Looberghe: Waterways, Mills and Organ History

For planning a trip, Looberghe brings together paths by the water, historic mills and the organ history of Saint-Martin church. The circular routes differ in their starting points, itineraries and duration. The mills and the organ offer concrete historical reference points through their former functions, dates and protected status. This can help you decide whether to focus your stay more on a tour, local history or both.

Waterways and circular routes

The “Au fil de l’eau: Gracht et Haute Colme” circular route starts at the church in Looberghe and follows the banks of the Haute Colme Canal. The Lang Gracht is also a 16 km watercourse that connects the Broucks marshland in the commune of Looberghe with the Bergues Canal. This gives you two distinct water-related features to explore: a route along the Haute Colme and a watercourse between Broucks and the Bergues Canal.

The “Circuit des nouvelles terres” circular route offers two loops: 9 km, taking 2 hours 30 minutes, and 18 km, taking 5 hours. The longer option doubles both the distance and the stated duration. In the Looberghe section, the route passes the Chapelle Sainte-Germaine; the Chapelle des Roses is also along the way. The tour thus combines a specific time frame with two named places along the same route.

The GR 128A long-distance trail is an extension of the GR 128 between Watten and Bourbourg and passes through Looberghe. Connecting the two towns places the GR 128A in context beyond Looberghe; as an extension route, it is also linked to the GR 128. Its route type therefore distinguishes it from the two circular routes described above.

In the center of Looberghe, the Café-Rando Au Lion des Flandres offers refreshments, local cuisine or picnic options, as well as information about places worth visiting. Light meals are available by reservation. This combines practical information about the town with a specific option for a break; reservations are required when planning a light meal.

Mills and their history

The remains of the Regost windmill were listed as a historic monument on 6 March 1979. The mill was formerly used for drainage. Its history therefore includes both a practical former function and the listing of its remains as a monument.

The Meesemaecker windmill in Looberghe dates from 1860 and is also known as the “Mill of Million bricks.” It was classified as a historic monument in March 1979. Comparing the two mills reveals different historical details: the Regost windmill is noted for its former drainage function, while Meesemaecker also has a construction date and a name passed down through history.

Organ history and event date

The organ in Saint-Martin church in Looberghe was acquired in 1793 from the convent of the Canonesses of Bourbourg. Its case dates from 1713 and has been classified as a protected movable cultural property since 1980. The case therefore predates the acquisition of the organ; its protected status provides a further historical reference point.

The annual Festival international d’orgue en Flandre lists Looberghe as a venue on 25 October 2026. If this date matters for your trip, check the event details before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Croix, Steenbecque, Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer, Douchy-Les-Mines, Aubers, Arleux, Larouillies, Somain

For the regional travel overview: Nord.