The Saint-Louis chapel GB

More than ever, this year, we need getaways, original ideas without going too far. Let us run away off the beaten track to an exotic odyssey: a hike. But not just any hike! The Saint-Louis chapel is a hike in a mysterious place with a stunning panorama: let us take you to a Druidical place 122 metres high.

Between water and mysteries

Let’s go for a green-level 9 km hike, starting from the Countess Mahaut d’Artois place in the charming rural village of Tournehem-sur-la-Hem. Let’s start with its medieval gate and its forti cations which, according to legend, many underground passages link it to the town of Ardres, located 10 km away. As you move away from the centre of the village, you will see the Delezoide de la Hem mill, the river which intersects and gives its name to the nearby village. Then, off we go for a little climb to the Guémy chapel!

A place of all beliefs

After cutting through a small wood, the panorama is exceptional in front of the Guémy chapel. And for good reason, you have indeed arrived at a height of 122 metres, and offered a view of the Hem valley. If the weather allows, you can also see the White Cliffs of Dover. The chapel is a mythological place lled with local beliefs and fabulous legends: Gallic druids would have practised their worship there, the Roman emperor Septimius Severus in the 3rd century would have had his army camped on the hill before moving on to Great Britain and a number of underground passages link the chapel to Ardres, Tournehem, Calais and even Saint-Omer.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

Find the La Chapelle Saint-Louis hiking sheet, as well as our hiking catalogue in digital format on www.TOURISME-SAINTOMER.com or on paper at the reception of the Tourist Office (on sale for €0.50).