In the rolling fields of northern France, a centuries-old archery tradition is experiencing a quiet revival. Known locally as “tir à l’arc vers le haut” or vertical archery, this distinctive practice involves shooting arrows skyward at elevated wooden targets, a method that sets it apart from conventional target archery seen in Olympic competition.
The tradition centers around Watten, a commune in the Nord department of northern France, where the Guillaume Notify archery club has been preserving and promoting this regional discipline. According to verified reports from BFM Grand Lille covering events in November 2025, the club offers opportunities for both adults and children to learn this historic form of archery that has been passed down through generations in the Nord-Pas de Calais region.
What makes this practice unique is its equipment and technique. Rather than shooting at flat targets placed at eye level or slightly below, participants aim at vertical wooden structures positioned significantly above ground level. This requires archers to adjust their aim substantially upward, accounting for the arrow’s trajectory as it travels toward the elevated mark.
The Guillaume Tell club, working in partnership with local heritage organization La Maison des Archers, has been instrumental in keeping this tradition alive. Their efforts include organizing introductory sessions where newcomers can experience the sport under expert guidance. A notable event took place during summer 2025 when 22 participants from surrounding communities including Longuenesse, Nancy, Brouckerque, and Doulieu attended a free initiation session hosted by the organizations.
During these sessions, archers have access to specialized equipment designed for different skill levels. As reported by BFM Grand Lille in their coverage of the summer 2025 initiative, more experienced participants could test their skills on the “grande perche” (tall pole), while younger archers benefited from adjustable-height equipment known as the “perche à chapeau” (hat pole), which can be regulated to accommodate different statures and skill levels.
The preservation efforts extend beyond mere recreation. Local officials and cultural organizations have recognized the value of maintaining these traditional games as part of the region’s intangible cultural heritage. The Nord-Pas de Calais area has several such traditional sports, including “le billon” and “la bourle,” which alongside vertical archery form part of a broader effort to document and promote historical pastimes that might otherwise fade from community memory.
What distinguishes this archery tradition from modern competitive archery is its deep roots in local culture rather than international sport governance. While Olympic archery follows strict regulations set by World Archery Federation, the vertical archery practiced in Watten operates outside these formal structures, guided instead by local customs and intergenerational knowledge transfer.
The visual spectacle of the practice adds to its appeal for both participants and observers. Watching arrows arc gracefully toward elevated targets creates a different aesthetic experience than the flatter trajectories seen in conventional archery. This vertical dimension requires archers to develop a particular sense of spatial judgment and force application that differs from horizontal target shooting.
Community engagement has been a key factor in the tradition’s continuity. The Guillaume Tell club emphasizes accessibility, offering equipment and instruction to interested individuals regardless of prior experience. Their approach focuses on creating welcoming environments where curiosity about regional heritage can be satisfied through hands-on participation rather than passive observation.
Looking ahead, the organizations involved indicate ongoing commitment to maintaining these initiation opportunities. While specific future event dates weren’t detailed in the available sources, the pattern suggests seasonal offerings, particularly during warmer months when outdoor activities are more feasible in the northern French climate.
For global audiences interested in traditional sports and cultural preservation efforts, the vertical archery tradition of northern France represents a fascinating example of how localized practices can maintain relevance in contemporary society. It demonstrates how communities can adapt historical activities to modern contexts while retaining their essential character and cultural significance.
The story of tir à l’arc vers le haut in Watten serves as a reminder that sporting traditions exist on a spectrum—from globally standardized Olympic disciplines to hyper-local practices known primarily within specific geographic communities. Both ends of this spectrum contribute to the rich tapestry of human physical culture, each offering different insights into how societies develop and transmit movement practices across generations.
As interest in heritage sports continues to grow worldwide, initiatives like those in Watten provide valuable models for how traditional knowledge can be documented, practiced, and shared. They highlight the importance of grassroots efforts in maintaining cultural diversity within the global sports landscape, ensuring that regional variations like vertical archery aren’t lost amid the homogenizing forces of international sport standardization.
Those wishing to learn more about current offerings from the Guillaume Tell archery club or La Maison des Archers in Watten would require to consult local sources directly, as the available verified information covers activities through late 2025. The tradition appears to maintain active participation, suggesting ongoing vitality in this distinctive northern French archery practice.
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