Between church architecture, nature exploration and an annual January festival, Inxent offers several different reasons to visit. The village stretches along the Course and is mostly laid out as a ribbon village. Its named accommodation is also part of the village’s history: the Auberge d’Inxent is housed in a former rectory. When planning a trip, you can focus on architectural history, the festival in honour of Saint Anthony, or an outdoor activity.
Natural surroundings and views
Inxent lies within the ZNIEFF de la vallée de la Course et ses affluents des sources à sa confluence avec la Canche, a type 1 continental ecological inventory area. This designation was nationally validated on 20 September 2023. From Inxent’s highest viewpoint, you can see the wind turbines at Widehem and the sea. Another way to explore nature is to go horse riding on ponies and horses with the Centre Equestre de la Vallée de la Course. Nature lovers can therefore enjoy two different perspectives: views of the sea and wind turbines, and exploring on horseback.
Church and architectural history
At the Eglise de la Nativité, two building phases can be distinguished by the different heights of the chancel and nave. The chancel is the area around the altar, while the nave is where the congregation gathers; this makes the architectural distinction clear. The date 1765 is engraved on the portal; it probably indicates that the façade was remodelled and the bell tower built. Inxent’s former seigneurial farm dates from 1577 and was restored in 1826. The village also brings together seaside-resort-style architecture, houses built with wattle and daub, and half-timbered houses.
Saint Anthony festival and art
The major festival in honour of Saint Anthony takes place every year on the first Sunday after 17 January. The ceremony is followed by a procession along Inxent’s main street, led by an altar server and the two kings. The January date makes the tradition a possible reason to plan a trip specifically around the festival. If you would like to arrange your stay around it, check the latest event dates in advance.
Contemporary art is also part of the village’s profile. The Association pour la Promotion des Arts Contemporains (APAC), in collaboration with animal painter Dominique Gall, organises various art events and exhibitions. These include a painting school located in Inxent. This adds another cultural focus alongside religious traditions and historic architecture.
Accommodation and cuisine
The Auberge d’Inxent is housed in an 18th-century building that was formerly a rectory, and has five guest rooms. If you would like your choice of accommodation to include a connection to a historic building, you can consider this property. Check current room availability before booking. The auberge’s kitchen uses fresh, seasonal local produce.
Discover more destinations: Campagne, Chériennes, Arras, Coulogne, Wimereux, Hucqueliers, Gauchin-Verloingt, Bermicourt
Return to the main travel overview: Pas-De-Calais.
