Bouvelinghem brings together the landscape of Haut Artois and a clearly defined local history. Hills, chalk formations and wooded areas shape its rural character; three circular routes differ in how you travel and in their length. To plan your visit, you might first consider whether you’d like to explore on foot, on horseback, or with a particular interest in the history of the village centre.
Hills, Woods and Cultural Landscape
The ZNIEFF area “Complexe de vallées sèches et de bois autour de Bouvelinghem” features hilly terrain and the characteristic chalk hills of Haut Artois. The area also includes a woodland complex that illustrates the diverse forestry development opportunities of Haut Artois. Bouvelinghem lies between two extensive wooded areas.
The landscape also includes traces of former grazing paths and chalk grasslands shaped by human use. This makes the area interesting not only as a wooded, hilly landscape: traces of its former use for grazing are also part of its character. Those interested in considering the landscape alongside its history of human use will find both reflected in the features of the area described here.
Walking or Riding: Three Circular Routes Compared
Les 4 Bois is a 12.2-kilometre circular walk, starting in Bouvelinghem and taken on foot. Les Fascines also starts in Bouvelinghem: this moderately difficult, 9.4-kilometre circular walk takes around two and a half hours. This makes Les Fascines shorter than Les 4 Bois; its difficulty and approximate duration are also provided. Check local trail conditions before setting out.
Le Midi offers a different way to get around: this 22.3-kilometre circular horse-riding route also starts in Bouvelinghem. It passes through the Neuville valley and along the edge of the Petit Quercamps forest. GPX and KML files are available for navigation and can be transferred to a GPS device or another navigation device. The three circular routes therefore differ not only in length but also in whether they are travelled on foot or on horseback.
Local History and Regional Tradition
A fire devastated Bouvelinghem’s village centre; the village was rebuilt in 1876. The rebuilt centre preserves a still-cohesive ensemble of brick longhouses with mansard roofs. This architectural style and the date of the rebuilding provide a tangible point of reference in the village’s history alongside the surrounding landscape.
Another regional speciality is the traditional fascine technique. Willow stakes and layers of branches are used to make low natural fences. In the region, these fences help limit soil erosion on small slopes. The technique is therefore part of landscape management; it is a distinct aspect of the region’s cultural landscape and is not tied to any of the routes mentioned.
Discoveries with a Greeter
Christine Hazebroucq is a Greeter in Bouvelinghem and offers free discoveries of the hilly landscapes of the Boulonnais hinterland. She uses binoculars and a bird book during these outings. If you’d like to include this offer in your travel plans, check its availability before you arrive.
Discover more destinations: Coulogne, Marant, Gauchin-Verloingt, Farbus, Leubringhen, Sanghen, Sainte-Catherine, Saint-Martin-Boulogne.
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