Mont-Notre-Dame, an isolated hill, sugar-loaf in shape, dominates all the surrounding country. It formed an excellent position for the artillery during the fighting in this region and was used by both sides.
In the village turn to the left and skirt the hill, then take the steep rise on the right, which leads to the top. On the right, caverns are visible in the hill-sides. The church, now a mere heap of stones, is next reached. The cemetery is behind.
According to tradition this church (historical monument) was founded in the 9th century. It was rebuilt in the 12th and 13th centuries.
Only part of the vast original edifice (similar in style to the Cathedral of Soissons) was retained when the church was rebuilt. In 1650, when the Spanish occupied the surrounding country, the peasants took refuge in the towers of the church. They were discovered, and the church set on fire, most of the peasants being burnt alive.
MONT-NOTRE-DAME CHURCH IN 1914 SEEN FROM THE CEMETERY.
Compare with photo above.