Courset combines traces of architectural and religious history with a challenging mountain bike route. The château and park, Église Saint-Maurice, and the listed Maison en torchis each offer a different perspective on the town.
Château de Courset and its Park
Château de Courset was acquired in 1728. Baron Dumont de Courset created a botanical garden in the château park. Both a specific date in the château’s history and the botanical design of the park are among the defining historical themes of Courset.
The Foyer de Charité offers prayer retreats at the château. If you would like to include a retreat in your travel plans, confirm availability before your trip. This religious offering adds a distinct reason to explore Courset alongside the château’s history and garden.
Église Saint-Maurice: Architectural History and Religious Practice
Église Saint-Maurice dates from the 13th century. The church houses a relic of Sainte-Philomène. The reliquary and statue of Sainte-Philomène were listed as protected cultural objects there on October 15, 1984. These details bring together two different periods: the medieval building and the registration of the cultural objects in 1984.
Religious practice also includes a tradition that continues to this day: some parents leave a baby shoe in the church so their baby can take their first steps. Alongside the building’s history and its protected objects, a living custom is also at the heart of the story.
The Listed Maison en torchis and Former Gathering Places
The listed Maison en torchis dates from the mid-19th century. It was listed by decree on February 5, 2007, and is currently being renovated. Inside, there is a large fireplace and a bread oven. If you plan to visit the house, check in advance whether a visit is possible because of the renovation.
The history of the former Au Faisan Doré inn offers another perspective on Courset. For several decades, it was an inn associated with music and dancing across several generations. Unlike the buildings, the focus here is on social gatherings—a social aspect of the town’s history.
Mountain Biking on Les Courtils
Les Courtils version courte is a difficult 20.5-kilometer mountain bike loop. The addition “version courte” is part of the route’s name; for planning, the actual distance and difficult rating are what matter. The Les Courtils route leads into the Vallée de la Course; Courset is considered the gateway to this valley.
The version courte is marked with a brown triangle bearing the number 4 in blue. As this waymarking is specific to the route, check it on site before setting off. GPX files are available to download for planning and can be transferred to a GPS device. The distance and difficulty rating help with route selection; the waymarking and GPX file help you find your way along the route.
Discover more destinations: Enquin-les-Mines, Buire-Au-Bois, Souchez, Merlimont, Corbehem, Stella-Plage, Violaines, Morval
For the broader travel overview: Pas-De-Calais.
