Twenty-eight window openings in Saint-Martin church, an openwork concrete tower and a turbulent history of reconstruction give Fontaine-Notre-Dame a distinctive cultural and historical focus. A driving route covering the Battle of Cambrai and a local running and walking event offer different points of interest. This makes it possible to explore the town through a range of themes without having to follow a fixed itinerary for the day.
Saint-Martin: Art Deco and reconstruction
Saint-Martin church is considered an emblematic church from the first period of reconstruction. It was built in 1928 on the exact site and foundations of the former church, which was destroyed in 1917 during the Battle of Cambrai. Fontaine-Notre-Dame was almost completely destroyed during the fighting in November 1917; Saint-Martin was among the main buildings affected. The present building is therefore closely linked to the reconstruction of the town after the war damage.
The Art Deco church-window ensemble comprises 28 window openings. Valentine Reyre provided the designs for the entire ensemble; the surviving original windows are in the choir and the apsidioles. The design and the location of the surviving windows are two distinct aspects: the ensemble describes the extent of the window installation, while the originals can now be found in these parts of the church. The openwork concrete tower complements the architecture. It is particularly visible from the A2 motorway.
The furnishings in the north aisle also offer a close-up look at materials and design. The altar and tabernacle are made of red marble with white veining, black marble and white stone. Both were listed as movable cultural property on 27 August 1987. The Roman road from Bapaume became the settlement axis of Fontaine-Notre-Dame, adding another historical reference to the town's more recent history.
Memorial sites and directions
Crest Cemetery commemorates the battles of the First World War. It contains 88 graves from that war; all but one are those of Canadian soldiers. The burials date from 27 September to 7 October 1918. Together with the destruction of the town in November 1917, these dates show different phases of Fontaine-Notre-Dame's wartime history.
The cemetery is signposted from the N30 and lies on the right-hand side of the road towards Raillencourt. These directions identify both the road and the direction of travel as landmarks.
Driving route and local activities
The “La bataille de Cambrai” driving route is rated very easy and follows a 46-kilometre circular route by car covering the subject of the battle. The route is listed as taking 1 hour and 30 minutes. Fontaine-Notre-Dame is stop number 7 on the route, at Route Nationale 1372. The distance and duration refer to the circular route, not just to the stop in the town.
Les Foulées de la Folie is a recurring local running and walking event. Its format includes a 10-kilometre run and a timed 10-kilometre walking event. Editions took place from 2022 to 2026; 2026 was the fifth edition. If you would like to plan your trip around a future edition, check the dates each year.
For outdoor activities in the town, there is a municipal playground and a multisport area on Rue de la Gare and Rue du Moulin Antoine. Facilities and access arrangements may change; check current use before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Clairfayts, La Gorgue, Tourcoing, Lambersart, Cassel, Bondues, Ghyvelde, Sebourg
For the regional travel overview: Nord.
