Calendar of meetings and events

Le Quesnoy

WALKING TOUR
Historical hike “In the Footsteps of the New Zealand’s Soldiers”
The town of Le Quesnoy was liberated on 4 November 1918 by the Rifle Brigade, troops from New Zealand. These soldiers from the other side of the world crossed Beaudignies before setting up a lad-der against the ramparts of Le Quesnoy to liberate the Quercitains.
Itinerary covering 6 km from Beaudignies to the New Zealand memorial in Le Quesnoy (Length: 2 hours)
Times: Sat. 25, 9.15am | Departure: Place du Colonel Blyth in Beaudignies | Free

GUIDED TOURS
“A unique defence system in the world, called the “The ‘ouvrage à cornes’ (a fortification with an advanced part, made up of a curtain wall and two half-bastions) of Le Quesnoy”, in groups of 30
Erected between 1738 and the French Revolution, this “ouvrage à cornes”, covering the south-eastern part of the town, is one of a kind. Why was this work absolutely indispensable for the defence of the fortified town?
Times: Sat. 25 et Sun. 26, 3pm and 4pm | Departure: Car park of the La Carpe d’Or Brasserie
“Wild and Savoury walk through the Ramparts” by the “Les sens
du gout” (Sense of Taste) Association, in groups of 20 We invite you to set out to explore the rich local and natural heri­tage, particularly savoury plants, to discover culinary practices and acquire know-how in terms of diet, by concocting simple dishes, in-season and well-balanced.
Programme: 1-hour walk and a half-hour to taste recipes using the plants discovered
Times: Sun. 26, 3pm | Departure: Tourist Office (by reser­vation only – limited number) – free

UNACCOMPANIED TRAIL
Scavenger Hunt: “The Quercitain Adventure”
An individual path for the discovery of the fortified town’s archi­tecture and history, for all ages alike.
Times: Sat. 25 and Sun. 26, from 10am to noon and from 3pm to 6pm | Departure: Tourist Office - free

EXHIBITION
History of the Fortification
Scale models and dioramas created and presented by the Cercle Historique Quercitain
Times: Sun. 26, from 3pm to 6pm - free | Location: Cernay Centre (Marguerite of Burgundy Castle) – Place Leclerc

EVENTS
A Night’s Stroll: “Ballade de rois!” (Kings’ Ballad)…
by the troupe of Théâtre Bimberlot In the 17th century, Sébastien Le Prestre, better known by the name of Field Marshal de Vauban, showed our town of Le Quesnoy to His Majesty, King Louis XIV. Unremitting work enabled him to offer his suzerain a ‘‘frontier’’ town, an integral part of the famous fiefdom (‘‘pré carré’’). This type of fortification was to close off our country to offer protection against any invasion. During this period, Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, otherwise known as Molière, wrote many plays that described the Court and lifestyle of his period.
Times: Fri. 24 and Sat. 25, 8.30pm | Departure: Porte du Château Marguerite de Bourgogne (reservation compulsory – limited seats) – Free entry | Practical information: Should the Sun King not be present, the show will take place in the underground chambers of the green bastion. In all cases, bring warm clothing and good shoes for this theatrical and his­toric adventure.
18th Battle Line Bivouac
Reconstruction of life in the military camp, including maneuvers and shooting exercises
Times: Sun. 26, 10am to 6pm | Location: Fossés du Bastion Vert (Ditches of the Green Bastion, close to the Pont Rouge pond) | For safety purposes, please remain at a good distance from the canons (and bring earplugs).

TOURIST OFFICE, Tel: 00.33. (0) 3.27.20.54.70