An approximately two-kilometre developed section along the banks of the Authie and a church with a history dating back to the 16th century reveal two different sides of Auxi-le-Château. There is also a sensitive natural area with a viewpoint and distinctive traces of local history. When planning your visit, you can therefore choose between a clearly described stretch of path, the landscape and culture, rather than trying to fit every theme into a packed itinerary.
Along the Authie and on the local circular routes
In Auxi-le-Château, an approximately two-kilometre developed section follows the course of the Authie from Pont Rouge. The distance is approximate; check local access conditions before setting out. The various local circular routes start at the Parking de l'Authie. This gives you two different starting points for finding your way: Pont Rouge for the riverside path and the Parking de l'Authie for the circular routes. Signage and parking conditions may change; take local guidance into account when planning your visit.
Canoeing and kayaking are also among the leisure activities offered in Auxi-le-Château. They are offered by the Centre Permanent d'Initiatives pour l'Environnement Vallées de l'Authie et de la Canche. As programmes and availability may change, it is advisable to check current offers before travelling. This will help you decide whether to focus your stay on a riverside walk, a circular route or an activity on the water.
Chalk landscape and nature
The Pâture à Mille Trous nature reserve offers a viewpoint over the Authie Valley. Its plateau is marked by dozens of hollows and mounds created by chalk extraction for lime kilns. The sensitive natural area is managed by the Conservatoire d'Espaces Naturels Hauts-de-France. The viewpoint and unusual landforms give a visit a different focus from the riverside path: here, the landscape itself takes centre stage.
Another option for hiking enthusiasts is the trail between Auxi-le-Château, Frévent and Saint-Pol-sur-Ternoise. Fauna and flora can also be found along this trail. The two nature-related features can be distinguished as follows: the Pâture à Mille Trous is associated with a viewpoint and traces of chalk extraction, while the named trail takes in the three towns and their wildlife and plant life.
Church, organ and local history
The centre of Auxi-le-Château is designated as a Site Patrimonial Remarquable. Saint Martin Church has been classified as a Monument historique since 1910 and is open to the public; check local access conditions before your visit. It was rebuilt in the 16th century in the Flamboyant Gothic style. Its designation, reconstruction and current public access are distinct aspects that provide cultural context for a visit.
The listed organ by Adrien Charpentier dates from 1737. It can be viewed at concerts and as part of the European Heritage Days; access depends on the programme in question. The Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions in Auxi-le-Château has a small parish garden with flowers, medicinal plants and fruit bushes. These details offer another cultural perspective alongside the church’s architecture: musical heritage and a garden whose planting specifically includes flowers, medicinal plants and fruit bushes.
Plan a stay that suits you
When choosing accommodation, it helps to decide first what you would like to focus on during your stay: the Authie riverside path, the landscape of the Pâture à Mille Trous or the cultural sites. Then choose your hotel based on the day’s itinerary that you would like to plan around that focus. If you plan to visit the organ, bear in mind that access is tied to concerts and the European Heritage Days, and check the relevant programme. This keeps cultural events with set dates clearly distinct from the freely plannable riverside and landscape activities.
Discover more destinations: Surques, Rety, Licques, Oppy, Blendecques, Valhuon, Willencourt, Saint-Venant.
For the broader travel overview: Pas-De-Calais.
