Sainte-Marie Madeleine / Sainte-Thérèse de l'Enfant Jésus

In the 20th century, following a first fire in August 1934, on the eve of the Assumption, the church of Saint Mary Madeleine – which until then had only had a few modifications - was rebuilt by two local architects, Gustave Vandenbergue and Joseph Philippe. This first catastrophe marked the history of the village, and since its reconstruction in 1936, the church was known by the name of Saint Theresa of the Infant Jesus, referring to the only statue saved from the fire.

Thirty years after this first fire, a new fire caused the collapse of the church vault on a Sunday afternoon in March. The furnishings were evacuated from the back of the church and the walls, by chance, remained intact allowing the conservation of the works which are still to be found there today.  

Entering the church, a succession of bays structures the frieze of the Way of the Cross leading towards the sanctuary. The fresco of the sanctuary represents the Crucifixion, and the frieze, are the work of the artist Lucien Jonas, from Anzin near Valenciennes, and a military painter during the First World War. Near these wall paintings can be found on the altar and above the doors, the work of the monks of Wisques ; ceramics showing scenes of the life of Christ.  

Gateway to the Opal Coast, the region of Audruicq/OyePlage offers an authentic countryside. Along the watergangs, around a chicory drying depot, or in the heart of the natural Reserve of the Platier d’Oye, go for a drive and have a moment of relaxation and discovery of a heart-warming territory.