The history of the First World War is present in Merris at specific sites and along the route: the town was completely destroyed and rebuilt, and the Chemin de la mémoire 14/18 covers a total of 18 kilometres. The church of Saint Laurent and the heritage trail also offer different insights into the town’s history.

Chemin de la mémoire 14/18

Of the 18-kilometre route, 12 kilometres run through Merris and 6 kilometres through Vieux-Berquin. The Merris section consists of three different circular routes and includes seven information panels. The panels can be reached by car, on foot or by bicycle. Check the local signposting before setting out, as it may change. This breakdown shows how the Merris section relates to the full route through both municipalities.

The Borne Vauthier stands at the junction of Rue de Strazeele and Rue Neuve. It symbolises the front line on 18 July 1918, the start of the recapture of the area. The monument thus refers to a specific date in the history of the First World War.

Reconstruction, the church and local history

Merris was completely destroyed during the First World War and subsequently rebuilt. The reconstruction was creative and unified; it is considered an example of the heritage of post-First World War reconstruction.

After three years of construction, Saint Laurent church was officially opened for worship on 21 April 1929. Its stained-glass windows were created by glass artist Jacques Gruber. A guided tour focusing on the classified stained-glass windows is planned for the church. Check the current date before your visit.

The heritage trail also includes the Internat Familial. The building was constructed as a hospice from 1888 onwards and was later also used as an orphanage. The Maison du souvenir is a small museum in the former chapel of the Internat Familial. Check current visiting arrangements before your visit.

Landscape, crafts and village life

Merris lies on a rise in the terrain that marks the transition between the Monts de Flandre and the Lys plain. The very large wayside cross on the heritage trail offers panoramic views of the Monts de Flandre. How far the view extends depends on the weather and vegetation.

An older Village-Patrimoine guide describes the Relais de la Dentelle school in the Merris countryside as a place where training in lace-making is still offered. If you are interested, check before visiting whether training is currently taking place and whether access is possible.

A municipal list from August 2026 lists the L’Échappée Belle food truck on the village square in Merris on Saturday evenings. Check the current schedule in advance, as recurring food truck times may change.

Discover more destinations: Wormhout, Neuville-En-Ferrain, Sebourg, Saint-Amand-Les-Eaux, Genech, Bousies, Mouvaux, Fourmies.

For the wider travel overview: Nord.