Landrethun-le-Nord: Church, Via Francigena and Neuches

Landrethun-le-Nord brings together a range of themes: the history of Saint-Martin Church, the Chemin des Poissonniers as part of the GR145 “Via Francigena,” and the stories surrounding the Neuches. The Plan d’eau is another practical point of interest for a stay.

Saint-Martin Church: history and architecture

The former church in Landrethun-le-Nord dated from the early 18th century and was destroyed by bombing during the Second World War. The present-day Saint-Martin Church was built between 1958 and 1961 to plans by architect Joseph Philippe, a pupil of Dom Bellot. Its history therefore encompasses both the loss of the older church building and the construction of the present one in the post-war period.

The architectural features of Saint-Martin Church include red facing brickwork, a slate roof, a covered porch and a freestanding campanile. A campanile is a separately standing bell tower; here, its freestanding structure is a distinct element of the church’s architecture. Together with the red brickwork and slate roof, it gives a clear impression of the design. Those interested in architecture can find points of interest here in both the exterior and the building’s historical context.

Chemin des Poissonniers and the Via Francigena

The Chemin des Poissonniers is part of the GR145 “Via Francigena.” This provides a named route connection alongside the history of the church and the village. You can keep these two interests distinct when choosing what to focus on: the path relates to the Via Francigena, while Saint-Martin Church is associated with its construction history and architectural features.

Plan d’eau: reservations and fishing trips

Access to the 3,700 m² pond at the Plan d’eau is available by reservation, under the supervision of an ADAL Pêche representative. Reservations are made through the town hall of Landrethun-le-Nord, where an appointment is arranged with the person in charge. Confirm the arrangements in advance if you would like to include use of the pond in your stay.

Fishing trips at the Plan d’eau can be arranged with ADAL Pêche for an additional charge. Access to the pond by reservation and a fishing trip are separate aspects of its use. Since reservation procedures and fishing arrangements may change, it is advisable to check the current conditions before making plans.

Danse des Neuches, the fountain and local tradition

The Danse des Neuches in Landrethun-le-Nord is a stone circle that long occupied archaeologists and historians. The stones are on enclosed private property, but are visible from Rue des Noces. Check access arrangements before visiting, rather than assuming that visibility from the road means you can enter the property.

The Fontaine des Neuches is a spring associated with the Neuches stones. It lies on the left-hand side of the road towards Ferques, is freely accessible from the road and is just over 150 metres from the stones. Check access arrangements again before your visit.

A local tradition is also associated with the Fontaine des Neuches. On the night before Midsummer’s Day, at exactly midnight, the spring could offer a fine drink to true believers. To receive it, one had to be fasting and in a state of grace. The time and the conditions are both part of the tale. They offer a different way to explore the Neuches than the church’s architectural details or the route connection of the Chemin des Poissonniers.

Discover more destinations: Vaulx, Audinghen, Sailly-Sur-La-Lys, Bainghen, Souastre, Fauquembergues, Saulchoy, Wismes

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