Another hot one today! We decided to stay in Esquelbecq where there was shade for most of the day, and it is a very pleasant village and surrounds. 
Esquelbecq is like an oasis in the dry northern plains of the Pas de Calais department. The village is adjacent to the moated Château d’ Esquelbecq which has been on this site since the 9th century, with the current building dating from the 13th century, and windows being added in the 17th century after a rebuild.
In the middle of the village is the 16th century Church of Saint-Folquin, although its origins are believed to date from the 10th century. The church has three naves of equal size, an unusual design typical of the Flanders region. The church was substantially rebuilt in 1978 after a fire destroyed most of the building.
Before and after the fire!
Many of the chard remains of wooden sculptures have been rehoused and displayed in the church.
Esquelbecq is know as a 'town of books' (there are several of these across Europe) and is a regional centre for the selling of old and new books, through bookshops and regular markets. The book markets in Esquelbecq are held on the third Sunday of each month, and attracts buyers and sellers from all across Belgium and France.
The attractive village is not high profile, it must be one of the hidden gems of northern France. Very relaxing with the park being part of the original 18th century garden of the Château, with many old oak trees providing the relief from the summer sun.
Later in the afternoon the sound of thunder was a joy to most people’s hearing. We now await for the main orchestra to appear!
The first rain clouds for months!
Such a charming and historical place is Esquelbecq. The centuries old Flemish style houses around the square are just lovely, its so green and leafy. Good old thunder storm, that will always dampen things down. xx
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