The Lawe flows through Lestrem near its confluence with the Lys; meanwhile, the Parc municipal de La Giclais provides a natural area in the town centre. The area also offers an 11.49-kilometre circular walk, listed architecture and a memorial site commemorating the history of the Second World War. Nature in the town, riverside walks and cultural history offer different ways to enjoy a stay in Lestrem.
Nature and activities
The Parc municipal de La Giclais is in the centre of Lestrem and provides a natural area. The Lawe offers a different connection to the landscape: it flows through Lestrem near its confluence with the Lys. To explore the natural side of the town, you can choose between a centrally located park and the river as part of the landscape. Conditions in the park may vary seasonally; bear this in mind when planning your visit.
Another activity option is the Base de loisirs Eolys. Its facilities include a cycling practice track and a 35-metre-long zip line. If you plan to visit, check the current operating conditions before travelling.
Walking along the Lawe
The easy Boucle de Lestrem par le Pont Riqueult circular walk is 11.49 kilometres long and starts in the hamlet of La Fosse. Its route follows the Lawe in several places and crosses the river. Several information panels along the route cover the history of the local area. The walk thus combines exercise with riverside scenery and historical themes.
Unlike the natural area in the centre, the Boucle offers a different focus: it is a longer circular walk with a clearly identified starting point and recurring views of the Lawe. The route described offers an opportunity to combine nature and local history along the way. Trail conditions can change; check them before setting out.
Architecture and remembrance
The Church of Saint-Amé is listed as a historic monument. The Château du Rault, also known as the Château de la Fosse, is in the hamlet of La Fosse near the Lawe and was built in the early 19th century. La Fosse is therefore associated with both the château and the starting point of the circular walk. The church and château offer different ways to explore the architectural and local history.
The Mur des rescapés memorial focuses on a distinct historical subject. It commemorates the execution of 97 British soldiers by an SS unit in May 1940 in Paradis, Lestrem. The municipality of Lestrem erected the memorial in 2018 in Allée Pierre Macquart. Together, these sites cover subjects ranging from architectural history to the remembrance of a specific event from the Second World War.
Plan your journey
The Navette MA.Lys has departure and arrival points in Lestrem and in Haverskerque, Merville, Estaires, La Gorgue, Laventie, Sailly-sur-la-Lys and Fleurbaix, within the Flandre Lys network. It operates by reservation. As service and booking rules may change, check the current conditions before travelling. The places listed provide an overview of the Navette network; check specific departures to suit your plans.
Discover more destinations: Anzin-Saint-Aubin, Couin, La Couture, Cavron-Saint-Martin, Bonningues-lès-Ardres, Ficheux, Marconne, Écourt-Saint-Quentin.
Go to the regional travel guide: Pas-De-Calais.
