Bourbourg

Built by the monks of the abbey of Saint-Bertin, the church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste dates from the thirteenth century. Classified as Historic Monuments, it takes place on the remains of an ancient early church of the twelfth century. You can admire a Gothic choir of origin, as well as columns of stone Boulonnais in the central nave. Large stained glass windows recall the life of St. John the Baptist as the baptism of Christ, as well as facts of the religious history of the city. The arched arch of the western portal, from the thirteenth century, reveals a rare example of transition between the Romanesque and the Gothic. Inside the religious building, you will appreciate a 15th century sculptured Notre Dame wooden shrine, made in memory of a miracle granted by the Virgin during the sack of the city by Charles VI at the end of the 14th century century. Inaugurated in 2008, the Choir of Light, directed by Anthony Caro, is a work composed of fifteen sculptures, nine of which are deployed in a circle around the baptismal font. It takes place in the choir of the church destroyed by an airman during the Second World War, and is inscribed in the supplementary inventory of Historical Monuments.

The prison, dating from the sixteenth century, still stands near the church of Bourbourg. You can see ancient dungeons dating from the 17th century, in a building in yellow brick and framing of the stone windows listed in the Historic Monuments.

Installed in the city since the 16th century, the carillon of Bourbourg was completely destroyed in 1940, before a new instrument took place in the bell tower in 1960. In bad shape, the latter was replaced in the years 2000 by a New bells with fifty bells, the biggest of which weighs 500 kg.

The market is held every Tuesday morning, while a Christmas market is offered in December.

In May, the youth festival offers sports and cultural workshops, as well as competitions for young talents.

Each year for the Sunday of the patronal feast of June, the city leaves its famous giants, Gédéon and Arthurine. They are the highlight of a traditional procession with very ancient origins.