Water Mill 2016 Aire-sur-la-Lys (4) — ©Water mill of the Invalides of Aire-sur-la-Lys|P.Hudelle - Tourisme en Pays de Saint-Omer

Our most beautiful mills

Whether water- or wind-powered, mills are emblematic and representative monuments of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. The Pays de Saint-Omer has several on its territory. While unfortunately not all of them can be visited, mills can still be admired in pretty hikes or walks.

The hidden mill...

The Moulin des Invalides in Aire-sur-la-Lys

Right in the heart of town, this water mill is hidden around the bend of an alley and situated on the Lacquette stream. Part of a private property, it nevertheless remains visible and is included in a lovely walk, the Promenade “à livres ouverts”, which enables visitors to understand the importance of hydraulics and especially of the Lys, an emblematic river inseparable from the town of Aire.

Water mill of the Invalides 2019 Aire-sur-la-Lys — ©Water mill of the Invalides of Aire-sur-la-Lys| Jessy Hochart - Tourisme en Pays de Saint-Omer

Sleeping in a mill

Le Moulin Pidoux d'Hallines

It’s hard not to mention the paper valley in this ranking. Indeed, mills and hydraulics have given rise to an entire paper and cardboard industry, useful for the nearby Cristallerie d’Arques. In Hallines, the Pidoux mill is one of the oldest mills in the Audomarois. It dates back to the 15th century and has been converted into a gîte: Le Gîte du moulin Pidoux. Recent work is underway to produce hydroelectricity.

At the foot of the marsh

Le Moulin de l'Aile de Saint-Omer

The Audomarois marsh is a magical place, covering 3,700 hectares. However, more than 80% of it remains private. Aside from a ride on a bacôve, the traditional marsh boat, the Maison du Marais park is ideal for a short walking tour of several curiosities. One of the most visible is the Moulin de l’Aile, with its 10-meter height and 17-meter wingspan. It is the only pumping mill on the marsh still in working order. There are regular events with the Maison du Marais to help visitors better understand the purpose of this mill.

More information on the Maison du Marais website

Maison du Marais Vélo Bacôve 2019 Saint-Martin-Lez-Tatinghem (18) — ©Mill of the Wing of the House of the Marsh in Saint-Martin-Lez-Tatinghem|Tourisme en Pays de Saint-Omer

Moulin d'Achille Moringhem (4) — ©Mill of Achille Moringhem|Photo Carl - Tourisme en Pays de Saint-Omer

An exceptional panorama

Achille de Moringhem mill

Located on the Les Moulins mountain bike trail with the Lebriez mill, the Moulin d’Achille offers a breathtaking view of the Hem valley and has been restored in white stone. In operation until the 1950s, the mill can be visited during the Fête du moulin in May or the Journées Européennes du Patrimoine in September, two national events repeated in the Pays de Saint-Omer.

Another exceptional panorama

Moulin Lebriez de Mentque-Nortbécourt

In Mentque-Nortbécourt, near Saint-Omer, on the heights of the village with a rather incredible view, the Moulin Lebriez, a windmill dating from the end of the reign of Louis XIV, (a plaque bears the mention 1714), revives thanks to the mobilization of local residents. Renovated in white stone, it stands out and one of the points of passage for hikers.