Topics to consider when planning your trip include the Chapelle de Wail, the Jardin des Hayures, fishing at Les près du Valentin and the GR 121, which passes through Wail. Heritage, a garden visit, fishing and hiking offer different focuses. So first consider what interests you most during your stay.

Heritage: Family Chapel and Church Art

The Chapelle de Wail is a neo-Gothic family chapel dating from the 19th century. In its crypt, black marble epitaphs commemorate the history of the founding family. Around 1867, the chapel was rebuilt under the direction of Arthur de Hauteclocque, who entrusted the project to the architect Clovis Normand. The building’s history and family remembrance come together here: its neo-Gothic form defines the building, while the epitaphs establish a direct link to the founding family. If you would like to visit the interior, check visiting arrangements in advance.

In the Église Saint-Martin de Wail, a polychrome equestrian statue of Saint Martin, carved from painted wood, stands in the choir above the altar. The work dates from the 16th century and has been listed as a protected object since 24 December 1982. Unlike the chapel’s family history, the focus here is on a single depiction of a saint and its art-historical context. Two distinct ways of engaging with heritage thus sit side by side: the memory of a founding family and the historical depiction of Saint Martin.

The Jardin des Hayures: A Variety of Garden Areas

The Jardin des Hayures includes a Japanese-style garden, an English garden and a shade garden with a checkerboard design. There is also a vegetable garden, an orchard, and a herb and rose garden. The names alone convey the range of designs: alongside different types of gardens, there are areas for produce and for herbs and roses.

The vegetable garden features heritage vegetable varieties, multicoloured tomatoes and inventive growing methods. This gives the kitchen garden its own focus alongside the differently designed garden areas. Planting and the growing methods on display may change with the seasons. Guided and self-guided visits are available for groups and individual visitors. Check the visiting arrangements in advance when planning your visit.

Fishing and the GR 121: Two Different Activities

Families can fish at Les près du Valentin in green surroundings, with 12 fishing courses to choose from. Les près du Valentin also sells trout, smoked trout and terrines. Fishing equipment is available to rent, and fishing days are organised. Fishing itself and several related offerings are therefore available as separate options. Product availability and arrangements may change; check the latest details in advance.

The GR 121 passes through Wail and is marked in red and white. Along the route, Wail lies between Galametz and Vieil-Hesdin. The GR 121 is listed as an 11-day crossing covering 198.9 kilometres. Before setting out, check trail conditions and waymarking.

When planning your trip, you can weigh these topics separately: the chapel and church statue represent different aspects of heritage, the garden offers several types of design, and fishing and the GR 121 provide two distinct activity focuses. Tailor your accommodation search to the interests that matter most to you during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Lefaux, Lisbourg, Sainte-Catherine, Colembert, Carvin, Fampoux, Vaulx, Marant.

For the wider travel overview: Pas-De-Calais.