The highest point in Flanders, Cassel remains a historical enigma, as we still don't know when the hill first appeared. The most we know is that it was built during the Christian era. The fortifications gave the town its name: Cassel after Castel (Celtic fortification). Even before the Middle Ages and their recurrent quarrels, such a position was a source of much envy. However, the Gauls were unable to defend their town: the Romans took it over and made it a focal point of their occupation. To this end, seven Roman roads were created, linking the towns together, and the fortifications were reinforced, further imposing Cassel on the surrounding panorama. The Middle Ages arrived and the city took on its almost definitive form, but this period was accompanied by numerous battles. Most of the conflicts fought here were of some importance, the last of which in 1677 resulted in the French victory of Philippe d'Orléans, shortly before the Nijmegen Accords. The city resumed a peaceful, conflict-free life. This short-lived calm was quickly replaced by the war of 1914-1918: Cassel was very close to the front line. Marshal Foch was stationed here between 1914 and 1915. The Second World War had a considerable impact on the commune. Almost entirely destroyed, Cassel regained a human face by developing tourism, thanks in particular to its position, its old stones, the mill and the truly impressive panorama of this flat country. Proof of its influence, Cassel was voted "Favorite Village of the French" in 2018!

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Aux environs de Cassel JERÔME BERQUEZ - AUTHOR'S IMAGE

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