Located at the gateway to Belgium, in the Meuse Valley, at the heart of the Ardennes Regional Nature Park, the charming little medieval village of Hierges lies is dominated by the remains of a castle made of towers and ramparts. Rebuilt in the 16th century in the Mosan Renaissance style, Hierges Castle boasts beautiful French and Italian-style gardens.
Lovers of old buildings should continue their tour of the town with a stroll along its pretty paved streets dotted with old houses!
Common Ardennes, the heart of the Regional Natural Park of the Ardennes, Hierges takes place at the gates of Belgium, in the valley of the Meuse. It is located not far from Charleville-Mézières, Philippeville and Nouzonville.
Full of charm, the city of the north of France presents more than 1000 of history through an exceptional architectural and cultural heritage to discover the time of a stay in the region. Its evolution is closely linked to that of its castle whose ruins still reign supreme on the territory. Long a limit of the principality of Liège, this fortified building was used in the ninth century to protect the village against the Norman invasions.
Even today, passing visitors appreciate its proximity to some of the most beautiful sights in the region, as well as its pleasant surroundings.
Listed as Historical Monuments, the remains of the former feudal castle of Hierges still stand on the heights of the town. Built in the 9th century, destroyed in the 12th century, then rebuilt in the 16th century in the Mosane Renaissance style, it is decorated with French and Italian gardens. In addition to towers and ramparts, it is still possible to discover the old common and an eighteenth century dovecote.
Also listed as a Historical Monument, the Hierges cross is an expiatory cross erected after a duel in the second half of the 18th century by Jehan Collin, the murderer of Thiry Mayreau, a soldier in Charlemont. An inscription is engraved on the base, and one can see medallions representing the eagle of St. John, the bull of St. Luke, the angel representing St. Matthew, and the lion of St. Mark.
Renaissance Mosane style, like the feudal castle, the Church of St. John the Baptist was built in the second half of the sixteenth century. Classified as a Historical Monument, it presents several 17th century stained glass windows as well as works by Charles Eyckens. Several classified objects can also be admired as a celebrant's bench, a statue of Christ on the cross, or a painting of the Wedding of the Virgin.
Throughout the year, various events are organized at Hierges and within the castle, such as the day tales and legends of the Ardennes in the gardens of the castle, guided tours of the medieval village of Hierges...
Information at the Tourist Office Val d'Ardenne.
A Christmas market is proposed in December.
