Warlincourt-Lès-Pas: Spring, Chapel and History

Warlincourt-Lès-Pas can be explored through its named local landmarks: the Kilienne rises here, Saint-Kilien Chapel stands above the spring, and several historical themes are associated with the village. A woodland walk by the spring and trout fishing stretches along the river offer different activities alongside its history. When planning your trip, you can decide which of these themes you would like to shape your stay.

The Kilienne and its mills

The Kilienne rises in Warlincourt-lès-Pas and is also known as the Quilienne and the rivière de Pas. These variants refer to the same river and help identify its different local associations. In the past, the Kilienne powered as many as seven mills along its course from the spring to its confluence with the Authie at Thièvres. The mills are part of the river's former use; its historical connection extends from its source to the named confluence near Thièvres.

Saint-Kilien Chapel and local tradition

Saint-Kilien Chapel stands above the spring on foundations dating from the 12th century. After being destroyed during the Revolution, it was rebuilt in the Neo-Gothic style in 1865. This means two periods can be distinguished at the chapel: its medieval foundations and its 19th-century Neo-Gothic reconstruction. Anyone interested in architectural history will find a specific point of reference here, with the foundations and the later reconstruction representing different aspects.

The Saint-Kilien spring is also part of local tradition. It is said that the water, together with a novena to Saint-Kilien, can relieve stiff limbs and help children who are late to walk. The story belongs to local belief and connects the spring with a religious tradition. The chapel, spring and tradition thus share a point of reference in local history, without the story being understood as a proven effect.

Walking and trout fishing

A woodland walk is offered at the Saint-Kilien spring. This provides a separate way to enjoy a stay in the woods alongside learning about the chapel and its history. There are also 26 private trout fishing stretches along the Kilienne in Warlincourt-lès-Pas. Walking and fishing are different activities, each associated with a named place or stretch along the Kilienne. If you plan to go fishing, check the current facility and access conditions in advance, as they may change.

La Bellevue and other historical associations

La Bellevue is associated with the history of aerial warfare in Artois during the First World War, 1914–1918. It is located in the commune of Warlincourt-lès-Pas, at the junction of the D127 and D25. This association adds a different subject and period to the history of Saint-Kilien: here, the focus is on aerial warfare in Artois, while the chapel is explored through its foundations and reconstruction.

There was also a special opportunity to visit Saint-Kilien Church on a specific date: on 20 September 2020, it was open for free, self-guided visits as part of the European Heritage Days. This was an event in the programme at the time.

The Trésor des Atrébates is also part of the area's history: it comes from Warlincourt in the Pas-de-Calais département, but is kept at the Musée d’Archéologie National. If you are interested in the treasure, distinguishing between its place of origin and where it is kept can help with trip planning: its historical association leads to Warlincourt, while the artefacts are held elsewhere.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Wimille, Carvin, Carency, Serques, Izel-lès-Équerchin, Contes, Autingues, Offrethun.

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