Chapel Saint Louis De Guémy Tournehem Sur La Hem

Stroll to the Saint-Louis chapel

This year, more than ever, we need to get away from it all, without going too far. So let’s get off the beaten track for an exotic odyssey: a hike. But not just any hike! La chapelle Saint-Louis is a hike in a mysterious place with a sensational panorama: we take you to a druidic site 122 meters above sea level.

Between water and mystery

Let’s set off for a 9 km green-rated hike, starting from the Place de la Comtesse Mahaut d’Artois in the charming rural village of Tournehem-sur-la Hem. Let’s start with its medieval gateway and fortifications where, according to legend, numerous underground passages link it to the town of Ardres, 10 km away.

As you move away from the village center, you’ll spot the Delezoide mill on the Hem, the river that runs through and gives its name to the village next door. Then it’s off for a short climb to the Chapelle de Guémy!

A place for all coryances

After crossing a small wood, the panorama is exceptional in front of the Guémy chapel. And for good reason, here you are, 122 meters high, to be offered a viewpoint over the Hem valley.If the weather is kind, you may also catch a glimpse of the white cliffs of Dover.

As for the chapel, it’s a mythological place filled with local beliefs and fabulous legends: Gallic druids are said to have worshipped here, the 3rd-century Roman emperor Septimius Severus is said to have camped his army on the hill before crossing into Britain, and numerous underground passages are said to link the chapel to Ardres, Tournehem, Calais and Saint-Omer.

Practical info

Find the La Chapelle Saint-Louis hiking fact sheet, as well as our hiking catalog at the Tourist Office reception desk (on sale at 0.50€) or in digital format.