Did you know Auchy-lez-Orchies means Auchy near Orchies? This charming commune sits in the Nord department of northern France. It is a place of quiet beauty and interesting history.
Auchy-lez-Orchies covers a small area. It measures about 7.79 square kilometers. Around 1542 people call it home. That was the count in 2022. The people of Auchy-lez-Orchies are called Alcyaquois.
Let’s talk about the history of Auchy-lez-Orchies. Back in 1090, it was mentioned in a document. The Bishop of Tournai wrote it. Before the French Revolution, Auchy was a seigneury. The Bassecourt family held it for a century. Their arms are now the town’s heraldry. The blazon shows azure with a silver bend. It features three red saltires.
The Sainte-Berthe church is a highlight in Auchy-lez-Orchies. It was built in the 19th century. Charles Leroy from Lille designed it in 1851. The style is Neo-Gothic. The church is dedicated to Saint Berthe of Avenay. German soldiers set it on fire during World War I. The church also has a remarkable baptistery. Sainte-Berthe church has a unique patronym. It is dedicated to Sainte Berthe de Blangy. In 1090, the Bishop of Tournai gave it to the cathedral chapter. Berthe was the sister-in-law of Rictrude. Rictrude founded Marchiennes Abbey. Berthe founded Blangy Abbey. The church was rebuilt in 1852. Charles Leroy was the architect.
Near the Sainte-Berthe church, there is a war memorial. It was dedicated on September 24, 1922. This Auchy-lez-Orchies monument honors the dead from three wars. These are 1870-71, 1914-18 and 1939-45.
Take note of the calvary on Deregnaucourt street. It dates back to 1864. A storm damaged it partially in 2007. But it was restored. There are also chapels and oratories.
Cyclists might recognize the paved sector. It runs from Auchy-lez-Orchies to Bersée. The Paris-Roubaix race uses it every year. Also look out for the curious three-story building. This is a combined pigsty, henhouse and dovecote. You can find it at the Ferme des Marronniers. It dates to the 19th century.
Auchy-lez-Orchies has changed over time. It used to be very focused on agriculture. Several seed companies were located here. Today, many residents commute to nearby cities for work. The highway is only two kilometers away. This makes it easy to reach Lille and Valenciennes.
If you explore the area, you will find streams. The Courant de l’Hôpital begins in Auchy-lez-Orchies. It flows into the Scarpe canal. The Jonquière and Verneceuille also run through the commune.
Auchy-lez-Orchies is a mix of old and new. It offers a glimpse into rural French life. Its history and landmarks make it a special place to discover. Take a moment to appreciate its quiet charm.