Masnières can be explored through several specific themes: the Canal de Saint-Quentin, sites commemorating wartime history, the rebuilding of Saint-Martin Church, and glassmaking. These different themes can help you plan your visit: you can combine a walk along the canal with remembrance history, architecture, or industrial heritage.
Canal de Saint-Quentin: History and a Walk
The Canal de Saint-Quentin was inaugurated by Napoleon I and Marie-Louise in 1810. The canal banks in Masnières are suitable for walks. This brings together a specific historical context and an opportunity to spend time outdoors. Local access conditions may change, so check the situation on site before your walk.
Sites Commemorating the Battle of Cambrai
A large caribou in Masnières commemorates the soldiers of the Newfoundland Regiment who took part in the Battle of Cambrai in 1917. During this battle, Masnières marked the Allies’ furthest advance. A monument to the Fort Garry Horse was inaugurated near the Masnières lock on 11 June 2004. A monument to the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry was unveiled on Rue Verte on 30 November 2017.
For a clearer chronology, it is useful to distinguish between the dates: 1917 refers to the Newfoundland Regiment’s participation in the Battle of Cambrai; 11 June 2004 is the inauguration date of the Fort Garry Horse monument, and 30 November 2017 is the unveiling date of the monument to the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry. The Hostetter stele commemorates the American aviator Théodore Hostetter, who was killed in action near Masnières on 28 September 1918. It is located on Chemin de Les Rues des Vignes in the La Fontaine à Corbeaux district of Masnières. The story and memory of John Shiwak are commemorated in English, Inuktitut, and French.
Saint-Martin Church and Glassmaking History
Saint-Martin Church was rebuilt around 1920 after the destruction of the First World War. For the new church, architect Pierre Leprince-Ringuet chose the Neo-Gothic style. The date refers to the rebuilding; the style reflects a separate architectural decision.
Glassmaking is also part of Masnières’ history. Verrerie de Masnières was founded in 1818. For several decades, Masnières has specialized in manufacturing glass packaging for perfumery and luxury cosmetics. Stoelzle Masnières Parfumerie received the “Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant” label.
As part of the Journées du patrimoine, staff-led tours were offered at the Masnières glassworks, and advance booking by telephone was required. If you are considering such a tour, check in advance whether it is available for your preferred dates and how to book at present.
Discover more destinations: Watten, Staple, Mons-En-Pévèle, Boeschepe, Coutiches, Téteghem, Hem-Lenglet, Dourlers
For the broader travel overview: Nord.
