A 82-metre-high church tower, a carillon with 61 bells and trails that follow the history of flax: Hondschoote can be explored through its architecture, heritage and local traditions. Some attractions require advance reservations for visits; when planning your trip, it is worth checking these conditions and any seasonal offers in advance.
Saint-Vaast: tower, hall church and visits
The tower of Saint-Vaast Church is built of white bricks. It was built in 1513 and is crowned by an octagonal spire reaching 82 metres. The church was rebuilt between 1602 and 1620 as a three-aisled hall church; part of the transept was retained. The tower and the church interior thus reveal different chapters in the building’s history.
Visits to the church are possible by prior arrangement through the tourist office. Those who prefer to start with a virtual tour can take one in French, Dutch, English or German. Contact the tourist office before travelling to arrange a visit.
Town hall, museum and places of remembrance
The town hall was built in the 16th century. The year 1558 is visible in the middle of the cornice; Gothic and Renaissance elements define its architecture. A decree dated 22 January 1910 classified the building as a Monument historique. Panels on the town’s history are displayed in the former courtroom.
The Musée Municipal d’Hondschoote houses several paintings from the church as well as a series of the Neuf Preuses. The town hall and museum can be visited by prior arrangement. Together, they offer two distinct perspectives: the town hall focuses on architectural and local history, while the paintings and the Neuf Preuses draw attention to the museum’s collections.
The Chapelle Saint Augustin also brings architecture and interior decoration together. This neo-Gothic brick chapel dates from the late 19th century and was built by the Congregation of the Black Sisters of Furnes. Inside, notable features include the wooden pointed-arch vaulted ceiling and stained-glass windows depicting, among others, King David, Saint Cecilia and Saint Barbara.
The Battle of Hondschoote is commemorated in two different ways. La statue de la Victoire was unveiled in 1890; the monument was created by the sculptor Darcq of Lille. The Moulin Spinnewyn, also known as the Moulin de la Victoire, was built in 1993 in memory of the gendarmes who took part in the 1793 battle.
Windmills and the history of flax
The Moulin Spinnewyn is a post mill. Its millstones produce flour only during local festivals. The Noordmeulen is also mounted on a post. The year 1127 is inscribed on its main beam; it may therefore be the oldest windmill in Europe. This cautious designation forms part of its local historical characterisation.
Visitors can explore different aspects of flax through several activities. The Route du lin can be explored on foot or by bicycle in Hondschoote. The seasonal DĂ©couverte du lin activity runs in summer from the flax fields to the workshops and showcases local expertise that is still very much alive. As the activity is seasonal and availability may vary, it is best to check the details in advance.
Two walking trails, different highlights
The Promenades des Zwingelaers is 10.4 kilometres long, starts in Hondschoote and leads to flax retting sites and former flax retting sites. It also explores the history of the connection between Hondschoote and flax. The trail is open seasonally from May to September.
The 10.5-kilometre Circuit de la Tour Blanche focuses on Flemish architecture, chapels, oratories and windmills, and passes through the surrounding agricultural landscape. The routes are similar in length; the main difference is their focus: one follows flax processing and its history, while the other explores the architectural and cultural landscape. This makes it easy to choose a walk based on the theme you would like to discover in more depth.
Carillon: visit with a mini-concert
The Carillon de Hondschoote can be visited by prior arrangement, with a mini-concert. It was officially inaugurated on the night of 31 December 1999 to 1 January 2000. Its 61 bells span five octaves. It is best to arrange your visit before travelling. Along with visits to Saint-Vaast, the town hall and the museum, this makes it possible to plan a cultural itinerary whose individual stops each have their own reservation requirements.
Discover more destinations: Cousolre, Wasquehal, Coudekerque-Branche, Erquinghem-Lys, Pont-Sur-Sambre, Sémeries, Haulchin, Saint-André-Lez-Lille
Go to the main travel overview: Nord.
