Steenvoorde: Mills, Nature and Market

Mills, historic architecture, nature and a market day offer a variety of options for planning a trip to Steenvoorde. Those who want to explore the surrounding area on foot will find a named walking route with a fixed starting point; for cycling trips, there is a network across the wider region. Local attractions also vary, from a nature trail to resources on regional languages.

Mills and Historic Architecture

The Noordmeulen, also called the “Moulin du Nord,” is a wooden post mill. During restoration work from 1978 to 1983, the year 1576 was discovered on a beam. The mill’s construction date remains uncertain. The Noordmeulen is one of Steenvoorde’s two mills listed in the supplementary register of historic monuments.

The Moulin Drievenmeulen, also called the “Moulin du Sud,” is a wooden post mill dating from 1776. In 1901, it was moved to the commune of Steenvoorde and converted for milling. It has been listed as a historic monument since 24 October 1977. Its sails have a span of 24.50 metres. They were reinstalled on 18 June 1997 and have been turning ever since.

The Maison du Coq at Place Saint-Pierre is another historic landmark: the house dates from 1664 and is listed as a historic monument. A Gothic church with three naves was rebuilt in the 16th and 17th centuries and stands 92 metres tall. These buildings and the two mills provide different points of reference in the area’s history.

Nature, Walking and Cycling

Aire Nature is in the centre of Steenvoorde, covers 3.5 hectares and is designated a Refuge LPO. Bird species found here include warblers, leaf warblers, reed warblers, green woodpeckers and tits; the area is also home to three species of newt. A pond and the Ey Becque and Rommel becque streams run through the site. The area is therefore notable for both bird and amphibian species and its waterscapes.

In partnership with the LPO, Aire Nature offers a free, permanent nature trail. If you plan to take part, check the latest details beforehand, as activity information may change. For a walk, La Ronde des Moulins is a specific option: the route is 9.5 kilometres long and starts at the town hall car park on Place du docteur J.M. Ryckaewert. Check trail conditions and signage before setting off.

For cycling, the wider region is relevant. The Points-nœuds cycling network there offers 830 kilometres of cycleable routes, from which you can plan your own itineraries. The two planning options therefore differ: for walking, one route with a fixed starting point is specified; for cycling, you can put together a route using the regional network. Check route conditions before setting off.

Market, Culture and Visitor Information

Since March 2025, the Saturday market has been held under the Marchande market hall on Rue de Poperinghe, every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Check the market location again before travelling. Stalls offer fruit and vegetables, dairy products and cheese, waffles, meat, barbecue items and fish. The selection of vendors and products may vary. If you plan to make the market a set part of your stay, note that it takes place on Saturday mornings.

At the summer carnival on the last weekend of April, six giant figures from Steenvoorde are presented; the programme may vary. The Centre de Ressources Documentaires is also open to those interested in language and culture. It is open to the public on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon and offers numerous resources on regional languages, including dictionaries, books, audio recordings and films. Check the latest information about public access if you plan to visit.

Steenvoorde is part of the Destination Coeur de Flandre tourism association; the nearest tourist office is in Cassel. If you plan to seek advice there, check the latest office information beforehand.

Discover more destinations: Haverskerque, Staple, Renescure, Cambrai, Englos, Estreux, Ferrière-la-Grande, Wormhout

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