A document dating from 1125 and a small belfry from the early 17th century mark two very different periods in Pont-sur-Sambre. East of the town, the RNR de Pantegnies lies in a bend of the Sambre. Cultural history and nature shape the area in different ways: here you’ll encounter historic buildings and exhibitions; there, wetlands, trails and opportunities to observe nature.
Belfry, Church and Local History
The Tour du Guet is a small belfry built of brick and stone in the early 17th century. It contains a clock, a bell and a dungeon; the tower also once served as a courtroom. It stands on the Grand Rue, described as a Roman road from Bavay to Reims. Here, a striking building and a road with historical connections come together.
The Église de Quartes is mentioned in a document from 1125 belonging to the chapter of Saint-Géry de Cambrai. The church also contains numerous 17th-century tombstones. The written reference and the tombstones offer different insights into the town’s history: one is an early documentary record, the other a tangible feature of the church.
Museum and Local Culture
The Musée de la Maison de Pays recreates typical interiors and clothing from the late 19th century. Its exhibits include an estaminet featuring a depiction of Robert Louis Stevenson, a seamstress’s workshop and a dairy. There are mannequins dressed in period clothing and historical objects on display. Each room gives the exhibition its own distinct focus.
Stevenson is also linked to a journey through the area: on a trip from Antwerp to Pontoise, he and his companion travelled along the Sambre, among other waterways, and passed through Pont-sur-Sambre. Another story from local cultural history is told by the Maison natale du peintre FĂ©lix del Marle. The building dates from the mid-19th century and became the manor house of a brewery built around 1888. FĂ©lix Del Marle was born in Pont-sur-Sambre on 21 October 1889. In his birthplace, he created a Neoplasticist decoration around 1926, which he altered around 1945.
The Sambre Landscape and Walking Trails
The RNR de Pantegnies lies east of the town, in a bend of the Sambre and amid a bocage landscape of damp woodland, protected plant species and diverse wildlife. Two nature trails offer a choice of distances: the “boucle de l’hirondelle” is 1.7 kilometres long, and the “boucle de la Sambre” is 3.1 kilometres. The routes may be adjusted for nature conservation reasons, so check the current trail layout before setting out.
At an observation point, you can watch ducks and herons; a wooden boardwalk leads through the marshes. If you’re looking for a different kind of walk, the Parc des Libellules offers four hectares of green space, with maintained walking paths and picnic areas. The nature reserve features two named trails, while the park’s paths and picnic areas offer another way to spend time outdoors.
Waterways and Planning Your Visit
Pont-sur-Sambre is a boating stop on the Escales Sambre network. The network offers walking and cycling routes along the Sambre’s towpaths; route options may change. Sambre Évasion offers nature trips from Pont-sur-Sambre in electric boats that do not require a licence. A tourism article from 2026 also mentions boat trips between Pont-sur-Sambre and Berlaimont. As the provider’s availability and routes may change, check the latest information before making plans.
The Musée de la Maison de Pays has two visiting options: individual visitors and groups are welcomed by prior appointment; the museum is also open every second Sunday of the month from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m. Check the date before travelling. The annual pilgrimage to Notre-Dame de Quartes takes place on Whit Monday; people pray to Notre-Dame de Quartes for relief from fever and illness. If you wish to attend the pilgrimage, confirm the latest event information beforehand.
Discover more destinations: Oisy, Hazebrouck, Hem, Orchies, Saint-Pierre-Brouck, Louvignies-Quesnoy, Saint-Hilaire-Sur-Helpe, Larouillies.
View the broader travel guide: Nord.
