Saint-Venant brings together the history of its fortifications, religious sites of remembrance and trails along the Lys. Culture and outdoor activity offer different experiences: you can explore the town’s historical connections or choose a route that focuses on the river and its locks.
Cultural history and sites of remembrance
The cemetery in Saint-Venant contains the graves of Indian, English and French soldiers who died in the First World War. The three groups’ origins and their shared connection to the war make the cemetery a tangible site of military remembrance. Those interested in the town’s history will find a different perspective here from the one offered by its buildings and traces of fortifications.
A powder magazine was built in Saint-Venant in 1669, providing a precise point of reference in time. The tomb of Venant is also part of the town’s religious history: it was the destination of important pilgrimages. The building and the tomb therefore point to different historical themes—from a precisely dated structure to a story of pilgrimage.
The Parc et les jardins de La Peylouse park and gardens are located on the site of the main bastion of Saint-Venant’s citadel. La Poudrière is known for hosting artists, installations and exhibitions; the specific exhibition programme may change. The town’s cultural attractions thus range from the precise location of a garden complex to art and exhibitions.
Walking trails and the Lys
The official route guide from December 2010 gives the Merville/Saint-Venant circuit as 16 kilometres and four hours. This combination of distance and time gives you a concrete reference point for planning.
Les Deux Ecluses is an 11.6-kilometre walking trail in Saint-Venant. The route offers the opportunity to discover the navigable Lys and its locks. This distinguishes the trail not only by its length but also by its theme.
The Chemin de ceinture offers a walk along the traces of former fortifications. The second stage of the GRP Tour de la Lys covers 16 kilometres from Saint-Venant to Mametz.
When comparing routes, it is worth considering their format, distance and stated duration together. At 11.6 kilometres, Les Deux Ecluses is shorter; both the Merville/Saint-Venant circuit and the GRP stage cover 16 kilometres. However, the same distance does not mean the same kind of outing: one is described as a circuit, while the other stage leads from Saint-Venant to Mametz. The route guide also gives a duration of four hours for the circuit. Before setting out, check the latest route information and local trail conditions.
Water sports are available on the Lys at the Saint-Venant river stop; availability may vary. This provides another activity option on the water, in addition to the walking trails, which can be planned independently of your choice of route.
Discover more destinations: Gauchin-Verloingt, Saint-Josse, Blingel, La Calotterie, Quœux-Haut-Maînil, Tigny-Noyelle, Inxent, La Capelle-Lès-Boulogne
For the broader travel overview: Pas-De-Calais.
