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From the Middle Ages until 1805 the site underwent a series of name changes, with sheep ‘champiage’ on the ‘Try des Crayeux’, changing to ‘Champs des Oiseaux’ in the 19th century then finally ‘Chant des Oiseaux’.
In 1810–11, rubble from the St Théodard College (formerly at Place du Chapitre, destroyed by Mayor Martin) was dumped in the ‘Trieux’ pits, known as ‘Crayeux’ (which can be translated as slag heaps).
Slag comes from the residue made from burning iron in furnaces, of which there were many in Thuin before the era of industrial textile production.
At that time, it was not an urban area and so it was one of the places used for dumping this kind of waste.
Nowadays it is surrounded by buildings and is a highly valued green space.
It is also the starting point of the Saint-Roch military procession, which takes place every year on the third Sunday in May.
Different groups gather here before the official start of the parade.
There are around 2,500 marchers and military personnel who pass through Thuin’s hills and valleys, accompanied by fifes, drums, bugles and blunderbusses.
Just a few steps away is the ‘petit chant’.
Extending from the Chant des Oiseaux is the ‘petit chant’.
The view from the petit chant to Thuin’s walled town with its ramparts, alleys, historic buildings and Jardins Suspendus is breath-taking, and without a doubt the most beautiful view of Thuin.
Sandrine Maquet
