Discover Aire-Sur-La-Lys

Aire-Sur-La-Lys combines heritage with waterside experiences and excursions from the port. The city’s history reveals itself in many different ways: in the belfry, the Collégiale Saint-Pierre and the Chapelle Beaudelle; a river cruise and excursions by various vehicles round out the programme. When planning your stay, you can choose whether to focus on historic buildings, the water or time outdoors.

Heritage and orientation

The Chapelle Beaudelle serves as a visitor interpretation centre for the heritage of Aire-Sur-La-Lys. Two interactive tables offer a map system featuring around fifty attractions arranged by theme; each site is described in detail. The map and thematic organisation help you focus on specific aspects. A section of a replica relief map is also on display in the chapel. It shows Aire-Sur-La-Lys and its fortifications in 1745, giving visitors an additional way to explore the city as it was in that historic year.

Belfry and sacred art

The Belfry of Aire-Sur-La-Lys has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005. Its features include seven floors and a carillon with 14 bells. The climb through the belfry to the campanile involves 236 steps. If you plan to make the climb, check access information before your visit.

The Collégiale Saint-Pierre houses a 17th-century organ case and a statue of Notre-Dame Panetière. The organ case comes from Clairmarais Abbey; the statue is regarded as the city’s patron saint. The Porte de Beaulieu offers another perspective on the city’s history: it is the last surviving remnant of Aire-Sur-La-Lys’s fortifications, and the Lys flows through it. At these various buildings, you can encounter sacred art, religious significance and a surviving part of the city’s former defences.

The river and excursions from the port

La Croisière Merveilleuse departs from the port of Aire-Sur-La-Lys. You can choose between a trip on a river yacht and a meal on the water. Departure times and availability may vary; check them before making plans. This lets you decide whether the trip or a meal on the water should be the focus of this experience.

The EuroVelo 5 greenway runs for several kilometres along the Lys in the area around the port. From the port, you can also take half-day or full-day excursions on a vintage bicycle, an electric scooter or a tandem. Choosing the time frame helps you gauge how much of your day such an excursion will take. Availability may vary here too; check what is on offer before travelling.

Fête de l’Andouille in September

The Fête de l’Andouille is a local tradition. It takes place on the first Sunday in September and includes the traditional throwing of andouilles from the Bretèche of the Bailliage. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the dates and event programme in advance.

This makes it easier to choose a destination that suits your reason for travelling.

Discover more destinations: Salperwick, Parenty, Campagne Lès Boulonnais, Cormont, Willencourt, Guînes, Souchez, Vieille-Chapelle

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