All the answers to your questions about Saint-Momelin
The history of Saint-Momelin dates back to the 640th century and bears witness to a rich religious and strategic past. The name of the village is in fact attributed to Saint Mommelin, Bishop of Noyon and Tournai, who resided in the old monastery established on the site of the current church. Around XNUMX, Adroald, Lord of Sithiu (current Saint-Omer), authorized religious men to found a monastery on his lands, thus marking the starting point of a strong spiritual tradition in the region. These religious men were our famous St Mommelin, Saint-Bertin and Ebertram, led by Audomarus (Saint-Omer), then Bishop of Thérouanne.
This place of meditation also attracted the visit of Saint Bertin, before he founded the Abbey of Saint-Bertin in Saint-Omer. Little by little, the monks of the monastery of Saint-Momelin migrated to this new abbey, giving the village nicknames such as "Vetus monasterium", literally meaning the Old Moutier or the old monastery.
In 1327, the old church, built in 640, was rebuilt to meet the needs of an ever-growing community. However, in 1497, this church was destroyed by French troops, leaving a spiritual and architectural void.
To fill this gap, a new church, dedicated to Saint Momelin, was consecrated in 1519. This construction subsequently underwent several phases of reconstruction, notably in 1685 and 1814, which made it possible to strengthen and modernize the building while preserving its historical character.
The situation of Saint-Momelin was not limited to its religious importance. During the wars of the 1638th century, the village was the scene of many conflicts. In 1647, the forts of Saint-Momelin and Le Bac were taken and retaken in turn by the French and the Spanish, thus illustrating the strategic position of the commune. In 1677, Marshal de Gassion seized the post, and in XNUMX, the inhabitants had to endure the horrors of a siege (Battle of the Capture of Saint-Omer).
Finally, in 1781, the traditional ferry, used to cross the waterways, was replaced by a four-arched bridge, symbolizing the link between Flanders and Artois and marking an important stage in the evolution of the village's infrastructure.
The built heritage and historical monuments of Saint-Momelin include:
Saint-Momelin Church: Founded in 640, it has been rebuilt several times throughout history. The current building dates from 1519, with partial reconstructions in 1685 and 1814. It houses a XNUMXth-century silver shrine containing the skull of Saint Momelin, as well as a painting depicting the Adoration of the Magi.
The remains of the ancient forts : Dating from the 1638th century, they bear witness to the military conflicts of the time, notably the siege of Saint-Omer in XNUMX.
Bridge (lost heritage): Built in 1781 to replace a ferry, it linked Flanders and Artois. It was a four-arched stone bridge.
The old Saint-Momelin station.
The Aa Clay Pit : Although it is not a historic building, this natural site, a former clay quarry, is part of the local heritage.
The reliquary bust of Saint Momelin : Dating from 1466, it is mentioned as an element of the religious heritage of the commune.
It should be noted that Saint-Momelin has a rich religious heritage linked to its monastic history, dating back to the 7th century with the founding of a monastery by Saint Momelin.
To our knowledge, there are no gîtes, guest houses, campsites or motorhome areas in the village of St-Momelin. But the surrounding area is full of holiday rental solutions!
You have a vacation rental in Saint-Momelin, a new campsite, furnished accommodation, etc. Let us know so that we can update ourselves!
Saint-Momelin does not currently have any bars or restaurants, but here are some options for eating and drinking nearby in Nieurlet, Watten and Éperlecques:
In Nieurlet:
The Booneghem Inn : Located in the heart of the Audomarois marsh, it offers cuisine that combines great classics and regional dishes with local products. 114 Rte de Booneghem, 59143 Nieurlet – 03 21 88 28 50
In Watten:
The Flemish Inn: Recently reopened, it offers family and traditional cuisine with Flemish specialties such as potjevleesh, carbonades and welsh – 2 Grand Place, 59143 Watten – 06 10 24 08 04.
Marmara – Watten coffee: A restaurant offering Lebanese cuisine and pizzas.
In Éperlecques:
The pizza kiosk of Éperlecques – Rue de Bleue Maison, 62910 Éperlecques – 03 21 11 61 64
The Bon'Ap: A pizza and chip shop in Eperlecques – 56 Rue du Mont, 62910 Éperlecques – 03 21 98 03 70
Here are some ideas for walks and hikes in Saint-Momelin and its surroundings:
The Aa clay pit : A 2 hour walk to discover this former clay pit which has become a wetland, with its heritage flora and fauna.
Circuit Watten – Saint-Momelin : A longer hike of 16,2 km for experienced walkers, passing through Watten, Wulverdinghe, Saint-Momelin and Lederzeele. Discover here the hiking circuit in pdf.
Hiking along the canalized Aa: A 6 km walk (about 1h30) between Saint-Momelin and Saint-Omer (le Doulac). Possibility of continuing the path to Arques along the Neufossé canal, or even to Aire-sur-la-Lys.
These options offer a variety of distances and difficulties, allowing visitors to Saint-Momelin to choose a hike suited to their preferences and level.
In addition to the hiking trails, it is ideal to discover the Audomarois marsh by boat.
Unfortunately, there is no pier to visit the Saint-Momelin marsh. However, here are some options in the surrounding area:
- The Boat Builders (in Saint-Omer, 6km away) – guided boat tours, self-guided tours, waterside tavern – 43 route de Clairmarais 62500 Saint-Omer – 06.08.09.94.88.
- Isnor : cruise boats, free visits in Clairmarais (6 km) – 3 rue du marais 62500 Clairmarais.
To go to Saint-Momelin by bus, you have several options:
Line 904S of the Arc en Ciel network serves Saint-Momelin. This line stops at the “Round-point” of Saint-Momelin at several times a day.
Line 923S of the Arc en Ciel network also stops at Saint-Momelin, with two stops: “Bois du Ham” and “Rond-point”
