The relatively unknown region of Thiérache has traditionally been a border area near Belgium, which often caused problems. This was especially the case during the Spanish rule in the Netherlands in the 16th and 17th centuries. The religious war was raging and the border residents suffered greatly from plundering (Spanish) soldiers and robbers. Where possible, the manor houses, castles and farms in the area were fortified to ensure that the residents were safe and the attackers remained outside the walls, but where there were no or not enough fortified houses, it was decided to adapt the churches. Existing churches were usually renovated and fortified. A few churches were rebuilt.

The villages are close together here and you can often see the church tower of the neighbouring village. In earlier times this was even life-saving. If an attack was imminent, the church bells were rung and could be heard far and wide. The next village also rang its bells and the villages after that, so that everyone could get to safety in time. The villagers and sometimes soldiers, went to church with their belongings.
People climbed up the narrow staircase into the tower, where they entered a larger space where they could stay for days. Some churches had multiple floors. Even the cattle were herded up the narrow staircase. The spaces were not particularly large and with many people it quickly became overcrowded. There was a flue so that cooking could be done and there were wooden partitions where the most valuable animals could be housed. Narrow (shooting) slots were made in the tower(s) where the villagers could shoot at the enemy or throw down pitch or oil to defend themselves somewhat.

This tour of the fortified churches focuses around the city of Vervins. The route starts and ends in Vervins, a pleasant town in the middle of the beautiful Thiérache nature reserve in the Aisne. The town was founded in the Middle Ages, but a large part was burned down in the 16th century. Much was rebuilt after that and many buildings were destroyed and then restored after the First World War. The new houses are mainly built in an Art Deco style with beautiful facades and colored walls. In short, you will find a great diversity of architectural styles and it is certainly worth exploring the entire city. One of the most important sights is the beautiful church of Vervins and the town hall and the station are also very beautiful.

The countryside is not that exciting though; you shift your focus to spotting a fortified church further on. Usually you can see them from a great distance. Because the villages are close together, the route promises to be somewhat unpredictable and the road generally runs inland, along church paths and farm roads. Extra time has been included for the most beautiful examples. In this region, finding a petrol station, a bar or restaurant is a challenge and you are advised to fill up your tank at the start. A picnic is of course always possible for consuming food, but for an open bar, cafeteria or restaurant you can deviate from the route. This is indicated in the route itself.