Pouru-Saint-Remy showcases its cultural history through three very different buildings: the small Notre-Dame-du-Bon-Secours Chapel, Saint-Remy Church and Réméhan Castle. The chapel combines a distinctive roof shape with a religious origin story; two construction phases can be distinguished at the church. The castle brings together a family history passed down through generations and its present-day use as a stud farm. You can therefore choose the focus of your visit: architecture, church construction or the history of the castle.

Notre-Dame-du-Bon-Secours Chapel

Notre-Dame-du-Bon-Secours Chapel is a small building with a square floor plan and a hipped roof covered in slate. The square floor plan describes the shape of the building’s footprint, while the hipped roof is formed by roof planes that slope upwards to meet at the top. These two features draw attention to two aspects of the architecture: the layout of the building and the shape of its roof. Unlike Saint-Remy Church, whose history is revealed through two construction phases, Notre-Dame-du-Bon-Secours is notable for the form of a single small building.

The chapel was built in the 19th century at the request of Abbé Thomas, after he made a vow during a war. Thus, alongside its compact architectural form, there is a specific religious occasion that links the building’s origins to Abbé Thomas. The pilgrimage to Notre-Dame-du-Bon-Secours began on the first Sunday in May in 1841. If you are travelling specifically for this pilgrimage, ask locally whether and how it is held today.

The construction history of Saint-Remy Church

Two construction phases can be distinguished at Saint-Remy Church. In 1822, the bell tower and probably the nave were rebuilt. In 1834, the church was extended; the apse and sacristy were very likely added at that time. Twelve years separate these dates. The rebuilding and extension therefore stand as distinct construction phases rather than a single renovation. The church is open on request at the town hall. Include the request in your plans if you would like to visit the church.

Réméhan Castle

Present-day use and historical family history meet at Réméhan Castle. It is privately owned, can be viewed from the outside and is now used as a stud farm for horse breeding. According to tradition, the castle belonged to the d'Anglemont de Tassigny family for several centuries. The stud farm and the older family history offer two perspectives on the same building: its present-day use and a history of ownership passed down through generations.

Plan your visit

Three different visitor information points can help you plan your visit. Access to Saint-Remy Church requires a request at the town hall; the privately owned castle can be viewed from the outside. The pilgrimage began on the first Sunday in May in 1841, but if you are travelling specifically for it, ask locally whether and how it is held today. Visiting the church, viewing the castle from outside and attending the pilgrimage each require different preparations.

Discover more destinations: Hargnies, Rancennes, Moiry, Vireux-Wallerand, Monthermé, Givet, Cornay, Fromelennes.

Back to the broader travel overview: Ardennes.