Vendeuil: Walking Trails and History by the Water

Vendeuil brings together paths by the water and a layered local history. A winding, shady walking path runs around the municipal pond; nearby are walking routes and historic sites such as the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, the former Tordoir oil mill and Fort de Vendeuil. When planning, it is worth distinguishing between similarly named walking routes and considering the waterside locations in light of their respective histories.

Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste

The Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste was built in the Gothic style. After the First World War, it was rebuilt according to the plans of the former church; reconstruction was completed in 1931. The plans of the earlier building give the reconstruction a direct historical connection to the former church.

Inside are a Renaissance marble high altar, marble floor slabs in the choir and Renaissance woodwork. A beautiful altarpiece depicts the Nativity. The combination of Gothic church architecture and Renaissance furnishings brings together two clearly distinct art-historical references: the style of the building and the design of its furnishings.

The Tordoir and its milling history

The Tordoir was an oil mill on an arm of the Oise and was built before the French Revolution of 1789. Oilseeds, especially rapeseed, were processed there using millstones. Its purpose, raw materials and technology together provide a concrete picture of its former use.

The Tordoir’s residence and oil mill stood on an island; the bridge leading to it is still preserved. Thus, the location of the former operation by the water is part of the local history, alongside the milling technology.

Walking paths and hikes

A winding, shady walking path runs around the municipal pond. The Circuit des Garennes circular route passes through Vendeuil. The similarly named Les Garennes hike starts in Moÿ-de-l'Aisne and is a moderately challenging 12.2-kilometre circular walking route. It takes 3 hours and 15 minutes and offers views of the Oise Valley and a chain of ponds along the way.

The information about the starting points and routes helps distinguish the two similarly named options when planning: the Circuit des Garennes passes through Vendeuil, while the Les Garennes hike starts in Moÿ-de-l'Aisne. Check trail conditions before setting out.

Waterscape and fort

Another body of water has a different origin: after extensive gravel extraction, the former Vendeuil gravel pit was transformed into an attractive body of water. The path around the pond and the body of water created from the gravel pit therefore represent different connections with water: in one case, the path shapes the place; in the other, the landscape was transformed by extraction.

Fort de Vendeuil is a Séré de Rivière-type fort dating from 1875 to 1880. The historic site included an underground barracks and extensive tunnel systems. A historical municipal description dated 12 July 1910 mentions a tunnel connecting the fort with Fort de Mayot. The fort is described as a heavily concreted, demolished hill; some sturdy casemates remain.

When deciding whether Vendeuil is right for your stay, you can choose between paths by the water and hikes on the one hand, and the history of its church, mill and fort on the other.

Discover more destinations: Rosay, Cilly, Jeantes, Saint-Quentin, Septmonts, Boue, Chauny, Prémont

For the broader travel overview: Aisne.