Attractions and Places To See around Dury - Top 20

The area around Dury in Pas-de-Calais is rich in prehistoric and historical sites. You can visit several significant megalithic sites, including Les Bonnettes, a site with more than five stones linked to local legends. Another notable monument is The Menhir of Lécluse or the Devil's Stone, known for its distinctive markings and folklore. Don't miss the stone that grows, a historical menhir listed since 1979, or the ancient Hamel Dolmen, also known as the Sorcerers' Kitchen, a rare covered alley dating back to the late Neolithic period.

Yes, the megalithic sites around Dury are excellent starting points for scenic walks. For instance, the area around Les Bonnettes is part of the 'unknown treasures of Arras and the Pays d'Artois' and offers beautiful walking opportunities. You can explore the natural and cultural heritage of the Scarpe and Sensée valleys, discovering mysteries and legends along the way. Many of these sites are best explored on foot.

Many sites around Dury are steeped in local folklore. Les Bonnettes is associated with the legend of a violinist and village girls. The Menhir of Lécluse or the Devil's Stone has tales of the devil's claws leaving marks on the stone, and a legend about a farmer making a pact with Satan. Similarly, The Big Rock (menhir of Oisy-le-Verger) also has a legend involving a pact with the devil and a rooster's crow. The Hamel Dolmen is known as the 'Sorcerers' Kitchen' due to cavities on its table, believed to be tiny pots, and is linked to sorcerers or malevolent beings.

Visitors appreciate the unique historical and legendary aspects of the sites. For example, Les Bonnettes is described as a 'small mythical location' and part of the 'unknown treasures of Arras and the Pays d'Artois.' The Menhir of Lécluse is noted for its impressive stature and the many legends exchanged around it. the stone that grows is considered a 'magical place' sheltered in a small clearing.

Some sites, like The Big Rock (menhir of Oisy-le-Verger), are located in marshy terrain, which can make access difficult, especially during rainy periods. It's advisable to visit in dry weather for easier access. Always be prepared for natural terrain when exploring these historical monuments.

Yes, several megalithic sites are considered family-friendly, offering an engaging way to introduce children to history and local legends. The Menhir of Lécluse or the Devil's Stone and the stone that grows are both categorized as family-friendly, providing interesting stories and natural settings for exploration.

Beyond exploring the historical sites, the area around Dury offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as the 'Menhir loop from Éterpigny' (14.6 km, moderate) or the 'Étang de Lécluse loop from Lécluse' (9.1 km, moderate). For cycling enthusiasts, there are road cycling routes like the 'Place des Héros – Fampoux - Canalized Scarpe loop from Haucourt' (57.9 km, moderate) and touring bicycle routes like the 'Tortequesne – Sailly-en-Ostrevent loop from Tortequesne' (23.8 km, easy). You can find more details and routes on the respective guide pages for Running Trails around Dury, Road Cycling Routes around Dury, and Cycling around Dury.

Yes, several interesting towns are within a short drive. Douai, known for its pleasant old town and impressive belfry, is about 15 km away. Arras, approximately 17 km away, features a belfry and numerous baroque-style houses, along with the immersive Carrière Wellington museum. Cambrai, a town with historical significance, is about 19 km away, and Péronne, known for its WWI museum, is about 35 km away.

The stone that grows is a menhir listed as a historical monument since 1979. It's a block of Landenian sandstone, nearly 3 meters high, with about 1.48 meters visible above ground. According to local tradition, the stone is believed to continue growing over time, adding to its mystical appeal. It's situated in a magical clearing, accessible by a footbridge.

The megalithic sites around Dury, including Les Bonnettes and The Menhir of Lécluse, are considered part of the 'unknown treasures of Arras and the Pays d'Artois.' Exploring these sites offers insights into prehistoric times and local legends. You can discover more about the region's megaliths and their stories by following the walking routes that connect them.

While the immediate area focuses on megalithic sites, you can find beautiful gardens within a reasonable drive. Les Jardins de Sericourt, another notable garden, is about 49 km from Dury. These offer a different kind of natural beauty to explore in the broader region.