Éperlecques offers several different reasons to visit: the Blockhaus as a place of history, churches and chapels with their own architectural histories, and forest trails and routes of varying lengths. You can therefore choose what to focus on, whether cultural history or activities in the forest.
The Blockhaus d’Éperlecques
The Blockhaus d’Éperlecques has been open to the public since 1973; in 1985, it was designated a Monument historique. A visit of about 1.5 hours explores the history and technology of the V2 and V1 weapons. The Blockhaus is set in a wooded park, making it a clearly defined historical highlight of a stay.
The approximate duration helps you fit the visit into your day’s plans. Check the operating details before your trip and before making firm plans to visit. If you are interested in the history and technology of the V1 and V2, you will find a dedicated thematic focus here; the churches and forest trails offer different points of interest.
Churches and Chapels
The Église Saint-Léger dates from around the 15th century. Its white-stone tower was built in the 16th century. The church also houses an organ case which, according to tradition, came from the church in Lederzeele. These details link the history of the church’s construction with the reported origin of the organ case, which is presented as such.
The Chapelle Notre-Dame-des-Neiges in the hamlet of Ganspette also has its own chronology: it was founded in 1715 and rebuilt in 1845. Together with the Église Saint-Léger, it broadens the cultural and historical perspective beyond the Blockhaus. The dates distinguish the chapel’s founding from its later reconstruction; they represent two different periods in its history.
Forest, Ponds and Wildlife Watching
The Forêt d’Éperlecques is a 900-hectare forest massif. There, the bomb craters left by the Second World War form a significant network of ponds. So the forest is about more than trails: its pond landscape is also one of the area’s defining features, linking the natural environment with its Second World War history.
A 70-hectare ENS section of the Forêt d’Éperlecques, acquired by the Pas-de-Calais Department, includes two named trails: the 1.3-kilometre Salamandre Trail and the 2.6-kilometre Grande Boucle Trail. Their lengths make it easy to compare the scale of the two options. Another trail through the forest offers opportunities to spot deer and owls. Wildlife sightings are seasonal; the possibility of seeing animals is not a guarantee. Also check trail conditions before visiting.
Routes by Length and Mode of Travel
For a mountain-bike loop starting in Éperlecques, there is A l’Orée du Bois: it is 17.6 kilometres long, rated easy and has 210 metres of elevation gain. Check conditions before setting off. The Circuit des chapelles is an easy, 10-kilometre walking route starting in Éperlecques, where you can discover the commune’s small chapels. The route can also be travelled by bicycle or car.
The Trois-Cayelles route differs in its starting point and length: this 38-kilometre loop starts in Audruicq and passes through Éperlecques. The distances listed therefore range from 10 to 17.6 to 38 kilometres; the routes also differ in their stated modes of travel and starting points. So distance is not the only factor to consider: the Circuit des chapelles is listed for walking, cycling and driving, while A l’Orée du Bois is described as an easy mountain-bike loop.
Discover more destinations: Isques, Vendin-Le-Vieil, Bourthes, Fiennes, Beussent, Cucq, Farbus, Recques-Sur-Hem.
For the main travel overview: Pas-De-Calais.
