Salperwick was before the French Revolution the seat of a lordship. Today, this small tourist village in the summer includes 140 hectares of marshes, which represents 35% of its territory!
The village has many islands in the marsh populated by secondary houses, a beautiful white stone church, an old castle...
As far as nature tourism is concerned, in Salperwick we find picnic areas in the marshes along the Grand Large river (accessible by boat). It is also in Salperwick that many visitors flock to discover the Western Audomarois marshes, via the landing stage and the restaurant “Au Bon Accueil” and the “Coin rêvé”.
Salperwick picnic areas
Along the open sea, we find two picnic areas where it is good to land. These grassy areas equipped with picnic tables are conducive to idleness and country lunches with family or friends.
Only accessible by boat or canoe, Salperwick's picnic areas feature wooden docks and mooring rings.
Salperwick Castle
Also called "Saubruit Castle", Salperwick Castle dates from the 30th century. A country residence for the monks of Saint-Bertin was attested at this location from the 2001th century. But a fire destroyed the old castle in the XNUMXth century and the building was not rebuilt until the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries. Today, the entire building, the elements of interior decoration, and the park have been registered by decree since May XNUMX, XNUMX. Please note: Salperwick Castle is private property and cannot be visited.
At the good reception
Au bon Accueil in Salperwick (29 rue du Rivage Boitel) is a bar-restaurant located by the water, near the Grand Large.
It is also a pier where you can rent a rowing boat or an electric motor boat. It is also possible to enjoy a guided tour of the West Marsh aboard a passenger boat.
The dream corner
Located at the edge of the Grand Large, the Rêvé corner constitutes, with the Bon Accueil, one of the landing stages of the western marsh. This allows you to rent canoes, motorboats and rowing boats to criss-cross the rivers of the Salperwick marsh.
The events that marked the history of Salperwick
- Saubruit Castle, or Salperwick Castle, housed Henry VIII of England on August 9, 1513. Landed in France via Calais in June 1513, he was then on his way to the siege of Thérouanne.
- On May 17, 1791, Lazare Carnot married in Salperwick with Sophie Dupont de Moringhem. Opportunistic, their trousseau and household furniture was quickly put together by buying the furniture from Salperwick Castle. The latter had become a national asset with the Revolution.
- Salperwick Castle hosted Napoleon Bonaparte for two nights between August 26 and 28, 1804. He was then passing through Saint-Omer to review the garrisons.
- The son of King Louis-Philippe 1st, the famous Duke of Orléans, went to Salperwick in 1840. He was visiting an experimental Texel sheep farm belonging to a certain Monsieur Marescaux.
Around Salperwick
What are the towns surrounding the Salperwick territory?
Around the village of Salperwick, we find three communes of the Audomarois marshes, namely, Tilques, Saint-Martin-lez-Tatinghem and Saint-Omer. The territory of Salperwick also touches that of the village of Zudausques.
All the answers to your questions about the village of Salperwick
The history of Salperwick goes back several centuries and is marked by several important events:
Medieval origins
In the Middle Ages, Salperwick was part of the domain of the Counts of Flanders.
Significant historical events
In 1677, the Battle of the Aa took place near Salperwick, pitting French troops against Spanish forces during the Dutch War.
On July 31, 1513, King Henry VIII of England stayed in Salperwick, staying at the Saubruit Estate (now Saubruit Castle).
On May 17, 1791, Lazare Carnot was married in Salperwick.
From August 26 to 29, 1804, Napoleon I stayed at Salperwick Castle.
Today, Salperwick is part of the Pays de Saint-Omer urban community, which includes 53 municipalities.
Here are the main sites to visit and the built heritage of Salperwick (note that some heritage elements constitute private property):
Salperwick Castle
Also called Saubruit Castle, it is the most important historical monument in the commune.
Dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, it has been listed as a historic monument since 2001.
This castle is the former country residence of the monks of Saint-Bertin
It features remarkable architecture with facades inspired by Italy. Its interiors are decorated with exceptional woodwork and stuccowork for the region.
Church of Our Lady of Good End
There was already a church dedicated to St Riquier in Salperwick at 12rd century.
The current bell tower dates from the 1818th century. The nave was rebuilt in 1864 and enlarged in XNUMX.
She became “ND de Bonne fin” in the 16th century.
There are several ways to visit Salperwick Marsh, part of the Audomarois Marsh:
Boat trips:
Welcome offers guided tours in a 12-seater bacôve (traditional boat) with electric motor, as well as cruise boat rides. It is also possible to rent rowing or electric boats, as well as canoes to explore at your own pace.
In the dream corner: Boat and canoe hire in Salperwick.
The House of the Marsh : located near Salperwick, in St-Martin-lez-Tatinghem, the Maison du marais offers guided tours in a bacôve as well as exhibitions on the marsh.
The Boat Builders: The craftsmen of the last shipyard in the region open their doors to allow you to discover their know-how. They also offer free or guided tours, as well as meals by the water. The site has an open-air tavern, "Les Piquinettes". Note that their circuits are not located in the Salperwick marsh, but in that of Saint-Omer.
Hiking :
The “Marais d'Ecou” hiking trail offers a 9,75 km route (duration 2h50) along the Lansberg, allowing you to observe the typical dwellings and life in the marsh.
Observation of fauna and flora:
Salperwick Marsh is home to a rich biodiversity, including birds such as grey herons and kingfishers.
The church is in the Gothic style, characterized by its colorful stained glass windows and its imposing architecture. Originally, it was part of the diocese of Thérouanne and the deanery of Saint-Omer. After the creation of the diocese of Saint-Omer, it was attached to the deanery of Longuenesse.
Its bell tower dates from the 16th century, while the nave was rebuilt in 1818 and enlarged in 1864.
Initially dedicated to Saint Riquier, the church took its current name of Notre-Dame de la Bonne Fin in the 16th century.
It is a pilgrimage church that houses a statue of the Virgin Mary renowned for her miraculous powers. This statue of the Virgin and Child, known as Our Lady of the Good End, is a notable work. The Virgin holds a scepter in her right hand, while the Child holds the globe.
The church attracts many pilgrims, especially during celebrations in honor of Our Lady of the Good End.
It is located at 1 Rue du Rivage in Salperwick and has an adjoining cemetery.
The origin of the name Salperwick dates back to the Middle Ages and combines Latin and Germanic elements:
The main root comes from the Latin "vicus", meaning "fortified camp or village". The first part of the name probably derives from a Germanic anthroponym. According to some sources, it would be "Sahlbert", the name of a local lord.
The evolution of the name is attested from 1096 in the form “Salperwuic”, then saw numerous variations over the centuries, such as “Salperwic” (1175), “Saubruicq” (1282), and “Saupervic” (around 1350).
The present form 'Salperwick' became established towards the end of the 1793th century, appearing in records in 1801 and XNUMX.
This etymology therefore combines elements designating a "fortified village" (vicus) associated with the name of a local owner or lord of Germanic origin, thus reflecting the medieval history of the region and the linguistic influences which shaped it.
The history of Saubruit Castle, also known as Salperwick Castle, spans several centuries:
A country residence of the monks of Saint-Bertin is attested from the Middle Ages on the site of the castle. In the 14th century, the estate became an important agricultural exploitation.
At the end of the 16th century, a fire led to the reconstruction of the buildings. Another fire in the 18th century led to a new reconstruction of a large part of the castle.
Around 1840, two pavilions were demolished and work was carried out on the eastern facade.
Architecture and facilities of Salperwick Castle
The oldest part is located to the north, on the marsh side.
In the 18th century, a T-shaped wing was added to the north facade.
The southern facade is decorated with sober 19th century decorations.
The interiors, for their part, are remarkable, and are decorated with woodwork and beautiful stuccowork.
Notable historical events
On July 31, 1513, King Henry VIII of England stayed there, lodging in what was then called the Saubruit farm.
From August 26 to 29, 1804, Napoleon I also stayed at the castle.
Heritage protection
The castle is listed as a historic monument by decree of May 30, 2001, including the entire buildings, the interior decorations and the park.
Here are the main accommodation options in and around Salperwick:
Camping pitches
Camping Le Grand Large : Located at 23 Rue du Rivage in Salperwick. Offers pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes. Has a service area for motorhomes.
Bed & Breakfasts
Les Mésanges Bed and Breakfast : Located in Saint-Martin-lez-Tatinghem (near Salperwick), at 31 Rue des Mésanges.
Holiday cottages and rentals
Liberty Village The Audomarois Marsh : Gîte for 2 people located in the heart of the Audomarois marsh.
Several vacation rental options are also available on platforms like Airbnb.
At the Bon Accueil: This restaurant, bar and brasserie offers French cuisine and homemade regional dishes such as carbonade flamande, potjevleesh and welsh. It is located on the waterfront and has a terrace. It is open daily from 9:00 to 18:00 from March 15 to October 15, with possible opening until October 31 depending on the weather.
To get to Salperwick by bus, you can use the Mouveo network, which serves the municipalities of the Communauté d'Agglomération de Saint-Omer (CAPSO), and in particular Emmaüs Saint-Martin lez Tatinghem, at the gates of Salperwick (line 5)
Transport on Demand (TAD): Mouvéo offers a Transport on Demand (TAD) service. This service facilitates travel within the CAPSO, but also from municipality to municipality in the same area. To use the TAD, you must register and book your trip in advance.
