues to hold, and tells the extraordinary stories of Kiwi men and women who served in Europe,” says Stowyk.

Stowyk was in attendance with her 18-year-old son Curtis Reymer. Stowyk said they were both very moved by the official opening. “I was fortunate to share this experience with my son and I’m often reminded that we don’t build these memorials for ourselves, but for our children and their children. These stories must be told, Lest we forget,” says Stowyk.

Stowyk was able to spend the day exploring the museum. She said it was outstanding.

The room that stood out featured a large soldier made by Wētā Workshop. “When you enter the room the expression on our soldier’s face will last with me forever.”

The town was liberated on November 4, 1918, after four years of German occupation. Citizens were finally freed by the New Zealand Division, with soldiers using ladders to scale the walls that surrounded the town.

The museum takes its name from the way Kiwi soldiers used those ladders, instead of firing over the ramparts. It ensured no civilian lives were lost, but many New Zealand soldiers died and were buried in the cemetery in Le Quesnoy.

The method of liberation was a feat so unusual it even made the New York Times.

Many of those who attended the opening of the museum were already in France for the Rugby World Cup, but others travelled specifically for the opening and to be among the first to visit it.

Attendees included dignitaries, descendants of Kiwi soldiers, donors who have supported the $15 million project, and members of the public.

Sir Don McKinnon, chairman of the New Zealand Memorial Museum Trust – Le Quesnoy, said the museum acknowledged a friendship that began over 100 years ago and highlighted the importance of “learning from the past to support a better future”. He said it also served to commemorate the 12,500 Kiwis who died in France and Belgium during WWI.

“The opening ceremony was extremely moving, but it was also a celebration of the many passionate people who have supported the project to get the beautifully hand-crafted front doors of the museum open.”

Wētā Workshop, best known for its screen work on Lord of the Rings, Avatar, and Dune, created an immersive visitor experience including a large-scale, hyper-realistic soldier, which is one of the first figures visitors see when they enter the museum.

Another centrepiece of the experience was Te Arawhata, which means ‘the ladder’, a 7.4m structure that extended up through the museum stairwell.

“Having the opportunity to bring such a significant piece of Kiwi history to the fore is very special. The stories are rich and compelling, and we want to help people connect with them in a meaningful way through reflection and discussion about what happened in this little French town over 100 years ago,” said Sir Richard Taylor, Wētā Workshop CEO and creative director.

The museum was housed in a newly renovated 1890s building and stayed true to its beautiful beginnings while ensuring it is also fit for purpose for today and beyond.

“The museum is beautiful,” McKinnon said.

“Wētā Workshop has created an experience that is poignant and emotional yet educational and entertaining. When people walk inside the building they are moved to silence. They become quiet and reflective as they walk through the many different rooms. It is very special.”

The project has been privately funded through donations but fundraising was ongoing, with the aim of reaching beyond the $15 million target.

The Rugby exhibition, From the Field to the Front, which is located in a separate gallery inside the museum, also opened on October 11 and told the story of All Blacks who served in World War One and highlighted the place the game held in New Zealand’s cultural fabric.

The liberation began an enduring friendship between the people of Le Quesnoy and New Zealand, which has only strengthened over time.

Kiwis in Le Quesnoy were usually made very welcome and there were street names like Rue de la Nouvelle Zélande and Place des All Blacks, to remind people of the Kiwi connection.

There were more personal connections too, like the pre-school named in honour of the first man over the ladder, Leslie Averill.

Mayor of Le Quesnoy, Marie-Sophie Lesne reflected on the strong connection.

“We will always be very grateful to the men from your country for liberating our town. Our bond is very strong with New Zealand. It will never be forgotten.”

She said, for those who paid the ultimate price, friendship was theirs too.

“They rest here with us, and we care for them like our own sons.”

The official opening was attended by dignitaries included Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence (husband to Anne, The Princess Royal), chairwoman of New Zealand Rugby Dame Patsy Reddy, Sir Don McKinnon and Lady McKinnon Clare de Lore, Sir Lockwood Smith and Lady Alexandra Smith, chairman of Wētā Workshop George Hickton, Andrew Thomas senior creative director Wētā Workshop, Tararua mayor Tracey Collis, Waipa Mayor Susan O’Regan, Palmerston North mayor Grant Smith, Lindsay Foundation founding partners Brendan and Jo Lindsay and national president of the NZ RSA Sir Wayne ‘Buck’ Shelford.

“This museum should be a must-see for New Zealanders travelling – Anzac services are held every year in this beautiful town and if you are in the area I would highly recommend making this connection,” says Stowyk.

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