Tilques: Cultural History, Hiking and Wetlands

A stay in Tilques can focus on different things: architectural history, a hike, or excursions on the water. Château d'Ecou and the Église du Sacré Cœur represent two different architectural themes; Le Lansbergue is a circular hiking trail, while Au Relais du Marais offers excursions through the wetlands using various types of watercraft. So if you're looking for a hotel in Tilques, it helps to first consider which of these interests matters most for your trip.

Architectural history at the château and church

Château d'Ecou evolved from a medieval fortress into a pleasure palace and took on a neo-medieval style at the end of the 19th century. This timeline helps distinguish its origins from its later design: the fortress dates the site's development to the Middle Ages, while the neo-medieval style belongs to the end of the 19th century. The estate includes a wall, a moat with a bridge, a terrace, a park, two entrance avenues, a kitchen garden and an orchard. Visitors can therefore take in not only the building's history but also the variety of spaces across the estate.

The Église du Sacré Cœur in Tilques has a medieval bell tower that was restored in the mid-19th century. Its Gothic Revival nave was designed by the architect Charles Leroy. The tower and nave can thus be read as different architectural chapters: in the case of the tower, its origins and later restoration go together; the nave's Gothic Revival design is associated with a named architect. The term “nave” refers to the central space of a church; the attribution to Charles Leroy applies to this part of the building, not the bell tower. This comparison complements the château's history with a look at a church building.

Explore the wetlands on foot or by water

Le Lansbergue starts in Tilques, is 5.7 kilometres long, is rated easy and forms a circular route. Its starting point, length, difficulty and route type are clearly specified, making it easier to compare the hike with a boat trip and fit it into your day's plans. Along the way, hikers can observe waterways, or watergangs, that surround the Lègues of the Audomarois wetlands. The focus is on the waterways and the Lègues they surround, not just the distance covered. Check the current route description before setting out, as the length and profile may change when it is updated.

If you'd rather plan a boat trip, Au Relais du Marais offers excursions through the wetlands by barge, canoe or kayak. The activities differ in how you get around: Le Lansbergue is a circular walking route, while these excursions take place in watercraft. At Au Relais du Marais, a large family barge can also be used for a picnic. Having a picnic on the large family barge makes the meal itself part of the excursion. Au Relais du Marais also offers access for people with reduced mobility and parking.

This gives you a clear distinction to help with your decision: the circular route combines a stated length and route type with views of the wetlands' waterways; excursions with Au Relais du Marais take you onto the water by barge, canoe or kayak. In terms of cultural history, Château d'Ecou and the church offer different perspectives on architectural development and design.

Discover more destinations: Colline-Beaumont, Saint-Denœux, Hernicourt, Hesmond, Auchy-Lès-Hesdin, Saint-Georges, Marles-Sur-Canche, Warlincourt-Lès-Pas

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