"Le Grand Bleu" hiking trail

Exploitation of the site began in the 1910s, when sandstone was extracted and used to pave roads and railroads. At the end of the 1960s, the site was abandoned, and water flooded the quarry, giving rise to the surprising landscape we see today.

Founded in the 14th century, the church’s unique feature is its former watchtower, now converted into a bell tower. This round tower adjoining the nave was originally used for military purposes, to alert the stronghold of Fresnay in the event of an attack. The church’s rich furnishings include an 18th-century altarpiece, a 16th-century Christ en Croix and, above all, the 16th-century reliquary of Sainte Avoie.

Le nord du département est parsemé de nombreuses croix archaïques ; tantôt croix de carrefours, tantôt de bornages ou de pèlerinages… elles ont des formes parfois irrégulières, pourvues ou non d’inscriptions ou de symboles. Toutes sont cependant le témoin d’un passé très lointain.