Socx – Church, Paths and Agricultural Landscape

Socx can be explored through several specific themes: the Église Saint-Léger, paths between the village and agricultural landscape, and routes with a focus on nature and history. When planning your stay, you can decide whether you are more interested in sacred art, walks or themed routes.

Église Saint-Léger: Building History and Works of Art

The Église Saint-Léger is a three-aisled hall church built of light-colored brick. It was built in the 17th century, extended in 1894 and constructed as an extension of the porch tower dating from the 16th century. The church therefore brings together an older tower, the construction of the church building and a later extension in chronological order.

The church’s furnishings include the Saint-Maur bell from Saint Winoc Abbey. It was cast in Lille in 1700. Its decorations include raised coats of arms, a dance of death and a dedication on a three-line musical staff. Here, imagery and musical notation together form part of the bell’s design.

Another work of art in the church is the triptych, painted in Flanders at the beginning of the 17th century for a family’s private devotion. It offers a different insight into sacred art than the bell: its date of creation, origin and devotional purpose are central, while the bell is described in terms of its casting year and decorations.

Green Paths and Biodiversity

A green path connects Bergues, Socx village center and the surrounding agricultural landscape. Trees and shrubs have been planted along the route, and a pond has also been improved ecologically and as part of the landscape. The path thus links the village with its open, agriculturally shaped surroundings.

At Faubourg de Cassel, there is a place to relax, discover biodiversity and go for a walk. An educational path connects this spot with an existing hiking trail. Here, time spent in green surroundings goes hand in hand with a connection to a hiking trail, without assuming a specific walking time.

Grazing was proposed for part of the meadow at Faubourg de Cassel to complement the opportunities to discover biodiversity. If you are planning to visit with this in mind, check in advance whether the initiative has been implemented.

Routes Through Socx

The Socx puzzle route passes through Square « les Hauts de Socx », along Chemin des écoles and onto a shaded path in the cemetery. Part of the route runs along roads with traffic and no sidewalk. Children must therefore be accompanied by an adult.

The circular routes are equipped with information boards, themed signs and QR-code stations. These provide access to videos, interviews and digital content. As route facilities may change, check the information on site before setting out.

The Sentiers de mémoire are suitable for hiking and cycling. Conditions on the routes may change; check them before your trip. This lets you choose between the routes based on a specific consideration: for the Socx puzzle route, the described itinerary through named places is key, while for the Sentiers de mémoire, it is their suitability for hiking and cycling.

Getting Your Bearings Before You Travel

Bus stops in Socx are located at the town hall and Faubourg de Cassel. As transport services may change, check the timetables before travelling. This lets you include bus connections in your travel plans without assuming a specific departure time.

Discover more destinations: Mortagne-du-Nord, Valenciennes, Douai, La Creche, Cambrai, Gondecourt, Saint-Hilaire-Sur-Helpe, Croix.

For the regional travel overview: Nord.