Discover Autingues

Autingues lies at the gateway to the Parc Naturel Régional des Caps et Marais d’Opale. The Eglise Saint-Martin brings together a building history dating from the mid-18th century and detailed woodwork on its confessionals and altars. This gives you two distinct interests to consider when planning your trip: sacred architecture in the village and a tour that starts at Place d'Autingues. If you would like to include both culture and an outdoor activity when choosing your destination, Autingues offers specific points of interest for both.

Eglise Saint-Martin: Building History and Furnishings

The present-day Eglise Saint-Martin was built in the mid-18th century. The date 1742 is clearly visible on its bell tower. The construction period indicates when the church was built, while the year on the tower provides a more precise point of reference. Those interested in architectural history can consider both together: the church’s dating to the middle of the century and the specific date visible on the bell tower.

The confessional is made of profiled, carved and openwork oak. Pilasters with composite capitals divide its design. The upper part of the door features openwork foliage; above it is a curved pediment topped by a bust holding a cross. This piece of furniture brings together material, sculptural design and ornament. The combination of oak, carving and foliage makes the confessional a particular point of interest for travellers interested in sacred craftsmanship.

The high altar is made of natural wood and decorated with gilded motifs; it also has three altar steps. A marquetry rosette is set into the upper step. Marquetry is a decorative inlay technique; here, the rosette is set into the upper altar step. The church also has two curved side altars made of natural wood. The high altar combines natural wood with gilded motifs, while the side altars are distinguished by their number, curved form and material. The single high altar and the pair of side altars can therefore be viewed as distinct parts of the church’s furnishings.

A Protected Statue

The statue “Saint Martin?” is protected as a movable cultural object. It was registered on 15 January 1974. This date refers to the registration of its protected status, not the year the statue was created. Two different types of dates should therefore be distinguished: 1742 is visible on the bell tower, while 15 January 1974 is the date the statue was registered. The church’s building history and the protection status of an individual cultural object thus complement one another, although the two dates do not mean the same thing.

Tour Starting at Place d'Autingues

The tour “Chapelle St Louis en partant d'Autingues” starts at Place d'Autingues. Parking is available at the square. The tour’s starting point is therefore clearly identified; check current route conditions before setting off. While the square provides a specific starting point for the tour, Autingues’s location at the gateway to the Parc Naturel Régional des Caps et Marais d’Opale places it within a wider landscape. When choosing your destination, you can therefore choose between distinct interests: a cultural focus on the church and its furnishings, or a tour with a named starting point.

Discover more destinations: Meurchin, Tigny-Noyelle, Embry, Wismes, Sangatte, Annay, Beaurainville, Pernes-lès-Boulogne

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