Drincham – Village History and Wetlands

Drincham brings together medieval village history, church art and paths through the rural landscape of Maritime Flanders. Meadows, ponds and wetlands also shape the village. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Drincham, these themes can help you decide what you would like to focus on during your stay: culture, hiking or nature.

Medieval Traces and Village History

The medieval motte of the village’s former manor has been preserved in the village centre. Another chapter in the village’s history is linked to the Château de Drincham: the widow of Mathieu de Cupère, Governor of Gravelines, had it rebuilt in 1620. It was destroyed in 1793. A circular pond that served as a moat remains.

A building whose purpose has changed is also part of the village’s historic character: the former presbytery was converted into the town hall. Its council chamber still contains an original bread oven that remains fully functional. The building’s former use as a presbytery and its present function as the town hall come together here; the preserved oven makes this detail especially tangible.

Church Art at Saint-Wandrille

The Église Saint-Wandrille was rebuilt in 1901 and has two noteworthy protected altarpieces. The northern one depicts the presentation of the rosary to Saint Dominic. The southern altarpiece is made of painted wood and dates from the 18th century. The church thus brings together two distinct artistic features: a painting with a clearly identified religious subject and a historic wooden altarpiece.

For travellers interested in culture, the church’s architectural history and sacred art come together here, while each tells a different story: the year of reconstruction refers to the church, whereas the material and century identify the southern altarpiece. Together with the motte and the history of the Château, they create a picture of the village in which its different historical traces take different forms.

Meadows, Ponds and Wetlands

Meadows make up 14 percent of Drincham’s area. Wetlands, ponds and hedgerows are concentrated there, and the meadows are also a focal point for the village’s biodiversity. The landscape also includes three large hunting ponds with hides. The municipality lies on an important migration corridor for wetland birds. If you would like to include nature in your travel plans, you will find specific landscape features here: meadows and hedgerows as well as waterways and the area’s importance for migrating wetland birds.

Two Routes Through Rural Flanders

One variant of the Circuit des nouvelles terres is 12 kilometres long, of moderate difficulty and marked in yellow. The route starts at the church car park in Drincham. It passes through the fertile areas of Maritime Flanders and, at the beginning, often follows farm tracks. Its length, difficulty level and markings give you a clear basis for choosing this hike; its character is also reflected in the farm tracks that feature in the opening sections.

The Chemin 05 runs from Drincham to Holque through the rural landscape of Flanders between two villages. The route and its markings are available to download. Chapels along the way recall the region’s religious history. Great crested grebes and Eurasian coots move along the Colme. The Circuit is described by its length, difficulty level and yellow markings; for the Chemin 05, the focus is on the two villages, the chapels and the landscape along the Colme. The routes therefore differ in the navigational details and thematic points of interest described.

More Activities

The Route des fours à pains is one of the events supported, promoted and co-organised by the SIVOM des Rives de l’Aa et de la Colme. A children’s rally is also listed for Drincham. If you would like to include this activity in your plans, check beforehand whether it is currently available.

Discover more destinations: Crèvecœur-Sur-L'escaut, Villeneuve-D'ascq, Deûlémont, Oisy, Wambrechies, Valenciennes, Caudry, Bousignies-Sur-Roc.

Go to the regional travel overview: Nord.