Spanish coat of arms is

Spanish coat of arms is still engraved above the door. There are still a few remains of the pleasure palace that was once here, and you can discover more about the town’s history at the Vieil Hesdin Historic Site. Open April – September Donjon de Bours The tranquil village of Bours is home to a 14th century medieval castle, a rare example of a knight’s residence in northern France. You can take a guided tour of the Donjon de Bours and discover the life of a medieval lord, and the history of this remarkable building which was fought over by King Francis 1 of France and Holy Roman Emperor Charles V in the early 1500s. Visit a local boulangerie and you may see a cake named in the latter’s honour – the digit de Charles V, a long cream and jam filled bun representing the Emperor’s gout-ridden finger (it tastes much better than it sounds!). Open year-round Hesdin Donjon de Bours © Jean Pierre Johannes Commanderie du Bois- Saint-Jean, Wamin Close to Auchy-les-Hesdin are the remarkably preserved buildings of the Commandery of the Order of the Knights Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem. Founded in the 12th century by Philip of Alsace, it is next to the former park of the Dukes of Burgundy. You can visit the building, a stunning architectural example of the Middle Ages, and take a stroll in the glorious countryside around. Open July/August. You can purchase a Medieval Network passport at local tourist offices for reduced rates to all the places mentioned and find out more on Escapades Medievales Facebook page Commanderie Azincourt1415.com 24 Rue Charles VI 62310 Azincourt Step back in time and discover the past at Azincourt 1415 historic centre 60 | The Good Life France The Good Life France | 61