La Gorgue can be explored through tangible traces at several locations: from the archaeological site of Beaupré-sur-la-Lys Abbey on the Lys to churches, the town hall and a former place of justice. There are also trails of varying lengths and a free treasure hunt with an approximate duration. This lets you decide whether to focus your stay on cultural history, exercise or a digital game.
Beaupré-sur-la-Lys Abbey on the Lys and Lawe
The archaeological site of Beaupré-sur-la-Lys Abbey is in the municipality of La Gorgue, on the banks of the Lys, near its confluence with the Lawe. It has an almost complete ground plan of the abbey complex. Two distinct aspects come together here: the site’s location in the river landscape and the layout of the monastic complex. Visitors interested in local history will find a tangible point of reference that encompasses both the landscape setting and the architectural history of the abbey.
Churches, the town hall and local history
A stone from the hamlet of Les Dix Cailloux stands beside the Sacré-Coeur Church in the hamlet of Nouveau Monde. The aldermen used to administer justice at this stone. Local history is therefore reflected not only in religious buildings, but also in a reminder of the former administration of justice.
The Church of Saint Pierre in La Gorgue was rebuilt in 1895. An inventory entry last updated in 2020 lists a neo-Gothic organ and an organ loft in the church. The town hall’s bell tower was built in 1662 under Spanish rule. Opposite the town hall is the public garden on Rue du Duc de Berry. These details offer different points of interest: the rebuilding and organ for church history, the bell tower for the history of the town hall and the garden as a precise location in the townscape.
Walking trails and a treasure hunt
The Chemin des Magots walking trail offers two options: 7 km and 15 km. Both start at Place Saint-Roch, opposite the church. You can choose your route based first on the distance you want to cover. Check the current trail markings before setting off.
The Chemin de la Forme starts at the kiosk and is 7.9 km long. The intercommunal description gives 2025 as the year it was completed; check current accessibility and trail markings before setting out. The Chemins de la Forme concept combines sport and local heritage: historical information is presented alongside simple, accessible exercises. These are delivered via the free Form’City app or by QR code at the stations. Check beforehand whether the app or QR codes are currently available.
Another option in La Gorgue is a free Totemus treasure hunt. A connected game takes you through the town, its history and historical secrets; it takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours to complete. Check whether the app is currently available before making plans.
The activities differ in how you can plan for them: the Chemin des Magots offers two distance options, while the Chemin de la Forme is a 7.9 km route with cultural content and exercise activities. Totemus, by contrast, has an approximate duration. You can choose whether to plan your time around a distance or a set time window.
Discover more destinations: Maubeuge, Loon-Plage, Seclin, Bierne, Tourcoing, Sainghin-En-Mélantois, Quaëdypre, Wattignies
For the broader travel guide: Nord.
