Discover Blendecques: Abbey, Nature and Railway History

Blendecques offers travelers a range of reasons to stay: historic buildings, nature and walking trails, and railway history. The abbey and Sainte-Colombe Church represent two different aspects of the area’s heritage; the Plateau des Landes Nature Reserve and the Le Longatte route add opportunities to enjoy nature and get outdoors. Historic train rides on the former Saint-Omer–Boulogne-sur-Mer railway line round out the options. If you’re looking for a hotel in Blendecques, you can start by deciding which of these highlights best fits your travel plans.

Sainte-Colombe Abbey and Church

Sainte-Colombe Abbey was founded at the end of the 12th century and is partially protected as a historic monument. Surviving features include an entrance building, an abbey palace with a monumental staircase, remains of the church wall, farm buildings and an enclosing wall. The site foregrounds the history of a former monastic complex; Sainte-Colombe Church offers a distinct perspective on sacred architecture from a later period.

Sainte-Colombe Church was built between 1858 and 1870. It combines Romanesque Revival architecture with Gothic elements, including a pointed bell tower and a rib vault. Inside is carved furniture from the 16th century, which came from the Abbey of the Dames de Sainte-Colombe. Different periods therefore meet here: the church dates from the 19th century, while the furniture dates from the 16th century. A rib vault is a type of vault with intersecting ribs; together with the pointed tower, it makes the Gothic elements easy to identify.

Nature and Walking Trails

The Plateau des Landes Nature Reserve offers a different focus. An extensive network of ponds and pools defines the area, providing a habitat for rare and endangered species. These include the four-spotted heath, the spotted salamander and the heath bush-cricket. Numerous trails make it easy to enjoy walks with friends or family. The area is therefore a good choice if you’d like to combine nature watching with a walk.

Unlike the many walking trails in the nature reserve, Le Longatte offers a clearly defined hike: this easy circular route is 7.4 kilometers long and starts in the center of Blendecques. Sixteen water mills were built along different branches of the Aa. Before setting out, check the trail conditions and markings, as they may change.

Historic Train Rides in the Aa Valley

Railway history offers yet another way to discover Blendecques. The Chemin de Fer Touristique de la Vallée de l'Aa runs historic train rides over 15 kilometers along the former Saint-Omer–Boulogne-sur-Mer railway line, which includes Blendecques station. The station also houses a collection of railway objects. Unlike the Le Longatte hike, the 15-kilometer figure refers to the length of the historic train ride, not a walking route; these are different types of excursion. If you plan to take the train and visit the collection, check the current timetable and access arrangements for the collection in advance, as these may change.

Discover more destinations: Gonnehem, Condette, Mazingarbe, Landrethun-Le-Nord, Calais, Rang-Du-Fliers, Lestrem, Roquetoire.

View the broader travel guide: Pas-De-Calais.