Considered one of the most beautiful towns of Flanders, Hondschoote known celebrity and prosperity in the 15th century with the manufacture of saye (lightweight wool fabric) with annual production exported throughout Europe, exceeding 100,000 parts. This golden age, the city still has beautiful monuments, mainly on the main square to considerable dimensions.
In the mid 16th century, is the epicenter of Hondschoote iconoclastic movement.
On 8 September 1793, the Republican army, commanded by General Houchard, beating the Anglo-Austrian coalition in the city. This victory allowed when the siege to Dunkirk and saved France from invasion (a memorial is located on the site). This victory was also the first victory of the French gendarmerie. A commemoration of this victory takes place every year.
The rich lands of Flanders are conducive to the cultivation of flax and flax growers in the region bring all their skills to the success of this culture. Thus qu'Hondschoote Township and remained an important center of production (to discover the secrets of this plant, there are circuits car, walking and cycling on the theme of linen).
City Hall: One of the finest city hotels in the region, it is Flemish Renaissance style and dates from 1558. Upon entering the room you get "lost steps" (where the accused were 100 steps before being tried), you can read a history of the city in the wedding hall you can admire an array A. Bellangé and a model depicting the Battle of Hondschoote. The caves are old guard. Upstairs, a small town museum houses interesting triptychs.
The church of Saint-Vaast: it was built in the late 16th century and has one of the highest towers of Flanders whose height reaches 82 meters. It has a remarkable furniture, dating mainly from the 18th century, including four altarpieces enrolled in referencing "Altarpieces to discover" a carved oak pulpit, an organ-ranked, 8 confessionals ... It also houses a carillon opened in 2000 and a school bell ringer, who form carillonneurs Flanders.
The mill Noordmeulen: windmill on its pivot bearing girder date of 1127, which leaves considered the oldest mill in Europe.
The mill Victory or Spinnewyn: Restored in 1993 to mark the bicentenary of the Battle of Hondschoote.
The statue of Victory: Memorial of the Battle of Hondschoote, it was inaugurated in 1890 and is due to the chisel of the sculptor Darcq Lille.
The fountain Lamartine behind the church, the pumps were offered in 1835 by Alphonse de Lamartine, then a member of the North. His extensive tank used to supply the population in times of drought.
Guided tours for groups (reservation at the Tourist Office of Pays du Lin at least 10 days before the visit). Information and reservations: +33 3 28 62 53 00 or otpaysdulin@free.fr. Opportunity to visit the church and the town hall during the same visit.
On the circuit traces of the past through the town and discover using panels (in French, Dutch and English) at different locations of the town, the story of Hondschoote and its monuments.
Questionnaire for children: fun while children learn about some of the wealth of the town.
Walks of Zwingelaers (Hiking 10.4 km) - starting Hondschoote: discover through this circuit jams and jams of old Hondschoote and the history that connects Hondschoote and flax.
Flea communal: the last Sunday of June.
Route linen June to September with family or friends, discover and enjoy cycling with a flyer, flax, its history and the different stages of his life. This circuit is renewed every year.
Rally Blue: mid-June. With family or friends, watch, bicycle, flax in his blue marked path on the road flax. Using a questionnaire out to discover the life stages of flax, answer them, play games and Flemish and try to win great prizes linen. Also enjoy the many activities throughout the course.
Karyole Feest: the first weekend of September. This festival brings together traditional agricultural town in the heart of the farm animals, crafts, local products, events, exhibitions ... Impressive horses parade on Saturday at 18h.
Harvest Festival: 3rd Sunday of October. The combination of Tastewijn (wine tasters) organizes its traditional harvest festival around wine "Fleur de Lin" (tasting (in moderation!) Pressing wine tour of the vineyard and public), crafts, exhibitions and events .
Over the Flemish border, furrow a circuit that will reintroduce you 300 years of history marked this territory. This circuit was created by the Tourist Office of the Pays Lin to mark the tercentenary of the Franco -Belgian border.
Circuit Polder (only for groups by bus). The Moëres that is to say in Dutch marshes, are at least 1.25 meters below the level of the sea. 4th century the entire region was invaded by the sea. But the land was reclaimed from the water thanks to the genius of man. Lands below the sea level were out of the water, that's what we call in Dutch " water boards " or " Polder " in French. Duration 1 hour.
Route flax June-September : with family or friends, discover and enjoy cycling with a flyer, flax, its history and the different stages of his life. This circuit is different every year and goes through different municipalities.
Rally Blue ( mid- June) with family and friends, watch, bicycle, flax in his blue marked trail on the road flax. Using a questionnaire discover the life stages of flax, answer a questionnaire and play Flemish games and win great prizes linen. Take advantage of the many activities throughout the course.
Circuit Scutching mills ( driving tour approximately 80 km) - starting Hondschoote : discover the 7 jams ( flax plants ) operating in Flanders.
