An 82-metre-high abbey tower, 18th-century ceramics and marked forest trails for walking and cycling give a stay in Saint-Amand-les-Eaux several clear points of interest. There is also the Port fluvial de La Porte du Hainaut, with activities from April to September. When planning your trip, it makes a difference whether you mainly want to explore the architectural and industrial heritage, enjoy the forest trails year-round or make use of the seasonal activities on the Scarpe.
Abbey History and Ceramics
The Tour abbatiale was the former entrance to the abbey church. Built in the Baroque style between 1626 and 1640, it is 82 metres high and has been classified as a historic monument since 1846. Its former function, construction date and protected status provide a clear link to the history of the abbey. To explore this historical focus further, the Musée de la Tour abbatiale has works connected with the abbey’s history.
The museum also focuses on Saint-Amand’s ceramics production and displays items including 18th-century faience. This offers two different ways to explore the town’s heritage: abbey history through the building and related works, and local ceramics through the development of an important industry and specific faience pieces. Admission to the Musée de la Tour abbatiale is free. Check the visitor information again before you arrive.
Industrial History as a Distinct Focus
The Historial Amandinois focuses on the industrial history of Saint-Amand-les-Eaux. Its subject areas include faience, chain manufacturing, aircraft engines and brewing. Ceramics therefore feature in two different contexts: at the Musée de la Tour abbatiale, as an overview of ceramics production, and at the Historial, as one of several aspects of industrial history. If you want to learn about several aspects of the town’s history, you can take these perspectives into account separately when planning your visit, rather than treating both museums as covering the same subject.
Forest Trails in Every Season
Marked forest trails are available year-round for walking and cycling. You can use the forest trails for walking and cycling throughout the year; activities at the port run from April to September. If you do not want to plan your stay around the port’s season, the forest trails can be the main focus of your trip.
At the Port fluvial de La Porte du Hainaut
The Port fluvial de La Porte du Hainaut is on the Scarpe, very close to the town centre. From April to September, it offers outdoor activities: pedal boats, trikes, kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards and Dragon Boats, as well as bicycle rentals. The offer includes both activities on the water and bicycles for hire. Its season is a key difference from the forest trails, which are available year-round; bear this in mind if the port is one of the reasons for choosing when to travel.
Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests
The time of year makes a practical difference. Walking and cycling on the marked trails are possible year-round, while the port’s leisure activities are seasonal, running from April to September. The museums, in turn, offer different historical perspectives, from the former entrance to the abbey church to faience and the industries mentioned above. You can plan your trip around the subjects you actually want to explore.
Discover more destinations: Armbouts-Cappel, Baives, Honnecourt-Sur-Escaut, Aubers, Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer, Ronchin, Aubry, Naves.
For the broader travel overview: Nord.
