Bouvelinghem between chalk hills and forests

Several themes come together on a trip to Bouvelinghem: a hilly landscape, circular routes on foot and horseback, and a rebuilt town centre. The routes differ in how they are travelled, their length and the landscapes they pass through. This means you can get to know the town both through its paths and its historic townscape.

Landscape between chalk hills and forest

The ZNIEFF area “Complexe de vallées sèches et de bois autour de Bouvelinghem” features hilly terrain and the characteristic chalk hills of the Haut Artois. It includes a forest complex that illustrates the diverse forestry development potential of the Haut Artois. The landscape also includes remnants of former grazing paths and chalk grassland; the area has also been shaped by human use. Bouvelinghem lies between two extensive wooded areas. Terrain, forest and traces of grazing are found side by side here. If you would like to understand the area, these features offer both an insight into its chalk hills and clues to how the landscape was used in the past.

Circular routes on foot and horseback

Among the circular walking routes, Les 4 Bois starts in Bouvelinghem and is 12.2 kilometres long. Les Fascines also starts in Bouvelinghem and covers 9.4 kilometres. This route is rated moderate and takes about two and a half hours. By comparison, Les Fascines is shorter than Les 4 Bois and also has a difficulty rating and an estimated duration. You can compare the two walking routes by distance and approximate time required. Check local trail conditions before setting out.

Le Midi offers a different focus: this 22.3-kilometre circular horse-riding route starts in Bouvelinghem, passes through the Neuville valley and runs along the edge of the Petit Quercamps forest. At this length, it is longer than the two walking routes mentioned above and also takes in two named landscape areas. GPX and KML files are available for Le Midi to transfer to a GPS device or other navigation device. You can use these route files to navigate the circular horse-riding route.

Local history and architectural ensemble

Bouvelinghem was rebuilt in 1876 after a fire devastated the town centre. The rebuilt centre retains a still-cohesive ensemble of brick longhouses with mansard roofs. Alongside this historic turning point, a unified architectural style shapes the townscape: brick, the longhouse form and mansard roofs are the ensemble’s shared features.

A regional landscape-management technique

The fascine technique is a traditional form of landscape management used in the region: willow stakes and layers of branches form low, natural fences. On small slopes, they help limit soil erosion.

Plan your visit

Christine Hazebroucq is a Greeter in Bouvelinghem. If you would like to include a visit with her in your travel plans, check her availability before your trip.

Discover more destinations

Grand-Rullecourt, Recques-Sur-Hem, Rivière, Cucq, Nempont-Saint-Firmin, Saint-Nicolas, Sainte-Catherine, Saint-Etienne-Au-Mont

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