Discover Les Attaques: Trails, History and Culture

Les Attaques offers practical points of interest for a trip that brings outdoor activities and local history together. The GRP Tour du Calaisis and the Véloroute des Marais – EuroVelo 5 pass through the town; cultural events, historic buildings and award-winning butter croissants complete the picture. These different themes can help you decide whether hiking, cycling, history or culture should be a priority in your travel plans.

Hiking and Cycling

The GRP Tour du Calaisis passes through Les Attaques and is marked in yellow and red. For a hike, these markings provide a practical navigation aid; check the latest route information before setting off. The Véloroute des Marais – EuroVelo 5 also passes through the town. It is 29.4 kilometers long and classified as a very easy family route. The details serve different planning purposes: the GRP is identified by its trail markings, while the Véloroute also has a stated length and difficulty rating.

Between Coulogne and Guînes, sections of the Véloroute follow the Canal de Guînes and an old railway line; there are picnic tables along the Greenway. If you plan to use the picnic tables, check in advance whether they are currently available.

History and Architecture

The Abbaye de la Capelle was a Benedictine abbey founded around 1090/1093 by Ida, Countess of Boulogne. It fell into ruin following the siege of Calais; remains can still be seen today. The Église Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens was built between 1866 and 1868. It replaced an older chapel that had become too small for the growing population and was designed by architect Amédée Stensmaght. Red brick and stone from Tournehem form a combination of materials considered typical of the architectural heritage of the Calais region. The difference in dates highlights the contrast: the abbey’s history was shaped by the siege, while the growing population prompted the construction of the new church.

Culture and Local Specialties

The municipal media library in Les Attaques offers cultural events throughout the year. For accompanied children, it runs arts and crafts workshops led by Claudie on one Wednesday each month from 10 a.m. to noon. The cultural program and the workshop follow different schedules: events take place throughout the year, while the children’s workshop is held on a specific Wednesday each month. Check the current dates and whether registration is required before making plans.

In Les Attaques, Samuel Dejonghe makes butter croissants at Boulangerie Pâtisserie Dejonghe. They won first prize at departmental and regional levels, and second prize at national level. If you plan to visit the bakery, check in advance whether it is open.

Discover more destinations: Audembert, Saint-Nicolas, Dennebroeucq, Huby-Saint-Leu, Ambleteuse, Peuplingues, Berneville, Valhuon

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