In Socx, architectural and art history meet green trails and landscapes. The Église Saint Léger reflects several building phases and houses a bell dating from 1700 as well as a Flemish triptych. A green trail links Bergues, the village centre of Socx and the surrounding agricultural landscape. When planning your trip, consider whether church architecture and furnishings or walks, landscapes and biodiversity should shape your stay.
Église Saint Léger: Building History and Furnishings
The Église Saint Léger is a three-aisled hall church built of light-coloured bricks. It was constructed in the 17th century as an extension of the 16th-century entrance tower and enlarged in 1894. “Three-aisled” describes the division of the church interior into three aisles: the term refers to its spatial layout, while the building phases indicate its development over time.
The Saint-Maur bell of Saint Winoc Abbey was cast in Lille in 1700. Raised coats of arms, a danse macabre and a dedication on a three-line musical staff are among its decorative features. The triptych in the church was painted in Flanders in the early 17th century for a family’s private devotion. The two works represent different forms of religious art: an elaborately decorated bell and a painting intended for family devotion.
Green Trails and Biodiversity
The green trail links Bergues, the village centre of Socx and the surrounding agricultural landscape. Trees and shrubs have been planted along the route, and a pond has been enhanced for both its ecological and landscape value. Both the trail and the design of green spaces and waterways are therefore part of the landscape.
At Faubourg de Cassel, visitors will find a place to relax, discover biodiversity and go for a walk. An educational trail links the site to an existing walking path. Grazing was proposed for part of the meadow at Faubourg de Cassel to complement the opportunities to discover biodiversity. If you include this in your plans, check before visiting whether the measure has been implemented.
Puzzles, Circular Walks and Routes
The Socx puzzle trail passes through Square « les Hauts de Socx », along Chemin des écoles and into the cemetery on a shaded path. As part of the route follows roads with traffic and no pavement, children must be accompanied by an adult. Keep this requirement in mind when planning the puzzle trail.
Information boards, themed signs and QR-code stations provide access to videos, interviews and digital content. The Sentiers de mémoire are suitable for walking and cycling. Check the facilities on site before setting out, and also find out about current conditions on the Sentiers de mémoire.
Plan Bus Travel and Find a Hotel
Bus stops are located at the town hall and Faubourg de Cassel. If you plan to travel by bus, these place names may help when checking timetables; check the schedules before your trip. When looking for hotels in Socx, consider which of the activities described should shape your stay: the Église Saint Léger, walks and biodiversity at Faubourg de Cassel, or walking and cycling on the Sentiers de mémoire.
Discover more destinations: Haut-Lieu, Douchy-Les-Mines, Villers-au-Tertre, Armbouts-Cappel, Saint-Hilaire-Sur-Helpe, Cuincy, Renescure, Saint-Pierre-Brouck.
See the main travel overview: Nord.
