Les Attaques offers several specific points of interest for a stay: a hiking route, a cycling route, the history of a Benedictine abbey, a church built with a combination of materials typical of the region, and a local cultural programme. Travellers choosing a destination based on these themes can focus on outdoor activities, history or events. There is also a culinary discovery to be made at Boulangerie Pâtisserie Dejonghe.

Hiking and Cycling

The GRP Tour du Calaisis passes through Les Attaques and is marked in yellow and red. The Véloroute des Marais – EuroVelo 5 also passes through the town; it is 29.4 kilometres long and classified as a very easy family route. This offers different ways to plan: the markings provide guidance on the GRP, while the cycle route’s total length and classification describe its profile. If you primarily want to hike, the GRP offers a specific route to follow; for cycling plans, the Véloroute’s length and family-friendly classification are useful points of comparison.

Between Coulogne and Guînes, sections of the Véloroute run alongside the Canal de Guînes and an old railway line. There are picnic tables along the Greenway. These details add specific landscape features and a possible rest stop to the route’s overall length. If you plan to rely on the tables for a break, please check their current status in advance, as facilities may change.

Abbey and Church Architecture

The Abbaye de la Capelle was a Benedictine abbey founded by Ida, Countess of Boulogne, around 1090/1093. It fell into ruin following the siege of Calais, but remains have survived to this day. This building therefore links the town’s history to the Middle Ages.

A much later chapter is the Église Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens. It was built between 1866 and 1868 to replace an older chapel that had become too small for the growing population. Amédée Stensmaght designed the church. Red bricks and stone from Tournehem form a combination of materials considered typical of the architectural heritage of the Calais region. The reason for the new building and the choice of materials offer two different insights into its history: population growth and the region’s architectural tradition.

Cultural Programme at the Media Library

The municipal media library in Les Attaques offers cultural events throughout the year. For accompanied children, it holds hands-on workshops led by Claudie on one Wednesday each month, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. If you are planning a visit around one of these activities, check the specific date and whether registration is required in advance. The municipal programme may change.

Butter Croissants from Les Attaques

Samuel Dejonghe makes butter croissants at Boulangerie Pâtisserie Dejonghe. They have received first prize at both departmental and regional level, and second prize at national level. These awards are historical. If you plan a visit, please check in advance whether the bakery is open.

Discover more destinations: Chériennes, Ligny-Lès-Aire, Cucq, Saint-Martin-Boulogne, Rang-Du-Fliers, Saint-Michel-Sous-Bois, Sachin, Condette.

For the broader travel guide: Pas-De-Calais.