A former peat extraction site offering views of landscapes typical of alkaline fens gives Roussent a distinctive landscape theme. Other highlights include Saint Riquier Church, with a wooden statue dating from the 15th century, a pottery studio offering courses, and traditional cuisine at the Auberge des Étangs. Here, you can find a range of ways to enjoy a stay that brings together nature, local history and crafts.
The Marais de Roussent and its landscape
The Marais de Roussent, which covers more than 70 hectares, is a Natura 2000 site. A viewpoint offers views of landscapes typical of alkaline fens; the Marais is also a former peat extraction site. Its landscape and former use give the area two distinct historical dimensions: the fens and the history of peat extraction. Rue des Étangs crosses the Marais and connects Pas-de-Calais and the Somme.
A tourism description updated in 2021 brought together several ways to discover the Marais: its history, landscape development, fauna and flora, and the peatland habitats preserved through the European LIFE Anthropofens programme. This range of topics encompasses both the natural environment and the landscape’s development and conservation.
The church and historical connections
Saint Riquier Church in Roussent dates from 1842. It houses a wooden statue of Saint Riquier dating from the 15th century. The two dates represent different historical periods: the church building belongs to the 19th century, while the wooden sculpture is several centuries older. A farm dating from 1749 is said to have belonged to Sainte Austreberthe Abbey before the French Revolution.
Pottery: functional ceramics and courses
La Poterie du Val d’Authie makes functional ceramics in Roussent: cups, plates, oil bottles, bowls and jugs. The examples range from tableware to smaller vessels, showing the practical nature of the work. A shop adjoining the workshop gives visitors the chance to view the potter’s work. Pottery courses are also offered for beginners and advanced participants. There are therefore two different ways to engage: browse the finished pieces in the shop or try your hand at the craft in a course.
Traditional cuisine in a green setting
The restaurant at the Auberge des Étangs serves traditional meat and fish dishes. Its green surroundings and panoramic view of a fishing pond set the scene. Unlike the workshop, the focus here is on food; the pond view forms the backdrop to the meal. The restaurant thus offers a different focus from the town’s landscape and craft themes.
Nature or crafts?
When looking for a holiday rental in Roussent, it may help to distinguish between a focus on nature and one on crafts: the Marais invites you to explore the marshland and its development, while the pottery focuses on functional objects and craftsmanship. Consider which of these aspects matters more to you when planning your stay around your interests.
Discover more destinations: Montreuil-Sur-Mer, Colembert, Verchocq, Le Sars, Guînes, Estrée-Cauchy, Rinxent, Wailly-Beaucamp
For the broader travel overview: Pas-De-Calais.
