The village of Houlle, located in the North West of the Audomarois marshes near Moulle and Eperlecques, is definitely a tourist destination for those looking for a vacation spot by the water. This village of 1150 inhabitants is indeed recognized for its campsites, but also and above all for the Persyn distillery producing the famous Houlle genever. Also note the presence of a XNUMXth century church, an XNUMXth century well (the Saint-Bertin well) as well as the Houlle which crosses the village. This tributary of the Aa taking its source between Houlle and Moulle meanders these two municipalities to then join the waters of the river channeled south of Watten.
In terms of toponymy, Houlle would come from hunulo, old Germanic terms meaning “brown waters”. The village of Houlle has several localities, such as Brûle, la Chapelle, Basse-Boulogne, Vincq and Warland.
Let's go without further ado to discover this friendly village occupying 155 hectares of the Audomarois marsh!
The church of Houlle
The church of Houlle, dedicated to Saint-Jean Baptiste, has its origins in the 2020th century, although the current building is no longer recent. In July XNUMX, the elected officials of the village of Houlle decided during a municipal council to give it a makeover.
La Houlle
The village of Houlle is watered by a river of the same name. The aptly named river has its source between Moulle and Houlle, winds its way over 4,8 kilometers in the northwestern part of the Audomarois marshes to flow into the Aa canal to the south-west of Watten. In this sense, it is a natural tributary of the Aa.
Along the Houlle, the walker in the boat appreciates in particular some pretty traditional residences, pastures and fodder fields, as well as superb boats moored on the quays. In particular, there are old barges and an old pusher boat restored by its owner.
This river, meeting the Reninghe and the Muissens, two main rivers of the western marshes, has a particularity: its reversed current. Indeed, the establishment of a large pumping station upstream has the unusual consequence of the rise of the waters of the Aa towards the source of Houlle.
The Saint-Bertin well
Raised on private land at a place called Basse-Boulogne, the Saint-Bertin well is a religious monument dating from the 1984th century. Built in Artois stone and Flemish bricks, this monument, listed in XNUMX, looks like a buried Gothic church spire!
It was once one of the many possessions of the abbey of Saint-Bertin de Saint-Omer.
Genièvre de Houlle and the Persyn distillery
A local saying says that in Houlle flows the Houlle and the Houlle. Indeed, this village of the Audomarois marshes hosts a distillery on the banks of its main river producing a renowned genever: Maison Persyn.
Juniper is a grain alcohol flavored with juniper berries, which is traditionally presented as the ancestor of gin. This traditional northern spirit has been concocted since 1812 in this small marsh village.
The Houlle distillery originally belonged to the Decocq family, then in 1885 to the Lafoscade family. It will be taken over in the 1940s by the Persyn family. The latter has worked tirelessly to restore the genever to its former glory. Long associated with the popular bistoule (drip coffee), Houlle genever is now available in several versions, including prestigious crus (aged in oak barrels, liqueur, etc.). Today, the distillery is labeled "Living Heritage Company", as are the boat makers in Saint-Omer. It also multiplies the medals, including that relating to the best gin in the world... Just that!
Discover here the website of the distilleries.
Around the village
The commune of Houlle is bordered by several communes of the Audomarois marshes: Éperlecques, Serques and Moulle in the Pas-de-Calais, as well as Watten in the North.
Campsites in Houlle
Where to sleep in Houlle? The small village of Houlle has no less than 4 campsites located on the edge of the marsh:
- Les Charmilles (11 Rue d'Hellebroucq)
- Camping Le Rivage (7 Imp. des Étangs)
- The Willows (Rte de Watten)
- The Reeds (73 Rue de Vincq)
Houllois restaurants
In terms of good restaurants, this village in the Audomarois marshes is also well served! We find 4 restaurants in Houlle serving traditional French and regional cuisine:
- The Table Houlloise (41 National Road)
- Restaurant at Loisel Farm (11 Rue d'Hellebroucq)
- At the Artois Rally (31 Rte de Watten)
- At the Bistrot Gourmand (8 Rte de Watten)
All the answers to your questions about the village of Houlle
The history of the commune of Houlle goes back several centuries and is closely linked to its environment and its economic activity:
Origins and Middle Ages
The village is located on the banks of the Houlle River, which has its source in the commune. In 1159, the Abbey of Saint-Bertin de Saint-Omer already owned a farm in Houlle.
Economic development
In 1812, the Decocq family founded the Houlle gin factory, taking advantage of a favorable terroir. Indeed, the water of the Houlle River, of quality and quantity, was essential for distillation. In addition, the presence of a port and waterways facilitated the transport of goods.
In 1885, the distillery was partially destroyed by fire. A year later, Paul Lafoscade took over the distillery and developed its reputation. During the First World War, the distillery was requisitioned by the army.
In 1942, the Persyn family bought the Lafoscade distillery. Since then, they have continued to develop the company and participate in the democratization of gin.
Cultural heritage
The parish church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste : It has a varied architecture: Romanesque tower dating from the 1552th century, nave built in the XNUMXth century, choir probably built between the end of the XNUMXth and the beginning of the XNUMXth century. Note that it was partially rebuilt following a fire in XNUMX.
The Saint-Bertin well, which has been listed as a historic monument since August 29, 1984.
There is also a Saint-Bertin chapel and an old portal dating from 17553.
Houlle’s built heritage includes several remarkable elements:
Historic Monuments
The Saint-Bertin well: listed in the supplementary inventory of historic monuments since August 29, 1984.
Religious Heritage
- The Saint-Jean-Baptiste church: it houses a beautiful organ case and a Flemish-made organ, renovated in 2014.
- The Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes grotto.
- The Saint-Bertin chapel.
- A wayside cross in the hamlet of Les Marinières.
Civil Patrimoine
An old portal dating from 1755.
Commemorative heritage
- The war memorial, commemorating the wars of 1914-1918 and 1939-1945.
- The monument to those shot by the 110th Infantry Regiment.
- Four Commonwealth War Graves Commission First World War graves at the cemetery.
Although not classified as historical monuments, these elements constitute an important heritage ensemble for the commune of Houlle, bearing witness to its religious, civil and military history.
The history of Houlle gin goes back more than two centuries and is closely linked to the history of the commune of Houlle, in Pas-de-Calais:
Origins and foundation
In 1812, the Decocq family founded the Houlle gin factory, taking advantage of a favorable terroir.
The distillery is established near the Houlle River, which provides essential quality water for distillation.
The Decocqs, farmers, had their own crops and a mill on site.
Development and recognition
In 1885, the distillery was partially destroyed by fire.
In 1886, Paul Lafoscade took over the distillery and developed its reputation. He notably opted for a strategy of quality rather than quantity, retaining traditional methods. The distillery won gold medals at the Paris World Fairs in 1889 and 1900.
Developments in the 20th century
In 1917, Paul Lafoscade sold the building to the Dunkirk water company, but retained the usufruct.
In 1927, the distillery moved 200 meters further, to its current site.
In 1942, the Persyn family bought the Lafoscade distillery.
During the Second World War, activity virtually came to a standstill due to grain shortages.
Production method
Houlle gin is a grain brandy flavored with juniper berries.
Production involves a specific choice of cereals: barley malt, rye, oats.
Distillation is done in three or four passes in a still, according to the traditional method.
Today, the Persyn distillery perpetuates this tradition that is more than 200 years old, making Houlle gin one of the most emblematic spirits of the North of France.
Yes, the Houlle distillery can be visited. The Persyn Distillery, founded in 1812, is the oldest grain distillery in operation in France.
The distillery offers guided tours to discover the secrets of gin production. The tour includes a film screening, the history of gin and the distillery, a tour of the facilities and a tasting. A miniature of gin is offered to each adult visitor.
Allow around 1 hours for the complete visit.
Booking: It is best to book for guided tours. To make an appointment, contact the distillery by phone at 03 21 93 01 71.
Address: Persyn Distillery, 19 Route de Watten, 62910 Houlle, France
The Saint-Jean-Baptiste church in Houlle has a history that dates back to the Middle Ages:
Origins and construction
The Romanesque tower dates from the 12th century.
The nave was built in the 13th century.
Reconstructions and modifications
In 1552 the church suffered a fire and was later partially rebuilt.
The current choir dates from the end of the 17th century or the beginning of the 18th century.
Historical status
Originally, the church was part of the diocese of Thérouanne. After the destruction of Thérouanne, it was attached to the diocese of Saint-Omer, in the deanery of Longuenesse.
Recent restorations
In 2025, restoration work is underway, particularly on the church tower.
These works include replacing the stones of the tower.
Several options for walks and hikes are available from Houlle or nearby:
Along the Houlle: A 12,4 km loop circuit, suitable for mountain biking and lasting approximately 1h30. Find this circuit on the website of the Houlle town hall.
Along the canalized Aa and the Houlle: A hike that starts from Watten and runs along the canalized Aa and the Houlle. Find the route on Video hiking.
Houlle organizes several recurring events and traditional festivals throughout the year. The harvest festival is the main festival that brings the village to life and shines far beyond. Organized around August 15, the old-fashioned harvest festival offers a religious celebration, a procession, a gathering of agricultural machinery, demonstrations and other rural activities.
To visit the Houlle marsh, you have several options:
“Along the Houlle” Hike : A 12,4 km loop circuit, ideal for discovering the marsh on foot or by mountain bike. The route will take you to discover the church of Houlle, with its 6th century Romanesque tower, as well as the Saint-Bertin well dating from the XNUMXth centuryXNUMX.
At the Bon Accueil in Salperwick, near Houlle, offers the rental of electric motor boats to explore the Audomarois marshes. This pier also offers guided tours.
The House of the Marais : Located in Saint-Omer, a few kilometers from Houlle, it offers exhibitions and guided tours to discover the history and biodiversity of the Audomarois marshes.
Boat Makers : located not in Houlle, but in St-Omer (10km away). The Boat Makers in Saint-Omer offer boats and canoes to explore the marsh. The craftsmen also offer guided trips in traditional boats, visits to the shipyard and meals by the water (estaminet "Les Piquinettes").
Although Houlle is a small town, there are several accommodation options nearby:
Bed & Breakfasts
The Clos Boutenelle: A bed and breakfast located in Éperlecques (approximately 5 km from Houlle).
Guesthouses
La Héronnière : A group accommodation located in Houlle, with a jacuzzi and offering a view of the garden.
Langlebert Gite in Moulle and La Liette in Eperlecques: Two lodgings near Houlle offered by Gîtes de France.
The Swan's Nest: Accommodation located in Houlle.
Hotels
The Castle of Tilques (about 5 km from Houlle): An elegant 3-star hotel in a castle, offering a restaurant, an indoor swimming pool and a tennis court.
Camping / Camper
- The shore campsite, the Charmilles campsite, and the Saules campsite in Houlle.
- the Hotel Restaurant Camping Bal in Tournehem-sur-la-Hem (approximately 10 km).
- The Ranch Car campsite or the Château du Ganspette campsite in Eperlecques.
- The Poplars or Green Manor campsite in Moulle,
- The shoreline campsite and the ormes campsite in Serques, the Grand Large campsite in Salperwick
Other options
Airbnb also offers vacation rentals in Houlle.
In Houlle, you have several options for eating and drinking:
At the Artois Rally: This traditional restaurant offers refined cuisine based on local products in a cozy setting. It is located at 31 Route de Watten, 62910 Houlle. You can contact them at +33 3 21 93 12 82.
Restaurant at the Loisel Farm: This restaurant is located in a renovated old farmhouse with a rustic and rural setting. The establishment is located at 11 Rue d'Hellebroucq, 62910 Houlle. You can contact them at +33 3 21 95 35 24.
At the Bistrot Gourmand: This café-estaminet welcomes you in a family setting and offers traditional cuisine and local products. It is located at 8 Route de Watten, 62910 Houlle. You can contact them at 03.21.39.68.49.
Nearby you can also find other options like L'escapade Café-Brasserie in Moulle.
To go to Houlle by bus, you can use the Mouvéo TAD (Transport on Demand) service. This service allows residents of the municipalities in the Mouvéo TAD zone, including Houlle, to reach one of the stops on the Mouvéo network.
Reservation: You must book your transport in advance by calling 0 800 510 232.
Hours: The service operates every day from 7am to 19pm, except Sundays and public holidays.
