Top 4 Natural Monuments around Fresnois-La-Montagne

During the German occupation, this isolated hole was used as a hiding place by members of the local resistance. They found shelter there to gather, store equipment, or simply protect themselves from enemy patrols. The site bears witness to the courage and determination of these men and women who risked their lives for freedom. 🌲 The site today: Accessible via a forest walk, the Trou des Maquisards is marked by a commemorative stele. The site invites contemplation and reflection, while offering a beautiful immersion in the Gaume nature. It is a moving stopover for hikers, history buffs, or those curious in search of authentic places.

The Trou des Maquisards, located in Gaume near the village of Bleid, is a place steeped in history and memory. It is a natural cavity hidden in a wood, which served as a refuge for Belgian resistance fighters — the maquisards — during the Second World War.

Mary's Washing Place. There was probably an open-air spring here earlier, but it is certain that the Virtonese were already using it in 1563, when it was mentioned as Fontaine Mère, the Mother Fountain. This spring, situated on the hillside, was so named because it supplied a series of other water points. First called lavoir Sainte-Catherine (Saint Catherine's Washing Place), the name changed to Fontaine Marie in 1693. Springs are often placed under the protection of a god and later of a saint. In 1784, this spring, with its two washbasins, was covered, giving it its current appearance. As a result of a tax on the use of public washrooms in 1815, the Fontaine Marie was reserved for the poorer Virtonese. The introduction of indoor water taps between 1869 and 1876 limited the use of public water supplies. (Stapperloot)

easy with children

The Cusignière moor is located on the border between Belgium and France. It is a unique location in this region. You can explore the moor via wooden plank paths and observe the unique flora and fauna.

There you go, Stephane, I am subscribing to your mailings and this is what I see, the last ones always go back a long time

You will be able to explore the traces of the mining activity that lasted from the 19th century until 1982, when the mine closed due to the exhaustion of the ore seam. You can see the entrances to the underground tunnels, some of which are still accessible, as well as the remains of the ore processing plant demolished in 1963. Along the way, you will also enjoy panoramic views of the wooded hills and red sandstones, typical of the region where the iron-rich sedimentary rock called Minette is found. It is a great way to discover the industrial heritage and natural beauty of Halanzy.

The calvary of remembrance was placed there in 1964 by the people of Latour in memory of their 71 shot during the demonstrations of the 50th anniversary of the August 24 massacres. This cross was the last of a way of the cross starting from the church and criss-crossing the coast of La Salette and the road to Ethe to arrive at this place called "des Rappes" where the shooting took place. The base was made of local stone by masons from the village, but the monument itself is an old tomb in the communal cemetery. This was the tomb of the ancestors of Léopold JACQUEMIN, the sculptor. His daughter Marie had donated the stone. Father HALBARDIER, parish priest of Latour at that time, engraved these few verses by Charles PÉGUY "Here is the hard slope and here is our love" (Source [415].