Izel-lès-Équerchin offers two distinct ways to explore the area: the Escrebieux, which rises here and flows through a predominantly agricultural plain, and local history, visible in its monuments and church. Community activities on foot and by bike round out these themes. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between a stay focused on local history and a visit timed to coincide with a community event.
The Escrebieux and the surrounding farmland
The Escrebieux rises in Izel-lès-Équerchin, passes through Quiéry-la-Motte and, after about ten kilometres, flows through a predominantly agricultural plain into the Deûle. The river connects the village to a wider landscape that extends beyond the municipality. The Tour du bois route offers a different perspective: it passes through fields, with only a 100-metre stretch along a road. You may encounter wild hares, partridges and pheasants, but sightings are not guaranteed. The Escrebieux route focuses on the river’s longer course; the Tour du bois route is defined by its stretches through fields and the possibility of spotting wildlife.
War memorials and remembrance
There are two war memorials within the municipality. The first commemorates 32 local soldiers who died in the First World War, as well as three civilians killed in Izel-lès-Équerchin by bombardments ahead of the Battle of Arras in April 1917. The Monument aux Défenseurs honours 52 soldiers from Nancy’s 269th Infantry Regiment and reinforcement units who fell in the Battle of Izel-lès-Équerchin on 2 October 1914. The memorials have different focuses: one commemorates local losses in the world war, while the other honours the soldiers who fell in the 1914 battle.
The municipal cemetery, together with the Calvaire, the Monument aux Défenseurs and a military cemetery section, forms an important local memorial site. The Monument aux Défenseurs features the statue « Poilu mourant », created by Lille sculptor Jules Dechin and cast by the Antoine Durenne foundry. The artwork gives the monument another tangible connection to the history of the village.
The church and earlier local history
Église Saint-Martin was inaugurated on 9 April 1928, after the Allied offensive in April 1917 had destroyed almost the entire village. The church’s motorised bells, Françoise and Marie-Bernadette, are still in use; the manually operated bell, Odile, is no longer used.
An earlier historical connection dates back to the Middle Ages: the Abbey of Saint-Vaast d’Arras held the seigneurial rights to Izel-lès-Équerchin from 1098 until the French Revolution. The municipal coat of arms also recalls the jurisdiction of that time. It includes the arms of the Jesuit house of Béthune, which had been granted part of the seigneurial jurisdiction. In 1920, the municipal coat of arms was augmented with a Croix de guerre.
Walking, cycling and events
Les Randonneurs Izellois organise two walks per week. On Thursdays, they also offer weekly sports activities such as walking, mountain biking and cycling in Izel-lès-Équerchin and the surrounding area. If you would like to join an activity, check the weekly schedule in advance.
The annual Randonnée de l’Escrebieux combines cycling, mountain biking and walking. Its 34th edition took place on Sunday, 17 May 2026. The Comité des fêtes et d'entraide also organises cultural events and exhibitions. As community programmes and event dates can change, check announcements before planning to take part. This makes it possible to include local history and suitable activity dates as distinct priorities in your trip planning.
Discover more destinations: Vaulx, Bécourt, Neufchâtel-Hardelot, Douriez, Éperlecques, Écurie, Wissant, Gouy-Sous-Bellonne.
For the broader travel overview: Pas-De-Calais.
