Attractions and Places To See around Mentque-Nortbécourt - Top 20

The Éperlecques bunker (also called the Watten bunker) is a World War II bunker in the Éperlecques forest, part of the commune of the same name in the Pas-de-Calais department in France. It was codenamed Kraftwerk Nord West (KNW) and was built by Nazi Germany from 1943 to 1944 as a launch site for V2 rockets aimed at London and southern England. The bunker was built to accommodate more than 100 rockets at a time and to fire 36 per day. A liquid oxygen plant and a bomb-proof post were to be built to supply the site with rockets and supplies from production sites in Germany. It was built by forced laborers from concentration and labor camps, as well as recruited French civilians. The blockhouse was never completed due to repeated bombing by the British and Americans as part of Operation Crossbow. The attacks caused considerable damage and prevented the device from being used in its original function; part of the building was converted into a factory for the production of liquid oxygen. The site was captured by the Allies in early September 1944, but its actual function only became clear after the end of the war. The blockhouse has been a listed building since 1986. In 2014, the museum exhibited the site and the German ballistic program.

The town hall was built between 1834 and 1841 with materials from the church of the Abbaye de Saint-Bertin. At the heart of the building is an Italian-style theatre. The Hôtel de Bailliage is a former royal court that was outside the power of the aldermen. It is an elegant Louis XIV building, decorated with pilasters, Doric capitals, ironwork and floral garlands. Four statues on the balustrade symbolise the cardinal virtues.

This cathedral, the former "Cloître Notre-Dame" of the canons, is the most beautiful religious building in the region. The shape and dimensions are impressive. The choir dates from 1200, the transept from the 13th century, the nave from the 14th-15th century. The 50 m high facade tower is decorated with vertical blind arches and crowned with watchtowers (15th century). On the middle buttress of the southern portal there is a statue of the Virgin Mary (14th century), and on the tympanum a Last Judgement with very few chosen ones. In the corner next to the choir there is an octagonal Romanesque tower.

You will see the tomb of St. Audomarus and the mausoleum of Eustache de Croy, chapter provost in Saint-Omer and bishop of Arras, a moving work by Jacques Dubroeucq (16th century). He shows the deceased kneeling, in bishop's robes, but also lying down and naked, as in classical antiquity. Note the 15th-century tombstones with inscriptions and the Descent from the Cross by Rubens (first bay of the right aisle). The tombs are 15th century, the alabaster statues 16th and 17th centuries. Other eye-catchers are the Madonna with cat (right aisle), the statue (13th century) of Notre-Dame des Miracles that attracts pilgrims every September, a Nativity of Christ from the 13th century and the tomb (8th century) of St. Erkembode, abbot of Saint-Bertin - here they leave shoes of children who have difficulty learning to walk. Above the astronomical clock (1558) a jaquemart tolls the hours (transept left). Above it is a rose window in flamboyant style. The statue group Grand Dieu de Thérouanne (13th century) stood 20 m above the portal of the cathedral of Thérouanne, which was destroyed by Charles V. The figures seem distorted, but the artist foreshortened them so that they had the correct perspective from below (transept left).

Situated along the River Houlle, the Serques Marshes are part of the larger Audomarois Marshes. This area is renowned for its rich biodiversity and beautiful scenery. The nearby village of Houlle is a popular destination for tourists looking for a peaceful waterside holiday. The River Houlle, a tributary of the Aa, flows through these marshes and provides a picturesque setting for walks and boat trips. The area is also known for the production of Houlle gin, a traditional spirit. The marshes themselves are an important natural area and are home to a variety of plant and animal species. It is an ideal place for nature lovers and bird watchers.

The town hall was built between 1834 and 1841 using materials from the church of the Abbaye de Saint-Bertin. At the heart of the building is an Italian-style theatre. The Hôtel de Bailliage is a former royal court that was outside the power of the aldermen. It is an elegant Louis XIV building, decorated with pilasters, Doric capitals, ironwork and floral garlands. Four statues on the balustrade symbolise the cardinal virtues.

Superb cathedral, both outside and inside😊 We never tire of this sublime place

with its sundial