The small church of Saint-Nicolas in Grandrieux is undoubtedly overshadowed in importance by the nearby and much better known church of Saint-Médard in Parfondeval. And unlike its popular “big sister”, it is unfortunately locked.

The first church on the site was built at the end of the 16th century; a time when many wars were raging, including the Wars of Religion. Saint-Nicolas thus suffered greatly from these wars, and thus also went through various construction phases. The present building is built entirely of red brick, typical of the region.

The entrance, crowned by a solid bell tower dating from 1770, leads into the higher nave. A square choir was added to this.

The two main fortification elements are at the head of the choir: at the north-east corner a large round tower, at the south-east corner a coulter tower standing halfway up on its plinth.

The choir and nave are perforated by embrasures. Four of these embrasures were uncovered from the inside. They show that the entire church and not only the outer towers were converted into a command post.

As the church is locked, these are not open to view; nor are the 17th century high altar reredos of gilded wood and a polychrome oak Christ from the second half of the 16th century.