Le Quesnoy, Medieval fortified town in Nord, France
Le Quesnoy is a fortified town in the Nord region with thick stone walls and a rampart system encircling its central area. Two main gates at the north and southeast provide access to the walled core.
The fortifications were established in 1150 by Count Baldwin IV of Hainaut, who built a fortress to protect the growing settlement. This founding marked the beginning of the town's controlled development in this strategic location.
The Town Hall from 1700 holds a carillon of 48 bells in its tower that plays regular musical performances throughout the year. These bells shape the daily rhythm of the town with their melodies.
The weekly market brings local producers and traders to the town center, offering fresh products and traditional goods to visitors. The best times to explore the fortifications and town core are during early morning or late afternoon hours.
New Zealand soldiers scaled the town walls with ladders in 1918 during the liberation, leaving a lasting bond with the place. This unexpected chapter is documented in the Liberation Museum and tells a rare story of the war.
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