Aubin-Saint-Vaast: Canche, Fontaine Saint-Aubin and Marais du Planty

Explore Aubin-Saint-Vaast through several themes: the Canche, Marais du Planty, and the springs and architectural history surrounding Saint-Aubin. The natural landscape and historical landmarks offer different points of reference to help you understand the town according to your own interests.

The Canche and Marais du Planty

The Canche separates the hamlet of Saint-Vaast from the village of Aubin. This distinction is useful for orientation: the two names refer to different parts of the settlement. Fontaine Saint-Aubin is located in the marshland near Saint-Vaast, on the so-called Saint-Riquier path. Marais du Planty is in Aubin-Saint-Vaast on Rue St Riquier, near the square.

Marais du Planty is a protected area with panoramic views. Here, the landscape itself is the main attraction. Its location on Rue St Riquier and near the square adds a specific point of reference within Aubin-Saint-Vaast to the nature theme. If you are interested in landscapes, the marsh offers a different focus from the named buildings and spring sites.

Springs near Saint-Aubin

The small Fontaine Saint-Aubin structure was built over a spring. Its location in the marshland near Saint-Vaast connects its architectural form with the natural surroundings. The so-called Saint-Riquier path is also part of its location description. This means Fontaine Saint-Aubin can be understood both as a small structure and in the context of the wetland.

A visitor information notice from November 2025 says that a brick staircase provides access to the spring at Chapelle Saint-Aubin; an information panel is nearby. Before your visit, check whether access and signage are as described on site. This gives you a specific point of reference for planning, as well as information about an explanation panel near the spring.

Chapelle Saint-Aubin and Ancienne église

Chapelle Saint-Aubin was built by the Grébert family in 1888. By contrast, the main construction phase of Ancienne église dates to the 12th century; the church was demolished around 1890. The dates 1888 and around 1890 are close together, but refer to different events: the construction of the chapel and the demolition of Ancienne église. This distinction helps differentiate the construction histories of the two named buildings.

Another date concerns the portal of Ancienne église: a decree dated June 10, 1926, listed it in part as a historic monument. This date therefore refers to the portal's listing, not to the church's construction phase or demolition. These dates have different significance when placing the historical landmarks in context: they range from the main medieval construction phase through the late 19th-century building history to the portal's later heritage status.

Natural landscape or architectural history?

For planning your trip, the distinction between landscape and historical periods can be a useful guide. Marais du Planty represents the protected area with panoramic views; Fontaine and the chapel bring springs into focus, while Ancienne église and its portal have different historical dates. If you are looking for hotels in Aubin-Saint-Vaast, you can first consider whether you would rather focus on the natural landscape, spring sites, or architectural history during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Éperlecques, Vendin-Le-Vieil, Marquise, Audresselles, Arras, Sanghen, Béthune, Wimereux.

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