The best MTB trails around Audruicq

This former water mill was built at the end of the 18th century with stones from the castle ruins that once belonged to Anton of Burgundy. Proof of this can be found on a lintel bearing the coat of arms and motto ‘Nul ne s’y frotte’ (nobody touches it) of Anton of Burgundy. Anton of Burgundy (1421-1504) was knighted into the Order of the Golden Fleece. The typical chain of this order is also visible on the lintel around the shield.

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"The Chapel of the Three Chairs" (cayelles in the local dialect) These are, on Wisques ceramics, the three seats of God, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The existence of an oratory in the middle of the forest is lost in the mists of time. History even claims that the Druids held their assemblies there.

The windmill known as the Moulin d'Achille in Moringhem, located near Saint-Omer in Hauts-de-France, rises to a height of 104 meters in an enclosure surrounded by a hawthorn hedge. The mill has an 11-meter-high rotating cap, built of white stone. Three large wheels, the slewing mechanism with a double set of cast iron rollers on rails, form two raceways, one vertical and one horizontal. It is the only restored stone mill from this period in the region. Built after the abolition of privileges in 1799, it is therefore designated a revolutionary mill. It operated until 1950. This magnificent grain mill is a testament to architectural genius and the region's agricultural past. With its imposing brick structure and majestic turning sails, the Moulin de Moringhem offers a captivating glimpse into the history and traditions of rural France, making it a must-see destination for anyone wishing to immerse themselves in the country's cultural heritage. The Moulin de Moringhem is a symbol of the craftsmanship required to build this traditional French windmill. Built entirely from local materials, such as bricks and wood, this impressive structure showcases the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the French at the time of its creation. The intricate mechanisms inside the windmill, including the millstones and gears, demonstrate the technical expertise required to operate such a complex machine. Standing beside this historic monument, one cannot help but feel a sense of admiration and appreciation for the dedication and hard work put into the construction and maintenance of the Moulin de Moringhem.

A shady spot with this chapel, I used to take a break there 20 years ago with my son. The place is always well-maintained, a tip: see it in March, it's dotted with daffodils 😉.

beautiful route through the forest

A magnificent little village whose town was laid out parallel to the Hem river. Its old center forms a medieval castle town. Once fortified, it was organized around a square and a castle known since the 13th century. In the 15th century, Tournehem Castle became the residence of the Dukes of Burgundy.

The Hem is a small river in Northern France. It rises in Surques, flows through Licques, Tournehem-sur-la-Hem, and flows into the Aa at Hennuin. The most important tributaries are the ruisseau de Loquin, the ruisseau de Sanghem, the ruisseau de Licques and the ruisseau de Bainghen.