Discover Ardres: Lake and Heritage

Ardres combines a green lakeside landscape with distinctive traces of its history. Key topics to consider when planning a trip include Lac d’Ardres, the Bastion Royal, Les Poires and historic buildings. A cycling route also starts in Ardres. When looking for a hotel in Ardres, these interests can help guide your choice: first decide whether nature and activities by the lake, architecture and history, or cycling will be the main focus of your trip.

Lac d’Ardres: landscape and activities

Lac d’Ardres lies in a green landscape of meadows and woodland. It is 2 kilometres long and covers 64 hectares. The 2 kilometres describe its length, while the 64 hectares describe its area—two different measurements of the same lake.

Lac d’Ardres offers opportunities for canoeing and sailing; seasonal availability may vary. Before making plans, check what options are available during your travel dates.

The Sentier des Tritons is an approximately 1-kilometre loop by Lac d’Ardres. It opens up new areas of the lake and provides access to the nearby Maison de la Nature. As a short loop, it can be included as a separate option in your day’s plans.

Carp, pike, perch and eels are fished in Lac d’Ardres. If you plan to fish, check the local rules before doing so.

Bastion Royal and Les Poires

The Bastion Royal of Ardres, also known as the Grand Bastion or Bastion Condette, is the last surviving remnant of the town’s fortifications. It contains two double flank casemates linked by a counter-mine gallery.

Les Poires are nine underground, hemispherical-cylindrical grain silos. Their name derives from their shape. Each silo is 5.5 metres in diameter and 7 metres high; the storage structures were arranged in rows of three. The bastion represents the town’s fortifications, while Les Poires represent grain storage—two different structural purposes.

Historic buildings and dates

At Église Notre-Dame de Graces, the central tower, the tower adjoining it to the north, the choir, the crossing, and the walls between the transept arms and the side choir chapels are protected as historic monuments. The listing was made by decree dated 29 March 1974.

Moulin Desombre was built in 1703 and is considered the oldest in a series of tower windmills in Ardres. François I also stayed in Ardres: he was there during the Camp du Drap d’Or, from 1 to 24 June 1520. These dates refer to different events: 1703 is the year the mill was built, while 29 March 1974 is the date the mentioned parts of the church were listed.

A cycling route starting in Ardres

The Véloroute des marais Guînes-Ardres starts on Avenue Charles de Gaulle in Ardres. This is a specific point in town to bear in mind when planning a cycling trip. Alongside the lake and heritage, the route offers another point of interest when deciding what matters to you as you look for a hotel in Ardres.

Discover more destinations: Lacres, Meurchin, Beuvry, Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise, Samer, Beutin, Gouy-en-Ternois, Wissant

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