Marœuil combines trails through the forest and around the Marais with tangible reminders of religious history and the past. In the Bois de Marœuil, you can choose between two named trails; there is also a seven-kilometre loop through the forest and village. Another trail can be reached from the Marais. Historical highlights range from the Sainte-Bertille pilgrimage chapel and religious artefacts to the Nécropole nationale. You can therefore plan your trip around nature trails, religious history or the commemoration of the First World War.

Forest trails and the Marais

The Bois de Marœuil is a sensitive natural area covering 72 hectares across Marœuil and Mont Saint Eloi. It has two named trails: the 1.87-kilometre Sentier de la Sittelle and the 2.6-kilometre Sentier de l’écureuil. At 1.87 kilometres, the Sentier de la Sittelle is the shorter of the two trails and is accessible to people with reduced mobility. Check local access conditions before your visit.

A seven-kilometre loop starts at the École Marguerite Yourcenar, passes through the forest and along village streets, reaches the Marais and returns to the school. Check the signs and trail conditions on site. Access to the trail at the Marais de Marœuil is via the car park on Rue de la Source; also check local access conditions before travelling. The 7.3-kilometre “Entre Bois et Marais” trail can also be reached from the Marais. The distances distinguish the shorter trails in the Bois from the longer loop through the village.

Sainte-Bertille and local history

The Chapelle de pèlerinage Sainte-Bertille is on Rue de Louez. It is an 18th-century pilgrimage chapel and is listed as a historic monument. The Église de Sainte-Bertille houses a sandstone baptismal font dating from 1622, two 18th-century reliquaries that are also listed as historic monuments, and, beneath the porch, a cenotaph dated 1538 for Bishop Eustache de Croy. The dates thus span the 16th to the 18th centuries, giving the religious artefacts different historical points of reference. The Petit Château also recalls the Abbey of Sainte-Bertille: it was the former residence of the abbots.

The Nécropole nationale de Marœuil

Another focus on more recent history is the Nécropole nationale de Marœuil. It contains the remains of soldiers who died for France during the Battles of Artois from 1914 to 1918. The necropolis also includes a war memorial to the 156th and 160th Infantry Regiments from that period. The site can be visited year-round without a guide; check for possible exceptional closures when planning your visit. Unlike the religious landmarks dating from the 16th to the 18th centuries, this site focuses on the battles of the First World War.

More routes through Marœuil

A municipal route resolution dated 27 September 2021 lists the Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle pilgrimage route, the GR 127 and the GRP des Sites de Mémoire as routes passing through Marœuil. If you plan to follow them, check the current trail signs on site.

Discover more destinations: Fiennes, Carvin, Wirwignes, Wimille, Fresnicourt-Le-Dolmen, Verton, Coquelles, Guînes

See the wider travel overview: Pas-De-Calais.