La Neuville-aux-Joûtes is a commune in the Ardennes department, in the Grand Est region, 13 km southeast of Hirson.
Bordering the Aisne to the west and south, its territory of 13 km² belongs to the natural region of Thiérache, which provides the transition between the Ardennes massif to the east and south, the country of Hainaut, Avesnois and Belgium to the north. It is renowned for its bocage landscapes and meadows, discreetly hilly, its scattered habitat and its brick houses covered with slate.
Characteristics found in the locality, attached to the province of Guise until the Revolution, and which is covered with meadows (63% of its surface area) and forests (34%).
The forges established in the 18th century having ceased their long-standing activity, the town of around 350 inhabitants is now appreciated for its green environment which lends itself to hiking and "nature" leisure activities (fishing).
In the small town, the Saint-Nicaise parish church is the most notable heritage site. It was rebuilt from 1880 to plans by the Reims architect Dautreville. Following a Latin cross plan, the building has a nave of three naves preceded by a bell tower-porch. After a non-protruding transept, it ends with a choir framed by two sacristies and equipped with a semi-circular apse. We observe an out-of-work staircase turret and a subtle balance between the use of bricks for the corner chains or frames and cut stones. Furthermore, according to local tradition, quartzite rubble was used. These different colors contribute to the decorative effect of the whole. Note also that the nave has pointed arch arcades surmounted by quadrilobed oculus and that the facade has a portal with pointed arch arches falling on columns with capitals, surmounted by a large polylobed oculus. The roof of the building is made of slate. The buttresses were reinforced with concrete in 1957 and the interior paintings were also renovated in the 1990s. Even more recently, a beam of glory was installed by craftsmen and volunteers to accommodate two unearthed statues representing Saint Anne with a Virgin and Child and Saint Philomena.
The church hosts concerts in summer. Contact the town hall on +33 3 24 53 50 57.
Some residences and agricultural buildings of character complete this discovery of the town's heritage, including the former house of the Raux family ironmasters, dated 1755.
Regarding leisure, in the south of the territory, a field dedicated to motocross, renowned regionally, is accessible all year round.
For fishing enthusiasts, the Gland stream (a tributary of the Oise) is of certain interest. Information on regulations and suitable sites from the intercommunal association on +33 3 24 40 42 68.
For hikers, two marked trails 7 and 12 km long are traced in the commune, including bocage landscapes then walking through the forest. They are notably dotted with remains of border blockhouses which bear witness to the wars of the 20th century.
Loops are also dedicated to mountain bikers or horse riders who allow you to appreciate the charms of Thiérache and the richness of the Ardennes massif... In addition, electric bikes are available for rental in the community of communes. Maps and information from the intercommunal tourist office at +33 3 24 53 51 01.
Finally, it should be noted that 'a nocturnal environment without pollution and conducive to observations...
Holidaymakers who stay in the campsite on the farm set up in the town will appreciate... Information on +33 7 86 18 07 49.
The second Sunday in April, motocross with regional and national races.
The last weekend of July, patronal festival.
