La grande pommeraie
a place, a history, a commitment
For Claire, who is from the region, and her husband Benjamin, La Grande Pommeraie was love at first sight. The lake, the abundant nature, childhood memories and this area where people live outdoors as much as possible: everything felt like it was meant to be.
A farmhouse renovated with passion
With their four children, they worked together on the project, imagining a home where they could share simple moments, boat trips, walks, long evenings…
Benjamin, a building professional, thought through every detail of the house to offer comfort that is as warm as it is sustainable. Local craftsmen worked with admirable dedication, while Claire left the pharmaceutical industry to devote herself fully to this place.
What she loves to convey here is the joy of being together during simple moments, reconnecting with nature, and reconnecting with what really matters.
A history deeply rooted in the Marquenterre
La Grande Pommeraie is located in the north of the vast territory of Rue, between low-lying fields, marshes and ancient coastal ridges known as ‘foraines’. The estate is attached to the hamlet of Herre, which was once part of the former parish of Saint-Jean-des-Marais, whose records date back to the 17th century.
This varied landscape, shaped by maritime and agricultural influences, forms the heart of the Marquenterre.
Rue, the central town of the area, has played a major economic and administrative role since the Middle Ages. Freed very early on by the Counts of Ponthieu, it was governed from 1220 by a mayor and aldermen: a rare status, symbolised today by its belfry, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Its neighbour, the community of Marquenterre, also benefited from a municipal charter in 1199, reflecting the vitality of this coastline between the Baie de Somme and the Baie d’Authie.
However, Rue’s ancient fame is mainly due to its role as a pilgrimage town. From 1101 onwards, the story of the ‘Miraculous Crucifix’, which washed up on the shore when Rue was a seaport, attracted worshippers and sovereigns alike. The Chapel of the Holy Spirit, a jewel of flamboyant Gothic architecture built in the 15th century under the impetus of Louis XI and Charlotte of Savoy, bears witness to this fervour.
Over the centuries, queens, dukes, cardinals and kings of France (from Louis XI to Louis XIV) succeeded one another, enriching the treasury and financing works and ornaments.
Even today, this remarkable heritage continues to shape the identity of the Marquenterre. The Grande Pommeraie carries on this legacy: an authentic place, linked to a thousand years of history, between ancient lands, local traditions and landscapes shaped by the sea.
A carefully planned renovation project supported by local expertise
Transforming La Grande Pommeraie into a welcoming home was a gradual project, with the aim of preserving the spirit of the place while providing all the comforts expected of a large residence.
Benjamin, a building professional, supervised every stage: choice of materials, layout of the rooms, quality of the installations, etc. His high standards guided the work, always with the idea that the house should remain simple, warm and pleasant to live in for everyone.
Above all, the renovation was a real collective adventure: local craftsmen went far beyond their remit. Carpenters, masons, painters, electricians, landscapers… each contributed their expertise and their attachment to the area.
Their daily presence, advice, ideas and commitment shaped the house as much as the initial plans. Some were already familiar with the history of the place; others added their own personal touch, a way of working unique to Marquenterre.
This wonderful collaboration resulted in a house that embodies both the spirit of those who renovated it and those who stay there. A residence restored with respect, quality and humanity, faithful to what it has always been: a place where you feel good and want to return.
Our local partners
BSA Event, a partner for your tailor-made seminars
La Grande Pommeraie also draws on the expertise of BSA Event, a local event agency renowned for its ‘Beautiful, Simple, Authentic’ approach to organising seminars and corporate events.
Located between Le Touquet and the Baie de Somme, the BSA Event team designs fully customised programmes tailored to your objectives, your team dynamics and the natural surroundings.
Whether it’s a residential seminar, an incentive day, a team-building exercise or a corporate evening event, BSA Event supports you every step of the way to create memorable, convivial and unifying moments.
Thanks to their love of the region and their ability to devise tailor-made experiences, this collaboration extends the spirit of La Grande Pommeraie into activities that strengthen cohesion, stimulate creativity and leave a lasting impression.
Anne and Stéphane, a kind and genuine presence
Friends of the family and residents of Marquenterre, Anne and Stéphane know the region like no one else. Their discreet and warm presence contributes to the spirit of the place: they love to welcome guests, share good addresses, recommend walks or, sometimes, prepare a slow-cooked meal to delight visiting groups.
Without formality or obligation, simply with the generosity and affection they have for La Grande Pommeraie, they help to offer a stay where you feel truly welcome.
Henson horses, an iconic encounter in Marquenterre
A symbol of Marquenterre, Henson horses are an integral part of the region’s identity. In partnership with local stakeholders who preserve and promote this iconic breed, La Grande Pommeraie invites you to come and meet them: nature walks, gentle treks or simply moments of observation.
These horses, born between dunes and marshes, embody the spirit of the place: accessible, peaceful nature and a slower pace of discovery, accessible to all.
A concrete environmental commitment
A discovery trail to understand and observe nature
Around the lake and in the estate’s green spaces, a self-guided trail allows visitors to discover the natural riches of Marquenterre.
QR codes line the path, inviting visitors to explore the fauna, flora and renaturation actions carried out on the site, in particular the gradual transformation of the former gravel pit into a living habitat.
Designed for all ages, this trail offers a simple and educational experience, in keeping with the spirit of the place: learning while walking, observing at your own pace.
One Planet Living: a comprehensive and recognised approach
La Grande Pommeraie adheres to the ten principles of the international One Planet Living framework developed by Bioregional and the WWF.
This vision proposes a lifestyle that respects the planet’s resources, based on concrete actions: reducing consumption, energy efficiency, encouraging soft mobility, educational content for visitors, choosing sustainable materials and systematically using local craftsmen.
A comprehensive approach, integrated into everyday life, to make every stay enjoyable… and responsible.
