Enquin-les-Mines: Mills, Chapels and Trails

Enquin-les-Mines brings together traces of industry, historic religious buildings and trails with their own interpretive themes. When planning your trip, you can take two different approaches: focus on the history of the buildings or follow the themes and information provided along the routes.

Mills and Mining History

The history of the Fosse de Fléchinelle dates back to the 19th century: construction began in 1855, and operations ended in 1927. Surviving remains include administrative buildings, former stables and a spoil heap. The industrial history of the area is therefore reflected not only in its timeline but also in tangible architectural traces.

The Moulin de Serny appears to have been built in the 19th century. The workshop building was extended in height in 1927 and used as a sawmill. Originally, the mill was powered by an overshot vertical waterwheel. The Moulin Espagnol, also called the Moulin Harchy, is said in oral tradition to have been built around 1635; it ceased operating around 1938. Today, it has a restored overshot waterwheel. At Serny, the later use of the workshop building and the original drive mechanism are of particular interest, while at the Moulin Espagnol, the story of its construction and the restored wheel stand out.

Chapels, Church and Farm Complex

The Chapelle St Wandrille dates from the 16th century and houses a polychrome statue of Saint Apollonia, the patron saint of dentists. The choir of the Eglise St Omer also dates from that century. Several construction periods can be distinguished at the Chapelle St Germain: the nave dates from the early 17th century, while the choir is thought to date from the late 17th century. The interpretation of the upper floor above the choir is also tied to a particular period: during regional unrest from the late 17th to the early 18th century, it may have served as a refuge for some of the population or as a lookout post.

The Ferme des Templiers adds to this picture: it was built in the 17th century on the ruins of a medieval fortified house. Together, the chapels, church and farm complex span the period from the Middle Ages to the early modern era. If you are interested in architectural history, you can distinguish between the buildings' individual dates during your visit rather than assigning them all to a single period.

Hiking Trails and Their Themes

The Sentier de l'Alouette explores the Corons, the Fléchinelle spoil heap, wind energy and rural agriculture through information panels. The route is aimed at schoolchildren and families. Its themes range from local industrial history to energy and agriculture, offering several ways to discover the trail through the information presented along the way.

The Sentier sportif des Paysages à énergies is a route with clearly stated details: it starts in Enquin-les-Mines, is 27.39 kilometres long, takes eight hours and is rated very difficult. Its information panels provide insights into local heritage, history and various energy sources. The route is also associated with the La Carnoye site, where six wind turbines have been installed.

The Coteaux de la Laquette route has a different geographical focus: it runs around Enquin-les-Mines along the northern and southern slopes of the Laquette. The Sentier sportif has a stated distance, duration and difficulty rating. Its route description was updated in 2025. Check conditions before setting out, especially if you are planning your trip around the published route details.

Discover more destinations: Calais, Blendecques, Escalles, Bécourt, Gouy-Saint-André, Tilloy-lès-Mofflaines, Douvrin, Marles-Sur-Canche.

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