Château d'Esquelbecq

Château d'Esquelbecq is a large quadrilateral flanked by eight turrets. A border of white stone surrounds it at mid-height. Two bridges provide access to the building, which is surrounded by a moat.


The last general restoration of the château dates back to 1606, the date that could be read on the keep before it collapsed. During this restoration, numerous windows were added to the walls, some of which are more than 1 metre thick at their base. On July 24, 1944, the château and its outbuildings were added to the Supplementary Inventory of Historic Monuments.


The gardens of Château d'Esquelbecq can be visited by groups upon reservation, and by private individuals during the summer months. The château can be viewed at weekends, or by reservation for groups (minimum 10 people). From its gates, you can see the dovecote dating from 1606, a wooded park and the conciergerie (1590).


Château d'Esquelbecq is one of the most representative examples of Flemish architecture in France. Surrounded by a moat, this Renaissance gem was built at the end of the 16th century, with its 8 sparrow-stepped towers and gables.
Its appearance has changed little since the Sandérus engraving (1644); the compartmented garden created in the 17th century is a unique example of Flemish garden design. Passing the landscaped entrance courtyard around the bulbous Dovecote (1606), you'll find 1 km of boxwood, more than a hundred trellised fruit trees, some of which are over a hundred years old, a permaculture vegetable garden and a vine greenhouse (1860).
Since 2015, Alice's watering can, a monumental work by French sculptor Philippe THILL (1937-2010), has been installed in the garden. The château association organizes exhibitions throughout the season (garden festivals, contemporary art, painting workshops).