Tilques is a friendly and peaceful village occupying some 135 hectares of the Audomarois marsh. It is accessed in particular by two "entrance gates" which are the monks' marsh and the guillotine bridge. The latter marks the starting point of the lansbergue trail, a waterside walking path leading to the Serques marsh.
In Tilques, in addition to the marsh, you will appreciate the landscapes marked by the presence of a rich heritage constituted by the castle of Ecou, by the castle of Hiccups, as well as by the church. The oldest parts date from the XNUMXth century. In terms of religious heritage, the confluence of the Ecou river and that of the open sea is marked by the presence of a statue of the Virgin Mary. The virgin of Tilques was once a very popular place of pilgrimage.
Finally, gourmets will find in this village of the Audomarois marshes two specialties to the delight of their palate: the famous Carrot de Tilques and watercress grown in the watercress farm of Tilques.
The origins
The name of Tilques is attested in 1140 under the Flemish form Tilleke. A translation from the Old Germanic of Tilliacum meaning "domain of Tillius". The term was then francized in the form of Tilcques.
This village was already in the Middle Ages under the jurisdiction of the abbey of Saint-Bertin de St-Omer.
The church of Tilques
The church of Tilques, dedicated to the Sacred Heart, has its origins at the end of the 1294th century. The presence of a church of the Sacred Heart is indeed attested to its location in 1801. It included a stone spire, which was altered in the 1515th century. Like many churches during the Revolution, it will be abandoned and occupied. It will serve in particular as a saltpetre. It will return to worship in XNUMX, but its deplorable state required urgent work. Thus a thatched roof was laid while waiting to carry out more permanent work on the tower and the nave in the course of the XNUMXth century. It was the architect Charles Leroy who will take care of most of the operations. A specialist in neo-Gothic churches, he notably created that of Haut-Pont in Saint-Omer, the church of Saint-Martin-au-Laert (today Saint-Martin-lez-Tatinghem) and Notre-Dame cathedral. from La Treille to Lille. The bell, dating from XNUMX, is listed as a historical monument.
Pilgrimage to the Virgin
At the intersection of the Grand Large and the Ecou river stands the Virgin of Tilques. This statue, sculpted in the early 1960s, was the subject of pilgrimages from August 15 until the 1990s. On this occasion, many bacôves marched at its feet. This virgin is also nicknamed “Notre-Dame-des-Marais”.
The Chateau d'Ecou
The Château d'Écou, named after Lord Willelmus d'Ekout, dates from the XNUMXth century and was remodeled in the XNUMXth century. Until the beginning of the XNUMXth century, the building passed through various lords and various large Audomaroise families, including the Taffin family. This will keep the castle of Ecou for two centuries. Partly destroyed by the Germans during the Second World War, the castle was rebuilt during the second half of the XNUMXth century.
The Château du Hocquet, known as the “Château de Tilques”.
This castle takes its name from Le Hocquet, a former stronghold of Tilques belonging between the 1890th and XNUMXth centuries to the Taffin family. It included a mansion dating from the XNUMXth century, on the ruins of which the current castle of Tilques was built during the XNUMXs. Transformed after the war into a seminary for priests, it has since housed the hotel-restaurant of the Castle run by the Najetti group. . A select and popular address of the Audomarois which has welcomed many personalities during its existence.
Tilques watercress
At the edge of the western marsh, the cressonnière takes advantage of the pure waters of a few springs which supply its basins. Excellent fresh vegetable consumed especially in spring and winter, watercress has been the subject of a real commercialization since the XNUMXth century.
Discover the watercress farm site here.
Tilques carrot
Another jewel of the local gastronomy, the Carotte de Tilques thrives in the sandy land around the western marsh. These allow him to push without forking. This is the secret of this large cylindrical-conical carrot, 30 cm long, which delights us from October to April.
Generous, tasty, this carrot is perfect for small casseroles.
Around the village
The town of Tilques, located in the heart of the Audomarois marshes, adjoins the towns and villages of St-Omer, Serques, Zudausques and Salperwick.
All the answers to your questions about the village of Tilques
The known history of Tilques as a village goes back many centuries. The name of the locality is already attested in 1139 in the form "Tillia". The origin of the name could come from the Roman anthroponym Tillius, followed by the suffix -aca, meaning the "domain of Tillius".
In the Middle Ages, Tilques was already an important lordship:
In 1206, a dispute arose between the Abbey of Saint-Bertin and Guillaume de Billeke (de Tilques) concerning jurisdictional rights.
In 1217, Gautier de Tilcques was one of the twelve peers of the Bishop of Thérouanne.
Castles and heritage
Tilques has several castles bearing witness to its rich past:
The Château d'Ecou , dating from the 13th century, has belonged to various noble families over the centuries.
The Château du Hocquet , built in 1891 on the ruins of a 17th-century manor house, was a fief belonging to the Taffin family from 1585 until the mid-20th century.
Modern and contemporary period
During the French Revolution, the village church was closed and served as a saltpeter cellar.
In the 1846th century, the town underwent major works, notably the reconstruction of the church bell tower between 1848 and XNUMX.
During World War I, Tilques was affected by the conflict, although precise details are not provided in the search results.
During the Second World War, the Château d'Ecou was largely destroyed by the Germans, then rebuilt by its new owner.
Today, Tilques is a French commune in Pas-de-Calais, part of the urban community of Pays de Saint-Omer.
Tilques has a rich built heritage, including several remarkable historical monuments:
Ecou Castle
Its origins date back to the 13th century. The Château d'Ecou was built on an artificial mound in the Audomarois marsh.
It has undergone many transformations over the centuries, going from a medieval fortress to a pleasure residence.
It has been listed as a historic monument since June 3, 2014. Its protected elements are: the castle, its farm, the wall, the moats with the bridge, the terrace, the park, the access paths, the vegetable garden and the orchard.
Château du Hocquet (Château de Tilques)
The Château du Hocquet, also known as the “Château de Tilques”, is a rich and large residence built in 1891 on the ruins of an old 17th century manor.
It is a remarkable example of neo-Flemish architecture.
It belonged to the Taffin family from 1585 until the mid-3th century. Today it houses a XNUMX-star hotel and restaurant.
Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Tilques
This church, listed as a historical monument since 1996, displays a neo-Gothic style, with a single nave, a transept and a choir. Remarkable for its Art Nouveau stained glass windows and its high-quality sculptures. It was built in 1867 to replace an old church that had become too small.
The Church of the Sacred Heart of Tilques has a rich history spanning several centuries:
A first church already existed in 1294. In the XNUMXth century, the bell tower was described as a spire built of stone. During the French Revolution, like many religious buildings, the church was closed. It served as a saltpeter cellar.
In 1801, when worship was restored, the building was in poor condition, with the bell tower collapsed and the side naves destroyed.
The current church was extensively rebuilt in the 19th century:
Between 1846 and 1848 the tower was rebuilt.
From 1863 to 1869, the nave was remodeled under the direction of Charles Leroy, the architect of the Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille cathedral-basilica in Lille. The original building having become too small in relation to the size of the village, the whole was enlarged.
Outstanding elements
The Marie bell, dating from 1515, has been listed as a historic monument since 1911. The church, for its part, has been classified as a historic monument since 1996.
Brand
The current church is in neo-Gothic style, with a stone tower inspired by the great models of the time. It was built in brick, and its facades have been rehabilitated in recent decades.
The history of the Château d'Ecou in Tilques dates back to the Middle Ages and spans several centuries, bearing witness to an evolving architecture:
Origins and development
The first mentions of a castle in Tilques date from 1187, with Guillaume, lord of the castle of Saint-Omer.
It was built in the 13th century on an artificial mound in the heart of the Audomarois marsh.
Deeply remodeled in the 15th century, it also received continuous modifications over time.
It experienced turbulent periods and a change of purpose. This medieval fortress, besieged several times during the wars of the 16th and 17th centuries , was subsequently transformed into a pleasure residence.
At the end of the 19th century, the castle was renovated in a neo-medieval style.
Notable owners
The Taffin de Tilques family owned it for a significant period. Pierre de Taffin de Tilques (1767-1837), in particular, died there.
At the end of the 1930s, it was bought “by chance and by mistake” by Henri Philippe.
Like many castles in occupied France, the Château d'Ecou was damaged by the Germans during the Second World War.
Towards the middle of the 20th century, the architect Joseph Philippe removed certain picturesque additions and undertook restoration work.
The castle was listed as a historic monument on June 3, 2014.
The history of the Château du Hocquet in Tilques spans several centuries:
Origins and construction
The current castle was built in 1891 on the ruins of an old manor dating from the XNUMXth century.
It is a remarkable example of neo-Flemish architecture.
Le Hocquet was a fief in Tilques, held from the seigneury of La Motte à Moulle. This fief was acquired in 1585 by Pierre Taffin. It remained in the Taffin family until the beginning of the 20th century.
Contemporary period
Today, the castle is known as Château de Tilques or Najeti Hôtel Château Tilques. It has been transformed into a 3-star hotel, nestled in the heart of a four-hectare park. This beautiful building offers 50 rooms and can accommodate up to 144 people.
Tilques offers several interesting options for walks and short hikes:
The Lansbergue trail
This is the best known circuit, because it is marked. It is 5,7 km long and takes about 1 hours of walking. This route connects Tilques and Serques
Points of interest: Landscapes of the Audomarois marsh, network of watergangs, wet meadows and watercress beds.
Also check out our article on the Lansberg trail.
Other hikes
Other hiking ideas around Tilques are available on the visiorando website.
Tilques offers several accommodation options for travelers:
Bed & Breakfasts
Les Chambres du Marais : A comfortable former farmhouse 5 km from Saint-Omer. Ideal for a friendly and relaxing stay.
Fermette de Marie Grouette : A bed and breakfast located in the Tilques marsh.
Hotels
Château Tilques : An elegant 3-star hotel in a 19th-century castle, offering 50 rooms, a restaurant, an indoor pool, and seminar facilities. Electric vehicle charging stations are also available.
Campsites
Tilques has two campsites:
The Marais campsite , located on Rue du Rivage in Tilques.
The Lansbergue campsite , located at 30 Lansbergue in Tilques.
In Tilques, there are several options for eating and drinking:
La Guinguette: This restaurant offers French cuisine in a warm and friendly atmosphere. They offer dinner dances (reservations required), with menus including drinks. La Guinguette is family-friendly with a children's menu and a fenced garden area. The restaurant is accessible to people with reduced mobility and regularly hosts themed evenings. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 12:00 PM to 19:30 PM. To make a reservation, please call 03 21 38 26 33 or send a text message to 06 29 14 49 225.
Chez Ninie: This brasserie offers a varied menu and cocktails.
Le Vert Mesnil (Hôtel Château Tilques) : The restaurant at Hôtel Château Tilques, called Le Vert Mesnil, offers fresh, local market cuisine. The menu includes grilled meats, fish, and vegetables. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday from 19:00 PM to 21:30 PM. The hotel bar is open daily from 15:30 PM to 23:00 PM and offers a drinks menu and charcuterie boards.
To go to Tilques by bus, you can use the following services:
Mouvéo TAD : Mouvéo's Demand-Responsive Transport (TAD) service serves Tilques. This service operates Monday to Saturday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM and allows travel between bus stops within the Saint-Omer Agglomeration Community (CAPSO). Reservations can be made no later than noon the day before your trip. For Monday, reservations must be made by noon on Friday. For more information, please call 0 800 510 232 or visit the Mouvéo website for updated maps and schedules.
