The Gros Chêne was given the status of a remarkable tree in 2019 because of its size, age and strong symbolic significance. It has stood on Rue du chemin de Calais for more than 200 years, is 15 metres tall and has a trunk circumference of 5.40 metres. It offers a tangible connection between nature and local history.

Nature and trails in Zutkerque

The “Following the footsteps of the Gros chêne” walking trail starts at the Place de la mairie in Zutkerque. The La Dame aux loups route winds through the village’s bocage landscape. The Gros Chêne is the named destination of the first trail, while the second focuses on the landscape: two distinct ways to explore Zutkerque on foot.

A garden with many facets

The Jardin de Draeck covers more than one hectare. It includes a château, a wooded area, orchards and numerous flower beds, as well as beehives, a chicken coop, an educational garden, ponds, animal shelters and huts made from living willow. Planting areas, water, animals and garden learning come together in this varied setting.

The garden welcomes school groups and groups from leisure centres, and offers birthday activities. If you are planning a group visit or birthday activity, agree on the specific arrangements in advance. This will help ensure that the organisation suits the occasion.

Buildings and their different layers of history

The remains of the Château de La Montoire form a quadrilateral measuring approximately 40 m × 25 m. Four corner towers, two smaller towers along the longer sides and a gatehouse on the north side define the layout. The approximate dimensions give an impression of its ground plan, while the positions of the towers and gatehouse make the structure easy to understand.

The Château de la Baronne de Draeck is a private estate dating from the 18th century. A remarkable sundial is located above its entrance. If you are learning about this building, please respect the private nature of the estate.

The Church of Saint-Martin was built in the 19th century. Its Renaissance tower is the only surviving part of the church from before the Revolution; inside, there is also a carved wooden pulpit from the 17th century. The church is also part of the “Églises Ouvertes” network.

Saint-Martin brings together different periods: the church dates from the 19th century, while the tower and pulpit point to an older history of construction and furnishings. This offers a different perspective on Zutkerque’s heritage from the ground plan and towers of the Château de La Montoire.

A chapel and local historical traditions

The Chapelle de la Bézuède is a so-called «À loques» chapel. It is associated with the tradition of hanging up items of clothing or objects worn by a sick person and praying for their recovery. This distinctive form of devotion complements the architectural traces at Saint-Martin with another perspective on local religious history.

Biographical traces are also part of the village’s history: Marie-Cécile-Charlotte de Laurétan was born in Zutkerque on 17 August 1747. The local history of the Dame aux Loups includes Marie de Draëck, who went hunting with a pack of almost 40 dogs. This hunting story belongs to a past tradition, not to a visitor activity offered today.

Discover more destinations: Longfossé, Chériennes, Parenty, Carly, Cormont, Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise, Halinghen, Lacres

For the regional travel overview: Pas-De-Calais.