Watten offers a range of discoveries, from architectural and religious history to nature at Lac Bleu. On Mont de Watten, you can encounter surviving traces from several centuries; Lac Bleu offers a different focus, with a circular trail through woods and meadows. For your planning, practical details about walking time, elevation gain and access conditions are also helpful.
Abbey, fortifications and mill
The Tour de l’Abbaye de Watten includes an abbey tower dating from the 15th century and the surrounding walls. These are preserved remains of a religious institution founded in the 11th century. Mont de Watten is also home to a listed site with 17th-century fortification remains surrounding the former abbey and the mill. Together, the buildings illustrate different historical periods: from the founding of the religious institution, through the medieval tower, to the later fortifications.
The Moulin de la Montagne de Watten also tells the story of how older building materials were reused. The stone mill was built around 1760 in place of a wooden mill, using materials from the former abbey. A mechanism installed in 1994 enables the mill to grind grain as it did in the past. Whether this process is demonstrated to visitors may vary.
Another historic building is the Église Saint-Gilles. Its tower dates from the late 15th century, is listed as a historic monument and has been fully restored. The abbey tower, mill and church tower offer different ways to explore Watten’s architectural history.
Nature and a circular trail on Mont de Watten
Lac Bleu is a 13-hectare natural area on the site of a former marl quarry. A circular trail leads through woods and meadows, and the landscape is home to a diverse range of animal and plant life. Swimming in Lac Bleu is prohibited. Check the current rules before visiting. The area is partially accessible to people with reduced mobility. As access conditions may change, check them on site.
The Sentier de la Montagne de Watten is a 1.1-kilometre circular trail from Rue de l’Eglise to Mont de Watten. It has an elevation gain of 72 metres, and the round trip takes approximately one hour. These details give you a practical guide for planning your time without making any claims about the level of difficulty.
Traditional archery
The Maison des Archers de Watten features an exhibition about traditional archery, in which archers shoot at a vertical pole. This activity is typical of Flanders and Artois; the exhibition explains its history from its origins to the present day. If you are interested not only in its history but also in trying it, introductory sessions are available at the Maison des Archers’ shooting range. These sessions are scheduled activities; check current availability before including them in your plans.
Practical planning
For a stay in Watten, you can choose between cultural history and nature as different areas of focus: the historic buildings and the natural area at Lac Bleu each offer their own themes. The circular trail adds an approximate walking time to your plans. Watten also has a public mooring; check its facilities before you arrive.
Discover more destinations: Steenwerck, Caudry, Féron, Sémeries, Hazebrouck, Naves, Mouvaux, Estreux.
Return to the regional travel overview: Nord.
