The Dame aux Loups trail
South of Audruicq, discover the Brédenarde, a landscape of hedgerows, farmland and fruit trees. Starting from Zutkerque or Polincove, follow the dame aux loups Trail, a tribute to the Baroness of Draëck. Along the way, you can admire her castle, the first hills of Artois, and follow the winding course of the Hem River, the river of mills.
practical information
Walking & Mountain bike
Start
Place de la Mairie
de Zutkerque
Distance
14km
(7km variant )
duration
3h45 (Walking)
1h45 (Mountain bike)
variant duration
1h45 (Walking)
45min (Mountain bike)
But who is
the Dame aux Loups ?
Marie-Cécile-Charlotte de Laurétan was born in 1747 in Zutkerque. Extravagant and free-spirited, with short-cropped hair and pursuing what was considered a man’s passion at the time, the Baroness of Draëck stood out in her era. Passionate about hunting and hound hunting, she killed 767 wolves with her pack of 40 dogs. This remarkable record earned her the nicknames “la Dame aux loups”, “la Diane de Brédenarde”, and “la grande louvetière du Pas-de-Calais”. At the age of 24, her parents decided to marry her to the Baron of Draëck, who was then 45 years old. The wedding took place on 6 August 1771 at the church of Zutkerque, and Marie became the Baroness of Draëck, wearing a dress slipped on over her hunting clothes. Family life did not suit her. During the French Revolution of 1789, she received the protection of the villagers, who were grateful for her services.
A must-see during your walk!
St-Martin of Zutkerque Church
Built in the 19th century, Saint Martin’s Church is distinguished by its Renaissance-style tower, the only remaining feature of the church that existed before the French Revolution. Inside, you can admire a magnificent carved wooden pulpit dating from the 17th century. A member of the “Open Churches” network, the building is open to visitors from Monday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
See point A on the map.
Draëck baroness castle
This 18th-century castle was the residence of the Lady of the Wolves. You may pass through the gateway to admire the yellow-brick façade of the building. Please respect the site, as this is private property.
See point B on the map.
St-Léger of Polincove church
With its crenellated bell tower, Saint Léger’s Church, built in the 19th century, is nestled in the Hem Valley. Set into the exterior façade are ancient cut stones, including a trefoil symbol evoking the early beginnings of Christianity in the Morinie region.
See point C on the map.
Moulin Bleu fishing pond
The Hem River rises at Escoeuilles. From Fort Saint-Jean onwards, it is channelled and becomes the Mardick before flowing into the Aa River. Dating from the 19th century, the Blue Mill used the power of the Hem’s waters to produce flour. Closed since 1958, it is now a popular spot for anglers.
See point Don the map.