In Prisches, two routes offer different discoveries: the “Circuit des boutons d'or” is a very easy walking route, while “Chapelles et oratoires” draws attention to scattered oratories in the bocage landscape. There are also churches, chapels and a landscape of hedgerows, meadows, ponds and streams.
Oratories and Routes Around Prisches
Along the “Chapelles et oratoires” route, small country lanes pass blue-stone oratories. Scattered across the bocage landscape, they were made by craftsmen and vary in shape, size and detail. These differences are what make the subject so appealing: rather than a uniform building type, you encounter different forms of small-scale religious art. The route passes through Prisches and is listed in the 2025 Baladavesnois guide as 26 kilometres long, with a duration of 2 hours 30 minutes.
The “Circuit des boutons d'or” circular route starts on Rue de la mairie. This 8.3-kilometre walking route is rated very easy and passes the Croix Vendois. It offers a different focus from the oratory route: here, the circular route, difficulty level and a specific landmark are named; there, the scattered structures and their craftsmanship take centre stage. If choosing between the two, you can use this distinction as a guide and factor each route’s length into your plans for the day.
Bocage, Ponds and the Rivièrette
The “Bocage de Prisches et Bois de Toillon” protected area encompasses dense hedgerows, meadows with ponds, numerous streams and the Rivièrette. The landscape cannot be reduced to a single viewpoint: hedgerows, waterways and meadows together form its characteristic setting. This offers a different way to experience the area than its history of churches and chapels, and complements the routes, whose themes range from buildings to the surrounding landscape.
The Rivièrette is also a local landmark at Saint-Nicolas Church: the watercourse flows through or alongside the church. The connection between the waterway and the church building points to a specific feature of the local landscape, without requiring you to follow another route. When planning your visit, it is therefore worth distinguishing between a dedicated walk and an interest in individual religious buildings or the landscape.
Church, History and Protected Art
The church’s history spans several building phases. An earlier church was destroyed by fire in 1472; a new church was built in Prisches in 1550. The church complex had the appearance of a fortress, as the cemetery was surrounded by a wide ditch and an enclosing wall. During attacks, villagers could take refuge there and defend themselves. This account describes a historical function and helps explain the complex beyond its religious significance.
The church tower was rebuilt in 1780–1781 and is 23 metres high. The high altar and both side altars came from Maroilles Abbey and were acquired in 1791. Another notable ensemble is the protected object “autel de Saint-Nicolas, son retable et son tableau: Saint Nicolas”. It was listed as a protected object on 7 June 1973 and dates from the 18th century; the lower part of the reredos is newer. These different dates show how the church reflects both its building history and individual works of art from different periods.
The 1158 charter of Prisches is also part of the town’s history: it organised the market and protected inheritance rights. Together with the buildings and works of art, it offers a glimpse into different aspects of the area, from community life to the church’s furnishings.
Chapels and Religious Heritage
The named chapels include “Calvaire Cochet” in the hamlet of Malgarni, at the exit from the village towards Le Nouvion. Its name comes from the Cochet family. The “N.D des Victoires” chapel dates from 1897, is in the hamlet of La Sablière and contains numerous small statues of saints. These details help distinguish the two chapels: one is identified by its name and location, the other by its construction date, location and furnishings.
A local inventory of religious heritage in the Avesnois lists 39 items in Prisches: one church, 25 oratories, six chapels, one niche, and six calvaries or crosses. This gives an overview of the range of religious heritage in the area; access conditions may vary from site to site. So if you want to visit a particular building or monument, check the visiting arrangements for that specific place.
Discover more destinations: Merville, Grande-Synthe, Villeneuve-D'ascq, Ramillies, Wasquehal, Clairfayts, Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer, Sin-Le-Noble.
For the regional travel overview: Nord.
