Sentiers du Patrimoine ®
Ableiges
La Croix blanche
Prendre le chemin enherbé jusqu’à la table de lecture du paysage.
Prochain point : Lat. 49.07815, Long. 2.09917
Ever since the Middle Ages, it has not been uncommon to find crosses erected in villages, both in the centres of settlements and along paths, often at intersections. These wayside crosses were both expressions of faith and landmarks in the landscape. Thus, the Croix Blanche of Ableiges marked a junction between the former roads to Longuesse – restored by the commune in 2024 – and to Vigny. It is depicted on the “plan d’intendance” of 1788 and on the 1834 cadastre: its installation therefore dates back at least to the 18th century. However, it is not the only cross in the village: another wayside cross is known at the corner of the Longuesse road and the Chaussée Jules-César, and a commemorative cross was also erected at the place known as Le Four à Chaux in 1921 by the parish of Ableiges in memory of those who died during the First World War.
The cast-iron cross now standing at the centre of the crossroads is not the original and has slightly changed position. This highly ornamental model of cross dates from the late 19th century and was restored in 2021. The shaft of the cross is pierced with vine-scroll motifs, which in religious iconography refer to the blood of Christ shed during the Passion. The ends of the cross are decorated with finials, and the crucified Christ is surrounded by a halo of light. The appearance of the previous cross is unknown. Although it now stands in the middle of the crossroads, old postcards show that it once stood along the embankment. Today, the cross marks the entrance to the path reopened by the commune between Ableiges and La Villeneuve-Saint-Martin.
