The church of Saint-Étienne in Servion (merged with the parish of Rouvroy-sur-Audry in 1967) is no longer used as a place of worship. But it is in good hands, because the association “Compagnons de Saint-Étienne” has taken care of it and organises exhibitions and lectures in it.

On the page of the Compagnons (see link above) you can also find the opening hours on some Sundays in the summer months, because it is usually locked.

We were lucky enough to get a private tour in 2023 as we unfortunately arrived a week late for our holiday in the Thiérache. Thanks again for that!

The location of the church is unusual, because the access leads along a narrow path between two houses. And right next to it is a small vineyard run by a local cooperative.

It is a very beautiful building, built of yellow stone from the quarries of Dom-de-Mesnil. The nave and part of the choir could date from the early Gothic period, judging by the sealed openings still visible inside the church.

The church was rebuilt several times, especially during the fortification in the 16th century: numerous embrasures were drilled, a fortified bay was built to protect the entrance, a porch tower with vaults, a spiral staircase and casemates were built in the two towers, which were also equipped with defences. The attic was converted into an escape room; old latrines and a fireplace can still be seen here.

You can take a ‘virtual’ tour of the upper floors in the short film above.