Rinxent combines the history of church architecture with outdoor activities. At Saint-Martin Church, the façade details and a statue of Sainte Wilgeforte take centre stage; the churches of Rinxent and Hydrequent tell of different phases of reconstruction. Outdoors, options range from walks and a circular route to the Hydrequent climbing area. You can therefore tailor your stay to the aspects that interest you most.

Churches and Architectural History

The west façade of Saint-Martin Church in Rinxent has a sculpted portal, two pointed-arch windows and a rose window. These features offer specific points to focus on when looking at the façade’s design: the portal, the pointed arches and the circular window each make their own statement. The church also houses a statue of Sainte Wilgeforte. This local saint is the subject of a local pilgrimage. Architectural details and a distinct religious connection thus come together at this site.

The building history also offers a point of comparison. Rinxent Church was rebuilt between 1860 and 1885 using stone from Marquise. In Hydrequent, the church was rebuilt between 1895 and 1903, largely on site and using local stone. The periods differ, as do the details given about the building materials. When comparing the two building histories, you can focus on two clear aspects: when the rebuilding took place and which material is mentioned.

Landscape, Walks and Circular Route

Rinxent lies on a limestone plateau that slopes down towards the Marquise plain. The relationship between the plateau and the plain gives the landscape a distinct form. Soft stone has been quarried in Rinxent since Roman times; the nearby marble quarries are another feature of the surrounding area. The Les Marbrières circular route passes near marble quarries in Marquise, Ferques and Rinxent. The long history of soft-stone quarrying and the marble quarries mentioned here offer different points of connection to the theme of stone.

The walks in Rinxent are open to everyone and can be undertaken without registration or a participation fee. These are two practical conditions for taking part. As arrangements may change, check them before your walk. The Les Marbrières route is another option: it is described as a circular route and passes close to the marble quarries mentioned above. Check the current conditions before your walk.

Climbing in Hydrequent

The natural climbing area of Hydrequent has around thirty climbing routes, with a maximum height of 15 metres. The approximate number of routes gives an idea of the area’s size, while the height provides separate information about the maximum elevation. There is also a designated area for climbing practice for beginners, which is recommended for those new to the sport. Anyone particularly interested in getting started will find a specific point of reference there, alongside the information on the total number and height of the routes. Seasonal conditions should be taken into account for climbing; check the latest information before your visit.

As of May 2025, the path to the Hydrequent climbing area was accessible to wheelchair users, either independently or with assistance. If this access information is important for your plans, check before visiting whether it still applies.

Discover more destinations: Douriez, Landrethun-lès-Ardres, Béthune, Bermicourt, Maresville, Saint-Denœux, Morval, Coyecques

Back to the broader travel overview: Pas-De-Calais.