Saint-Martin-lez-Tatinghem

In terms of built heritage, in the former town of Saint-Martin-au-Laërt, it is the Carpentier-Mancel glassworks that prove to be the most imposing site. A bottle production unit was authorized in 1823. It was the beginning of a saga which experienced even more spectacular development in 1892 with the founding of the company Verrerie et Cristallerie d'Arcques, whose fame became international (decoration and household and tableware distributed through high-end or more popular brands such as Arcopal). Tours are occasionally offered in summer (industrial tourism). Mandatory reservation. Price: 9.90 and 12.90 euros. For more information, call +33 3 21 12 74 74.

Older, the large mill located near the bypass, was built in 1801 and belonged to a dynasty of flour millers. Restored from the 1970s, enhanced (illumination of the site), the mill formed by a brick tower decorated with white stones is 18 m high with its roof, the span of the wings exceeding 20 m. It benefits from protection as historical monuments. An association ensures the animation and maintenance.

Also worth seeing is the neo-Gothic style church (19th century), a pilgrim cross and commemorative monuments and Calvaries dedicated to the victims of the wars of 1870, 1914-1918 and 1939-1945, notably from the Commonwealth.

In the old town of Tatinghem, the Saint-Jacques church dates from the 17th century and retains a bell and a pulpit classified as objects. Also worth seeing is the Saint-Jacques chapel, integrated into a farm and here again, monuments bearing witness to the two world wars which afflicted the region.

On the cultural level, the Maison du Rivage dedicated to associations program exhibitions and events (information on +33 3 21 12 08 60), as well as the libraries located in the two former towns (readings, meetings). Information on +33 3 21 88 89 62.

With regard to the natural heritage, the Maison du Marais, in the east of the territory, has outdoor spaces for educational and entertainment purposes: a park to be able to walk in which graze sheep, a conservatory garden with ancient varieties of vegetables, a hanging garden, a square at the foot of an old winged mill. It is also proposed walks in the heart of the marshes aboard a traditional boat. The establishment also hosts exhibitions and thematic visits "in situ" dedicated to the fauna and flora of the marshes but also to their exploitation for agricultural purposes. Open daily from April to September and Tuesday to Sunday from October to March. Price: from 5.90 and 7.50 euros. Information on +33 3 21 11 96 10.

For hiking enthusiasts, a 5.8 km marked trail is available in the new town but loops are also possible including forays into Saint-Omer, for example. Maps and information on +33 3 21 98 60 00 or +33 3 21 98 08 51.

It is also possible to join the outings of local associations (contact on +33 3 21 98 20 54 or +33 3 21 98 92 93) or even to prefer a horseback ride to discover the landscapes in a different way (contact the Stables of Saint-Martin on +33 3 21 95 82 82 or +33 6 23 75 05 10).

A game of tennis is also possible by reserving a court on +33 6 14 29 22 20.

The first Sunday in September, agricultural festival.

The third weekend of September, festivities of the Ducasse de Tatinghem with in particular fairground attractions and musical entertainment.