Comines

Tucked away on the Franco-Belgian border, Comines has a tale to tell. A tale woven with threads of resilience, industry, and a unique cultural heritage. Comines straddles a fascinating line, its history intertwined with both France and Belgium. The Lys River, flowing through the heart of Comines, marks this division. It’s a natural border that has shaped the town’s identity for centuries, dividing it into Comines, France, and Comines, Belgium. Comines, France, didn’t always stand alone. Until 1668, it was a unified town with its Belgian counterpart. The Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, however, redrew the map, establishing the Lys River as the dividing line. This division had a profound impact, leading to the adoption of French as the official language. Despite this shift, whispers of Flemish, the language of the northern counterpart, can still be heard. Comines has witnessed its share of turbulence. The 1789 French Revolution brought another wave of change. Then, in 1792, Austrian forces occupied Comines, leaving a trail of destruction. The echoes of conflict reverberated through the town again during the World Wars. In World War I, Comines was occupied by German forces, and in May 1917, faced intensified bombings as the British prepared a major offensive. The devastation was so severe that the town was completely evacuated. The rebuilding of Comines brought a new vision to life. Streets were straightened, the main square expanded, and a new church, Saint-Chrysole, rose from the ashes. Its neo-Byzantine style, a unique blend of architectural influences, stands as a testament to the town’s rebirth. The scars of World War II are also etched into Comines’ history. The town endured Allied bombings, including a devastating attack by the British Royal Air Force on June 24, 1941, that resulted in numerous casualties. Yet, through it all, Comines has persevered, adapting and evolving. Today, Comines embraces a blend of industries and services, constantly seeking new avenues for growth. It’s a town that cherishes its past while looking towards the future, its unique story woven into the fabric of its streets and the spirit of its people. And, if you’re lucky enough to be in Comines on the second Sunday of October, you might witness the Fête des Louches, a tradition with roots in the 15th-century Franche Foire. Wooden ladles are thrown from the town hall, a quirky custom that captures the town’s playful spirit.