The border between France and Belgium was a military Achilles heel in the 17th century. There are no natural defensive screens such as a mountain ridge or a wide river. After the 16th century, it was not enough for many northern French cities to have just a castle or a fortified garrison building due to the changed way of warfare. After Louis XIV had conquered the area between Boulogne and Le Quesnoy, he had the strategic places fortified with heavy ramparts and moats. His military architect Vauban did this work for him. This created a double line of fortified cities between France and the then Southern Netherlands. On the other side of the border, the Southern Netherlands did not remain idle either. The small fortified cities no longer played a significant role and the skirmishes between France and the Allies (England, the Netherlands and Spain) mainly consisted of threats or took place on a battlefield.
The claims of Louis XIV of France on Flanders resulted in five French occupations between 1646 and 1706 and the construction of fortifications and citadels on both sides. During the wars of Louis XIV of France it became clear that the Spanish Empire was no longer able to defend the Southern Netherlands. If the Southern Netherlands were lost, France would become a threat to the Republic and to the balance of power in Europe.

You will start this tour in the now quiet, historic town of Cambrai, where some remains of fortifications are still visible. It is one of twelve fortresses built by Vauban in France and is an important part of the history of military architecture. The fortress of Cambrai, with its central gun tower and horseshoe-shaped defensive wall, is an example of Vauban's innovative approach to defence. These fortifications, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage List, bear witness to Vauban's ingenious techniques and his important contribution to the development of military architecture.
In addition, the city is known for its prestigious religious buildings and stately mansions. A visit to the Chapelle du Grand Séminaire, known for its baroque facade and the Cathédrale Notre-Dame, with exceptional works of art and beautiful stained glass windows, should not be missed during your visit to this city! When leaving the city towards the fortified town of Le Quesnoy, you will pass a petrol station.

The Dutch have their Naarden, the French their Quesnoy. In fact, the fortifications, which were built here in the 17th century by Vauban, are exceptionally well preserved. Le Quesnoy lies between the open fields of the Cambrésis and the hedgerow landscape of the Thiérache. Nowhere in France can you better see the response defenders had to the developments of 17th century artillery. Moats, pointed defenses placed in the water and bastions with the star-shaped Vauban pattern, in Le Quesnoy everything is still as Vauban developed the fortified town. To enjoy this cool construction, a walk over the ramparts is recommended and then conclude with a well-deserved coffee.

The next fortified town is in Maubeuge, near the Belgian border. It was not until 1678 that the French managed to take Maubeuge. Louis XIV immediately converted this outpost of his empire into a fortified centre. Unfortunately, much of the old urban beauty was lost during the Second World War. The fortifications were not spared either. What remains lies on some 30 hectares on the left bank of the Sambre. The Porte de Mons gateway is the only authentic passage, complete with drawbridge, restored in the late seventies. The gunpowder room that Vauban had built now houses the local library and an art school.

On the other side of the current border with Belgium lies the fortified town of Binche. The fortifications in Binche, part of a larger network of fortifications, are a testament to Vauban's expertise in designing defensive structures, including moats, walls, bastions and forts, to protect towns from enemy attack. The medieval city wall, built between the 12th and 14th centuries, is over two kilometres long and is the best preserved medieval wall in Belgium. Near the city wall is the city park of Binche, where you can find the ruins of the Palace of Mary of Hungary, the sister of Charles V. The palace must have been exceptionally beautiful, as it was called by some "the eighth wonder of the world". Unfortunately, it did not last long. After only 9 years, the troops of the King of France set fire to the palace.
The statue of Gilles marks the entrance to the International Carnival and Mask Museum. The museum is open all year round and is housed in the old Augustinian College, which dates back to the 18th century. After your visit to the museum, head towards the city centre. Walk to the Grand Place of Binche with the town hall of Binche (in Gothic style) and its belfry in the middle.

Thuin is divided into 'la Ville-Haute' and 'la Ville-Basse': the upper town and the lower town. The main sights are the city walls (with Notger Tower) and the belfry from the 17th and 18th centuries, formerly the tower of the collegiate church of St. Theodard.
The "hanging gardens" against the southern ramparts are also famous. There are about 200 walled gardens, laid out in terraces, with paved paths running between them. The hanging gardens were built in the Middle Ages to protect the rocky slopes from erosion and to provide space for vegetable gardens. The sunlight and the heat stored in the sandstone walls ensure lush growth. Since 2001, a small vineyard has been planted in the hanging gardens, from which the sweet red Clos des Zouaves is made.

The fortifications of Charleroi, once a crucial part of the defense of the Spanish Netherlands, were built in the late 17th century and the first half of the 18th century. The aim was to repel the threat of the French king Louis XIV, who laid claim to the Spanish Netherlands. The fortifications were expanded by the French under the direction of Vauban, the famous military architect.
Charleroi is known as one of the ugliest cities in the world. Although the ugliness of Charleroi dominates, the city also has a lot of nice things to offer, such as the beautiful old city hall or the Belfry on the same square.

On the way to Givet, the end point of this route, you will pass the chateau d'Acoz. The originally quadrangular fortified castle was the property of the Abbey of Floreffe in the 12th century. Later, the domain came into the hands of various families: Marotte, d'Udekem and Pirmez. In 2001, Tony Cammaert, a well-known antique dealer from Brussels and specialist in Japanese art, acquired the castle. He started a thorough restoration, and today all kinds of activities and events are organised there.

Due to its cross-border location, the city of Givet is rich in remnants from the past. This city was fortified under Emperor Charles V with the construction of the fort of Charlemont, a sensational stronghold, later the inevitable Vauban, architect of King Louis XIV, came to Givet - the city was French in the meantime - to build a gigantic defense system around the city. Louis XIV had the ambition to keep the Meuse valley within the kingdom of France. Churches, narrow streets, towers, fortified gates and many other monuments show the important role that this Meuse city played many centuries ago. For the rider of this tour, however, the inner man is important. Plenty of opportunities on the Meuse!