Vaulx: Saint Roch Chapel and Local History

In Vaulx, the Chapelle Saint-Roch stands on the C.D. 121. Also known as the cemetery chapel, it is dedicated to Saint Roch. Its history dates back to a plague epidemic; during the Revolution, women from the village saved it. It was listed as a historic monument by decree on January 20, 1986.

Chapel, Church and Local History

The Chapelle Saint-Roch combines a religious dedication with a history dating back to a plague epidemic. Its rescue by women from the village during the Revolution adds a specific connection to local history. The 1986 monument listing is a separate matter: it refers to the chapel’s later protected status.

A gravestone also records a specific moment in local history. The inscription on Joseph Puchelle’s gravestone states that he died on October 26, 1876, as the parish priest of Vaulx. His name, date of death and religious role come together here, offering a different way to explore the past than the chapel’s history.

The church in Vaulx dates from the 18th century. Together with the chapel, it represents two distinct religious buildings in the village; for the church, the century in which it originated is the specific historical reference point.

A coat of arms carved into the Château de Vaulx is associated with the De La Porte family. The family acquired the Vaulx estate in 1402; their lordship there lasted until the Revolution. The coat of arms and the history of the estate thus extend beyond the religious buildings to another part of the village’s history.

Natural Surroundings and the Authie

The municipal area of Vaulx lies within the ZNIEFF “La moyenne vallée de l'Authie et ses versants entre Beauvoir-Wavans et Raye-sur-Authie” (the middle Authie valley and its slopes between Beauvoir-Wavans and Raye-sur-Authie). This designation places Vaulx within a named natural area. In the wider region, the Authie has a diverse fish population, including Atlantic salmon. The river is also classified there as a first-category fishing watercourse. The geographical scopes differ: the ZNIEFF concerns the municipal area, while the information about the Authie relates to the wider surroundings.

A Circular Walk as an Additional Point of Interest

“La randonnée des aubépines” is a circular walk starting at the football stadium in Auxi-le-Château. It passes through the countryside around Auxi-le-Château and lists Vaulx, Le Ponchel and Willencourt as places along the loop. The starting point, landscape and places mentioned offer different clues to the character of the route. The route information was updated on June 8, 2025, and may change; check it before your walk.

For travel planning, it helps to distinguish between local history and the regional natural and walking attractions: the chapel and other historical sites relate directly to Vaulx, while the Authie in the surrounding region and the circular walk offer a wider perspective. When looking for a hotel in Vaulx, you can first consider which of these will shape your stay.

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