Four distinct themes stand out in Bambecque: the architectural history of Église Saint-Omer and Château d'Engelshof, the Jardin botanique du Val d'Yser, the natural area “Prairies humides de Bambecque et la Petite Becque,” and the circular route “Les fraudeurs et la maréchaussée.” You can focus on architecture, the garden, the natural area or route planning. Rather than assuming a fixed day itinerary, choose your approach based on the topic that interests you most.

Architecture and heritage conservation

After the destruction of 1568, Église Saint-Omer was rebuilt between 1591 and 1606 as a three-aisled hall church with a tower portal. The rebuilding thus spanned the late 16th and early 17th centuries. “Three-aisled” describes a nave and two side aisles; in a hall church, the central and side aisles are at approximately the same height. These terms describe both the church’s layout and the proportions of its interior.

The church is protected in its entirety by designation as a historic monument, under a decree dated 26 June 2006. By contrast, protection for Château d'Engelshof in Bambecque is partial. The protected elements are the façades and roofs, excluding the building attached to the south façade. Thus, a fully protected church building stands alongside a château with a limited scope of protection.

Garden and natural area

The Jardin botanique du Val d'Yser covers more than 25,000 square metres and is divided into four seasonal areas with winding paths. Ornamental, vegetable and fruit plants grow among native grasses; the garden is also home to a particularly diverse range of wildlife. The plant life and wildlife complement this layout with several nature-related themes.

The ZNIEFF “Prairies humides de Bambecque et la Petite Becque” is a type 1 continental natural area covering 4.06 hectares in Bambecque and Herzeele. This makes it distinct from the botanical garden, which is a single site. The ZNIEFF’s 4.06 hectares equal 40,600 square metres; the garden covers more than 25,000 square metres.

The garden is divided into four seasonal areas with winding paths; ornamental, vegetable and fruit plants grow among native grasses. The ZNIEFF, by contrast, is a type 1 continental natural area covering 4.06 hectares in Bambecque and Herzeele.

Circular route and planning

The “Les fraudeurs et la maréchaussée” circular route starts in Bambecque and is 43 kilometres long. It connects the Yser and the Colme and passes close to the polders of Les Moëres. Factor the 43 kilometres into your plans and check the route details before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Le Doulieu, La Creche, Gravelines, Bollezeele, Bondues, Lezennes, Dourlers, Saint-Martin-Sur-Écaillon

For the broader travel overview: Nord.