Nineteen stained-glass windows in the Church of Saint-Denis, an inscription referring to Nancy, and the Circuit de Lecelles walking loop, which highlights strawberry growing: Lecelles offers tangible points of interest for a stay combining local history and outdoor activity. The Elnon River and building histories from different periods add to these attractions. When planning, you can choose between church and architectural history, a walking loop, and a running event.
The Church of Saint-Denis and its architectural history
The Church of Saint-Denis was rebuilt in 1759 at a more central location in the village. It contains 19 stained-glass windows bearing the inscription “E. STELZI PEINTRE VERRIER NANCY 1870.” The inscription names E. Stelzi as a stained-glass artist, Nancy, and the year 1870. This distinguishes two separate dates: 1759 refers to the rebuilding of the church, while 1870 is part of the window inscription.
The present-day temple also has its own architectural history: the congregations of Maulde, Saint-Amand and Lecelles built it in 1861, based on a design by Lepers, an architect from Roubaix. The involvement of several congregations and the connection to an architect from Roubaix broaden the perspective beyond the history of a single building. Together, the church and temple offer different historical points of interest in Lecelles.
The Elnon and the landscape
The Elnon River runs through Lecelles and passes near the Church of Saint-Denis. It adds a tangible connection to the landscape to the area’s architectural history. If you would like to explore local history beyond its buildings, the river offers another point of interest in Lecelles.
Walking, strawberries and the Trail de la Fraise
The Circuit de Lecelles is a 9.3-kilometre, moderate-difficulty walking loop in Lecelles. It highlights strawberry growing as a local speciality; the route also features blockhouses and nurseries. The stated walking distance is thus combined with themes that help characterise Lecelles. If the length or difficulty is important for your plans, check the current route details, as information may be updated.
The Trail de la Fraise is a running event affiliated with the French Athletics Federation. It was created in 2005 on the occasion of Lecelles’ Fête de la Fraise. Its route connects paths, fields, fords, woodland and rivers; the precise route may vary from one edition to another. About half of the course passes over private property, which is opened exceptionally for the event. Access to these private sections is tied to the event. If you would like to include the run in your stay, check the date and details for the relevant edition.
Another route, “Entre Scarpe et Patrimoine rural,” is 31.4 kilometres long and passes through Lecelles. Its status and waymarking may change; check the current information before planning. Its length clearly distinguishes it from the 9.3-kilometre Circuit. The Circuit is also identified as a loop and has a stated difficulty level, while the Trail de la Fraise is characterised by its event date and a route that can vary from edition to edition.
Discover more destinations: Liessies, Bailleul, Artres, Bousignies-Sur-Roc, Marly, Bondues, Boeschepe, Jolimetz
For the broader travel overview: Nord.
