Visiting a Church Building That Is Taller Than It Is Long: Saint-Martin Church at Bousbecque, France

Bousbecque's Saint-Martin church building — a Medieval "hall church" or église-halle or hallekerque — dates from the 15th century. But in the 1870s architect Charles Maillard (1) turned a new tower and spire into the structure's most conspicuous feature.

I have supplied various photos which demonstrate that the tower and spire — which rise to 50 metres — dominate the surrounding skyline and locality.

The tower and spire may very easily be seen from neighbouring Belgium, across the Lys river (known in the Belgian state of Flanders on the river's northern bank as the Leie).

Before the tower and spire were added — completed circa 1873/74, according to different sources — the Gothic style building was already not small: 47 metres long (2).

But with the addition of Architect Maillard's tower and spire, their height of 50 metres made the building taller than it was long.

January 16, 2018

Notes

(1) Architect Maillard was also responsible for the Hôtel de ville at nearby Tourcoing, France; he also worked on Tourcoing's Saint-Christophe church building.

(2) See also (in French): http://www.ndlyspartage.com/histoire/eglise-saint-martin ;

In Bousbecque itself, the present and former town halls are notable buildings.

Comines, France (distance: 6.1 kilometres) an ornate town hall with a Flemish-style belfry, and the Eglise Saint-Chrysole are worth seeing.

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How to get there: To Bousbecque , Brussels has the nearest large international airport. Brussels Airlines flies from New York to Brussels Airport (Brussel Nationaal / Bruxelles-National; distance: 119 kilometres), from where car rental is available. Please check with the airline or your travel agent for up to date information. Please refer to appropriate consular sources for any special border crossing arrangements which may apply to citizens of certain nationalities.

MJFenn is an independent travel writer based in Ontario, Canada.