The Aa rises in Bourthes; its source lies a few hundred metres from the village. At first it is a small stream, then it continues its course as a narrow, wild river through the fields of Pas-de-Calais. Both the spring landscape and the waterway thus shape the village’s connection with nature.
The source, river and walking route
La Source de l’Aa is a 13 km walking route. It connects the hamlets of Mieurles and Trois Marquets with the centre of Bourthes. The route length provides a concrete basis for planning; how much time you need also depends on your pace and breaks. The route therefore offers a clearly defined focus for walking, while the Aa itself continues its course through the fields as a river.
Beyond the local area, the Aa’s catchment extends from its sources in Bourthes to the outlet of the Audomarois marshland near Watten. It covers 665 km².
Churches, chapels and rural architectural history
The Church of Saint-Pierre is part of the village’s remarkably well-preserved heritage and is built in the Gothic style. After a fire in 1725, it was partially rebuilt. It received its bell tower in the late 1870s. The different building phases give the church a clearly defined history rather than reducing it to a single date of construction.
The hamlet of Trois Marquets is home to the Chapel of Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel, a brick chapel with a bell. It is also associated with a grave historical event: in June 1944, it witnessed a bombing in which several civilians lost their lives. The Chapel of Sainte-Marthe is in the hamlet of Catelet. It is a Neo-Gothic ruin, built between 1863 and 1865 by the Duflos-Destrées family.
Bourthes also has six wayside calvaries. Farm buildings from the 19th century are part of the village landscape too, adding a rural architectural dimension to its religious buildings. Together, these places reveal different aspects of the village’s history, from ecclesiastical architecture to farm architecture.
Local traditions and products
A distinctive local tradition is Quilliers à 9 daches, a sport that has been practised for many centuries. Bourthes has two Quilliers à 9 daches: square areas where nine skittles are set up. The name refers to a distinct local game tradition, setting it apart from the churches and historic buildings that also form part of the village’s cultural character.
Ferme du Patis offers local cheeses such as Pavé de l’Aa and Tomme Bourthoise. It also sells agricultural products to take away in Bourthes. Dairy products are sold directly at the farm by order. Alongside the landscape and village history, local produce is therefore another tangible aspect of a stay.
Planning your stay in Bourthes
The route provides a specific distance, while the churches, chapels, Quilliers and farm buildings offer a range of cultural themes. If you would like to buy dairy products directly from the farm, you need to place an order.
Discover more destinations: Audincthun, Coupelle-Vieille, Audembert, Isbergues, Saint-Michel-Sous-Bois, Houdain, Roquetoire, Licques
For the broader travel overview: Pas-De-Calais.
