The Circuit des Chapelles et des ailles starts at Ohain town hall. The circular route is 13 kilometres long and is listed as taking 3 hours and 45 minutes. It passes through bocage countryside and along the edge of the Fagne de Trélon forest. Along the way, landscapes and religious buildings meet, from chapels to an oratory. This gives a stay in Ohain a clear focus on hiking and local history.
A landscape of forests and meadows
Ohain lies like an amphitheatre between forests and meadows, sheltered by hills and woods. At 253 metres, it is approximately at the highest point in the Nord département. The landscape can also be experienced on the circular route, which passes through bocage and along the edge of the Fagne de Trélon forest. Ohain is also included in the ZNIEFF natural area “Le Plateau d'Anor et la Vallée de l'Helpe Mineure en amont d'Etroeungt”.
Circular route with chapels and an oratory
The Circuit des Chapelles et des ailles consists of two loops that share a start and finish point. If the route is rerouted, its course may change, so follow the current waymarks. For planning, the listed duration of 3 hours and 45 minutes provides a useful guide, in addition to the 13-kilometre distance.
The route passes the Chapelle-Colonne du Saint-Sang-de-JĂ©sus, which dates from 1837. It also goes by the Chapelle du Grand Dieu. The oratory dates from the late 17th century and is made of stone and brick; two of its pillars are made of pink stone. The two chapels add a cultural and historical dimension to the circular route without detracting from its scenic character.
The history of the village’s buildings
The oldest surviving written mention of Ohain dates from 8 December 1180. Later buildings tell of different periods in the village’s history: the Église Saint-Martin was built of grey stone between 1843 and 1845. A chapel traditionally known as “l'église de paille” was dedicated to Saint Martin. The Calvaire au Trieux de Melsart is also part of Ohain’s religious heritage.
The village’s history also includes the Égayoir, a drinking trough made of dressed blue stone. It was built in the centre of the village in 1833 in the shape of a horseshoe. The dates form a small historical sequence, from the medieval reference through chapels dating from the late 17th century to buildings from the 19th century. The village’s history thus adds further named landmarks to the impressions along the circular route.
Regional produce
Le Verger Bio d’Ohain has replanted Thiérache apple varieties to continue a regional cider-making tradition. The products listed include farmhouse cider, apple and pear juice, apple vinegar and preserves, as well as the sparkling Poiré de l’Avesnois “Cuvée de la Reine”. The range may change.
According to a notice dated 3 April 2024, the Brasserie de Thiérache in Ohain allowed visitors to buy or consume products on site; according to a notice dated 5 April 2024, group tours with tastings were available on weekdays by prior reservation. Check current opening hours and access before visiting; groups should also confirm arrangements with the operator and booking details.
Discover more destinations: Villeneuve-D'ascq, Sebourg, SĂ©meries, Feignies, Bousies, Bousbecque, Hem-Lenglet, Baives.
View the broader travel guide: Nord.
