The municipality of Watten is located on the northern borders of the marsh. It is at its level that a bottleneck partially retains the waters of the Aa in the marsh, before the river joins the coast by crossing the maritime plain. This bottleneck is at the origin of the etymology of the town, Watten would come from Wotten, meaning in Flemish "fording".
Due to its location marked by the presence of the historic Aa canal and the Colme canal, but also its lock and many other river facilities, Watten gives itself the air of a small port town. Everywhere water is important. Yet, surprisingly, it is one of the municipalities occupying the least space in the marsh. Indeed, only 20 hectares of the Audomarois marshes are located within the borders of Watten.
A town belonging to the Nord department and marking one of the gateways to French Flanders, and more specifically to the Flemish region of Houtland, Watten is also the highest point of the Audomarois marshes. Overlooking the marsh from its 70 m high, the Montagne de Watten is the highest point of the territory. It is also one of the seven mountains of Flanders.
On the Mont de Watten, a rich heritage is revealed to all, including an abbey in ruins and a restored XNUMXth century mill. We also find in this charming town surrounded by water a Tourist Office as well as a XNUMXth century church.
Watten's mountain
Integrated into the chain of Monts des Flandres and constituting its westernmost link, the Montagne de Watten culminates the landscapes of the Audomarois from the top of its 70 m. It thus offers a particularly panoramic view of the territory. Along the winding road on the Mount, a path allows you to climb the mountain in safety and to descend. A sporty 2,2 km hike starting and finishing in the city centre. There is also another hiking trail starting from Watten: the “Circuit the shores of the Colme”. The latter, a dozen kilometers long, leads to the neighboring village of Millam.
The mill of the mountain of Watten
This windmill has its origins in the 1731th century. In XNUMX more precisely. It came at that time to replace a wooden mill by adopting more durable materials: stones from the old abbey.
The wings of the Watten mill were destroyed by a storm in 1937, seven years after the end of its operation. Its was, ideally placed on the mount of Watten, then served from 1940 as an observation post by the German army.
The building was bought by the town in 1985 before being rebuilt in 1987. A happy initiative supported by ARAM, the Regional Association of Friends of the Mills and the Association of Friends of Old Watten. Since 1994, the restored Watten mill is still in operation!
The ruins and tower of Watten Abbey
At the origin of the abbey of Watten, a small chapel dedicated to Saint-Riquier was built at the top of the mountain of Watten in 874. This chapel will become a monastery in 1072 thanks to the protection of Robert le Frison and the financial support counts of Flanders. It will be the first monastery of regular canons of Flanders but also the burial place of Thierry d'Alsace, count of Flanders. This abbey was consecrated in 1097 under the name of “Notre Dame du Mont de Watten”.
From Jesuits to the Revolution
In 1608, the monastery will house the Jesuits, and this until the end of the company of Jesus in 1763. It will be the secular priests and the Vincentians who will then occupy the premises. It won't last long. The abbey will fall under the control of the bishopric of Saint-Omer in 1769. The latter ordered the destruction of part of the buildings. Then came the Revolution, and what remained of the abbey, in particular the tower, became national property. However, it was spared because it served as a landmark for navigators.
Watten Abbey today
Of the abbey founded in Watten in the 1909th century, only a few vestiges remain, including the surrounding walls but also the tower of the abbey dating from the 1998th century. The latter is classified as historical monuments since XNUMX and the whole site in XNUMX as National Heritage. This remarkable ensemble, perched on Mount Watten, overlooks the Audomarois marshes and the Flemish lands.
The Watten Abbey site is exceptionally open for Fortified Sites Days, European Heritage Days and a few dates in summer.
Watten Tourist Office
Watten has its tourist information office at 12 rue de Dunkerque. This Tourist Office, which can accommodate everyone (accessible to people with reduced mobility) is open 5 days a week during the year and 7 days a week during the summer holidays. A good address for discovering places of interest in Watten, the Audomarois marshes, the mountains of Flanders... Enthusiasts can stock up on tourist brochures on the surrounding area and hiking maps.
XNUMXth century church
The Saint-Gilles de Watten church was founded in 1236 on the decision of the monks of the Notre-Dame du Mont abbey. The oldest elements visible today include the church tower, built in the 28th century. This bell tower has been classified as a Historic Monument since December 1984, 1800. It housed an arrow until the year XNUMX.
Note that the church of Watten still houses furniture from the former abbey of Watten.
It has been dedicated since its beginnings to Saint-Gilles, a relic of which was brought to the church during a ceremony in October 1888.
All the answers to your questions about Watten
Since ancient times, the town of Watten has had a rich and tumultuous history. In 53 BC, the Romans drove out the Menapii, a prelude to the construction, between the 831st and 881rd centuries, of a military road intended to consolidate their presence. In the XNUMXth century, after two years of fierce fighting, the Franks expelled the Romans, marking a decisive transition. In XNUMX, the town was called "Villa Guadannia", before being destroyed by the Normans in XNUMX.
Medieval development was further strengthened in 1072 with the founding of an abbey by Olfride and Robert the Frisian, which strengthened the religious and cultural importance of the town. In 1378, Watten was granted the privilege of manufacturing cloth, which helped its economic development. However, in 1382–1383, the town was again devastated by Charles VI of France.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, Watten oscillated between several dominations, notably French, English, Flemish and Spanish.
The modern period was marked by various sieges and the construction of fortifications (1643–1657), until the definitive return to France in 1678, made official by the Treaty of Nijmegen. In 1794, the revolutionary wars saw the occupation of Watten, a prelude to an industrial revival in the XNUMXth century, with flourishing tile works, spinning mills and shipyards.
Watten has a rich built heritage and several historical monuments, including:
The ramparts: 17th century earthen fortifications, including the mill bastion which is accessible to the public.
The Abbey Tower: Remains of the Notre-Dame du Mont de Watten abbey, founded in 1072. The tower and the surrounding walls are listed as historic monuments.
The Mountain Mill: Located at the top of Mount Watten at an altitude of 72 metres, on the remains of the old fortifications. It dates from the 1977th century and has been listed as a historic monument since XNUMX.
The chapel on Rue du Bois: Dedicated to Our Lady of the Afflicted, built in 1875.
Watten Abbey: Although largely damaged at the end of the 18th century, its remains are classified as historical monuments.
Chapels and calvaries: Watten has several small chapels and calvaries spread across its territory.
The history of the church in Watten dates back to the Middle Ages:
The history of the church of Watten bears witness to a rich and complex evolution, closely linked to the religious development of the region. In 831, a chapel in honour of Saint-Riquier was established at the summit of Mount Watten, marking the beginnings of a place of meditation and devotion. The first parish church dedicated to Saint Gilles, built around 1236, met the spiritual needs of a rapidly expanding population. However, the building suffered serious setbacks: in 1437, during a conflict between the Flemish and the English, the church was demolished, before a truce allowed the provost to rebuild it in three years.
At the same time, the influence of the Notre-Dame du Mont de Watten abbey, founded in 1072, helped to strengthen the religious and cultural dimension of the site, making Watten a renowned place of pilgrimage.
Over the centuries, the building, rebuilt and modified many times, has incorporated various architectural styles, bearing witness to historical transformations and technical advances. The church, a pillar of local spiritual life, continues to embody the collective memory and attract the faithful and visitors.
The history of Watten Abbey spans almost a millennium and illustrates the tumultuous evolution of the region. Its beginnings date back to the 1042th century, when, in 1072, the monk Alphume built a chapel dedicated to Saint Riquier on Roman ruins, at the top of Mount Watten. Then, in XNUMX, the priest Olfride founded the Abbey of Our Lady of Mount Watten, thus marking the emergence of the first monastery of regular canons in Flanders.
Consecrated in 1097 under the name of "Our Lady of Mount Watten", the abbey received the precious relic of the "hair of the virgin" around 1101. During the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries, it extended its influence by acquiring new lands from the polderization of the Flemish Maritime Plain.
In the 1297th century, the abbey found itself embroiled in regional conflicts. In 1302, it supported the Count of Flanders against the King of France, Philip IV the Fair, and in 1437, it was fortified by the Flemish for protection. However, in 1566, during violent clashes, the abbey was completely destroyed, then rebuilt in just three years. The turbulent period continued in XNUMX with the passage of Protestant iconoclasts during the Beggars' Revolt, marking a new turning point in its history.
In the 1608th and 1623th centuries, the abbey entered a modern phase. In 1763, English Jesuits settled there, and from 1644 to 1646, it housed a novitiate as well as a college of English Jesuits. Between 1763 and XNUMX, the establishment was reinforced by fortifications. In XNUMX, the Jesuits left the abbey following the suppression of their order.
The decline became more pronounced at the end of the 1769th century: partially destroyed in 1792 by the Bishop of Saint-Omer, the monastery was sold as national property in 1909, during the French Revolution. Today, only the XNUMXth century tower and the surrounding walls remain, silent witnesses of a rich past and classified as historical monuments since XNUMX.
Watten and its surroundings offer various accommodation options:
Cottages:
Gîte Waitentamhuys: Located in the heart of the village – 24 Rue de Dunkerque, 59143 Watten – 06 30 44 39 55
The Water P'houlle: Has an enclosed garden with outdoor furniture and views of the countryside. 20 Chem. de la Houlle, 59143 Watten – 06 62 03 88 96
At Chloe's Chalet: Detached house with garden near the city center. 1 Rue de la Victoire, 59143 Watten – 07 77 70 25 40
Other lodgings are available in Watten via Clévacances.
Bed and Breakfast:
Waitentamhuys: Located at 24 Rue de Dunkerque, Watten – 06 30 44 39 55
“Along the Water” Estate »: Located at 1 rue Paul Mortier in Watten, with a view of the river or the garden. 03 21 12 00 28
Here are some options for eating and drinking in Watten:
The Flemish Inn : This restaurant offers Flemish specialties such as potjevleesch, carbonade and welsh. The Auberge Flamande is located on the Grand Place and has 24 seats indoors and 16 on the terrace. Reservations are recommended. 06 10 24 08 04
The Relay Cafe : A café located at 28 Rue de Dunkerque. 03 21 88 05 47
The Buffy's : A café, bar and brasserie located at 10 rue du Général de Gaulle. 03 21 95 96 52
The Sulky : This bar is located near the Watten-Éperlecques train station. 09 67 43 17 47
Here are some ideas for walks and short hikes in Watten and its surroundings:
Trails in Watten
The Mountain Trail : 1,1 km circuit linking the city center to the summit of Mount Watten (72 m elevation gain). Duration: 1 hour round trip. Departure: rue de l'Église.
The historical trail “In the footsteps of the past” : Allows you to discover the historical heritage of Watten.
Tours around Watten
The Guardian Angel Circuit : Hike between Watten, Millam and Wulverdinghe, combining nature and history. A hike to be found on the website of the Watten town hall.
The Shores of the Colme : Circuit between Watten and Millam along the Colme River. Route to be found on the website of the Watten town hall.
Watten Mountain – Blue Lake: Easy route of 6,3 km (round trip), average duration 1h30.
Other ideas nearby
Around Sainte Mildrède in Millam : 5 km or 8 km circuit. Find here in pdf the topo-guide.
Chapels Circuit in Eperlecques : 10 km route to discover the local chapels.
These trails offer a variety of landscapes between the maritime plain, the Audomarois marshes and the historical heritage of the region. Most are accessible all year round and are suitable for walkers of all levels.
Here are some recurring events and traditional festivals in Watten:
Medieval festival: An event that takes place at the Notre Dame du Mont Abbey, generally in August, around August 15.
Abbey Festival: An electronic music festival that takes place at Watten Abbey at the end of June.
Village festivals: Watten and its surroundings host various village festivals throughout the year.
American Day: concert, car and motorcycle exhibition, guinguette, and fireworks around July 14.
The agenda of the city of Watten et Hauts de Flandre Tourist Office are good sources for finding upcoming events!
There is no pier to visit the marsh in Watten. However, here are some options in the surrounding area:
- The Boat Builders (in Saint-Omer, 12km away) – guided boat tours, self-guided tours, waterside tavern – 43 route de Clairmarais 62500 Saint-Omer – 06.08.09.94.88.
- Isnor: cruise ships, free visits to Clairmarais (12 km)
- The House of the Marais: museum and guided tours (11 km)
- The Audobarquoise: guided tours 11 km away (Saint-Martin lez Tatinghem)
- The Good Welcome: In Salperwick (8km)
Watten-Éperlecques station is served by the Calais-Lille and Calais-Hazebrouck (towards Arras) lines. Direct trains run from Watten-Éperlecques to Lille-Flandres in around 52 minutes.
For information on timetables and to buy tickets, you can visit the TER Hauts-de-France website, SNCF Connect or other mobility applications. The station has an ATM, car parking and bicycle parking with free access.
To get to Watten by bus, several options are available7:
Rainbow Bus Network: Line 904 connects Dunkirk to Saint-Omer via Watten.
CCHF Transportation on Demand (TAD): This service operates from Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 19 p.m. and allows you to travel from one bus stop to another within the CCHF territory. Reservations can be made by telephone at 03 83 73 73 44.
CCHF Free Line: From April 15, 2025, a free bus line will connect Watten to Bergues and Hondschoote.
