Pernes-lès-Boulogne: Churches, War Memorial and Château de Conteval

Visitors choosing Pernes-lès-Boulogne as a destination can plan their stay around three distinct themes: the neo-Gothic Eglise paroissiale du Saint-Esprit, the war memorial and the Château de Conteval. These three themes offer different perspectives on architecture, depicted subjects and a protected parkland. When looking for a hotel, these cultural attractions can be a specific reason to consider Pernes-lès-Boulogne as a destination.

Natural Setting and Local Connections

Pernes-lès-Boulogne is part of the Parc naturel régional des Caps et Marais d'Opale. A second named natural area is the ZNIEFF Vallée du Wimereux entre Wimille et Belle-et-Houllefort, which also includes the municipality. If you want to consider the landscape as well as the buildings when planning your trip, you will find two distinct connections here: the regional nature park and a valley area that includes Pernes-lès-Boulogne. Together, they complement the cultural attractions with the natural setting in which the municipality is situated.

Church and War Memorial

Eglise paroissiale du Saint-Esprit

The Eglise paroissiale du Saint-Esprit is a neo-Gothic church. It was rebuilt in 1851–1852 to plans by the architect Philippe Sannier; its bell tower bears the date 1850. The building thus displays a date on the tower alongside a distinct period of rebuilding. Its architecture and history can be explored through specific features: its neo-Gothic style, the architect's name and the two dates. These give the church a clearly defined place in local history, without requiring a general overview of the municipality.

A mass is held at the Eglise Saint-Esprit on the second Sunday of every month at 9:30 a.m. If attending a service is important to your visit, check the date in advance.

The War Memorial

The war memorial in Pernes-lès-Boulogne depicts a dying soldier, a cross with Christ, a Croix de guerre and a palm branch. It was inaugurated on October 16, 1921. The soldier sculpture bears the signature of J. Dechin; the name of the blacksmith, J. Dulot, appears on the wrought-iron railing. This makes it possible to distinguish the depicted elements from the two works attributed to named individuals: the signature refers to the sculpture, while the blacksmith's name refers to the railing. As well as its imagery, the memorial offers a specific way to explore the history of its design.

Château de Conteval: Residence and Parkland

The Château de Conteval is located in Haut Penleu and partly within Pernes-lès-Boulogne; the protected complex extends into the municipality. A residence atypical of the Boulonnais, it dates from the late 18th century and is built of brick and rendered stone. Its grounds include two courtyards in the English style. The château dominates a landscaped park laid out like an amphitheatre, which opens onto the surrounding countryside.

The complex was protected by decree on April 19, 2006. The protection covers the château's façades and roofs, the two courtyards in the English style, and the surrounding park with its boundary enclosures, avenues, ponds and water supply. Two kitchen gardens are also among the protected features. Conteval is therefore more than just a château building: the courtyards and park, with their specifically named features, form part of the protected ensemble. The château is privately owned; check in advance whether access is possible if you are planning a visit.

Cultural Highlights for Planning Your Trip

The three sites offer different perspectives on a stay in Pernes-lès-Boulogne. The church highlights neo-Gothic architecture and its rebuilding history; at the war memorial, you can distinguish its imagery and the attribution of the sculpture and blacksmith's work; Conteval combines residential architecture with an extensive parkland setting. This comparison can help you shape your trip around the theme that interests you most.

Discover more destinations: Rang-Du-Fliers, Verchocq, Landrethun-Le-Nord, Recques-Sur-Hem, Beaurains, Mont-Saint-Éloi, Mazingarbe, Saulchoy.

For the overview of the wider area: Pas-De-Calais.