Hiking Nord-Pas-de-Calais

The Bois des Forts is the green lung of the agglomeration of Dunkirk. You can discover it through its many trails, a nice opportunity to stretch your legs, but also to observe the different species of birds used to the site.

Tariff: 2 € with snacks, waffles and coffee included in the price.

Distance: 5 km or 10 km.

Departure: Visit the Polyvalente multipurpose Hall.

Difficulty: .

This 10 km tour (about 3 h 20) leads you to discover the site of the Btaille de la Peene (1677 ° at the foot of Mount Kassel. It borrows many small country roads where traffic is not very important.

The departure takes place in the Ela square of Zuytpeene or Noordpeene, the car park of the Battle House.

The ideal way to do this is between April and October.

This 9 km long circuit, which takes a good two hours to complete, offers you a nice breath of fresh air. From Gravelines, walk along the river Aa via the Chenal dike to the beach of Petit-Fort-Philippe and its lighthouse, which you can visit in the afternoon. Then take the road again to find yourself in the Polder Park. A short tour through the green belt around the walled city and you are back at the starting point.

Set off from the forest house for a short hike. The Bois de Ballon trail owes its name to the first successful balloon crossing of the English Channel by aeronaut Jean-Piette Blanchard in 1785. He set off from Dover and landed on the edge of the Guînes state forest; the Blanchard column commemorates this event. Along the way, you'll find an adventure course with monkey bridges, giant swings and a 120-metre zip line!

Accessible to all, the sentier de la Colonne is a hike that plunges you into the Denacre valley, which is full of beautiful 19th century mansions and manor houses built of Baincthun stone. Farms, ponds and waterfalls also decorate this 8 km long trail. Don't miss the famous column of the Grande Armée, a 53-metre-high marble monument erected to the glory of Napoleon. It immortalizes the camp of Boulogne where 18,000 men were assembled by the emperor to prepare the invasion of England.

Mount Pelé, culminating at an altitude of 200 meters, and its neighbor Mount Hulin, dominate the commune of Desvres and the entire Boulonnais bocage. Starting from the parking lot of the Maison de la Céramique, the walk takes the hikers in a humid and shaded environment made of trees and shrubs as well as numerous streams. Once exploited for its chalk by the Société des Ciments de France, it is now returned to nature. Count 1h30 of hiking (3 km). There is an extension of the trail towards the town of Menneville to go to the Hulin mount (4,5 km).

Nature and history combine to create a panorama rich in discovery. Along the way, you may come across brown gulls, green woodpeckers, kestrels and laughing gulls, as well as numerous rabbits? The trail ends up on the Slack dunes, running towards Ambleteuse and its Vauban fort. You'll end up joining the Slack as far as its mouth at the Fort d'Ambleteuse. One of the most beautiful hikes you can do for the diversity of its landscapes.

Urban hiking trail dedicated to the discovery of the natural, architectural and historical heritage of the city of Buridan. To see: the water station, the Plaisance marina, the public garden kiosk, the Saint-Vaast church, the Grand Square and its belfry…

The Sentier de Randonnée La Folie de la Comté offers an 8 km, 2-hour forest walk along the Upper Lawe Valley. Following the river's flow, you'll discover the natural charms of this region, including the waterfall of the mill, the Beugin lake and the crossing of the Epenin wood along the banks. If you're looking for rural scenery, this verdant route, lulled by the songs of the surrounding fauna, will delight you. For more information on the tour, contact the Tourist Office.

The Les Châteaux et Cressonnières hiking trail offers a wide variety of discoveries and landscapes. With a length of 28 km and an estimated duration of 5h30, it allows you to admire the discreet châteaux nestling in the Lacquette valley, as well as the artesian wells used to grow watercress. From Witternesse to Blessy, this great circuit is available in several variants (11, 12 and 17 km) to suit all levels. This trail is a great way to enjoy the charm of this region while getting in some physical exercise.

The Sentier de Randonnée des Marais is a 12 km, 3-hour trail through the heart of the Bellenville marshes. This vast wetland is home to remarkable flora and fauna, veritable jewels to be preserved. Follow the winding paths through this sensitive area and stop off at the observatory to contemplate the wealth of local biodiversity. This tour will introduce you to the wild beauty of this ecologically significant marshland. As well as exploring the mining region and its natural wonders, you'll enjoy a complete change of scenery.

The Sentier de Randonnée La Lawe (Lawe hiking trail) takes you on a journey of discovery through the region's bucolic countryside. Starting from the church parking lot, follow the banks of the Lawe for 15 km and discover an unsuspected architectural and natural heritage. Following the river's peaceful banks, you'll be immersed in lush green landscapes, dotted with typical Flemish farms and remnants of the Great War. During a 4-hour loop, ideal for walkers and nature lovers, you'll enjoy a complete change of scenery just a stone's throw from the city.

The Sentier de Randonnée La Table aux Fées is the ideal trail for hikers seeking adrenalin and thrills in a setting combining nature and mystery. Over a distance of 11 km, this 2h45 hike plunges you into a woodland setting reputed to be supernatural. Its evocative name refers to a fascinating local legend, that of the "white damsels" who are said to celebrate ancient rites around a dolmen at certain times of the year. Their mystical dance is said to add a touch of enchantment to this captivating stroll, drawing passers-by under the dolmen's spell.

The Sentier de Randonnée Les Gorges Bleues invites you to a bucolic 8.5 km (2h) walk on the Lys plain. Starting at GEOTOPIA, this trail allows you to admire the marvellous bird with the azure-blue bib. Discover the lively banks of the canal d'Aire à la Bassée and taste typical local produce such as Lingot du Nord, garlic, shallots and leeks, all of which reveal the charms of this clay-loam plain. This soothing hike is ideal for nature lovers and gourmet connoisseurs alike.

Departure: house of the shoe in Lillers. Distance: 5 km - 9 km variant.

Set to allow history and architecture lovers to discover a rich heritage, the Lillers urban trail takes you to the college, the Flemish houses, the Argentier house, the cressonics, the chapel Notre-Dame-de-Mercy, the Relingues castle… and leads you through the crossroads. the Parc du Brûle, the public garden and leisure area of the Fanien family that made the wealth of the city by setting up a thriving footwear industry and with many vestiges.

From the Maison du Romelaëre, set out to discover the Audomarois region! This walk leads you through the marshes and the state forest of Rihoult, which covers nearly 1,200 hectares. Grey herons, wild boars, deer, and nocturnal birds of prey find refuge in this area of water, tall grass and trees. At the end of the forest, take the time to admire the church built in the ^19th century in the commune of Clairmarais and the old Cistercian abbey. Good to know: picnic areas are located along the walk.

This beautiful walk crosses three villages and offers the opportunity to take an interested look at the Christian constructions of the hamlets, between the churches, calvaries and chapels built regularly in the past. Between two stopovers, nature also shows itself at its most beautiful, the green alleys and the banks of the Lys and the Liauwette make the walk very bucolic. In the hamlet of Creques, don't hesitate to make a small detour to admire the old water mill.

Two levels of difficulty for a circuit that presents the different sources of the mountains. Departure in front of the church of Sainte-Marie-Cappel, then on the road by the village Staete towards the water castle. After a passage in the fields, arrived in the places where the Peene takes its source, then direction the road to Saint-Omer where two choices arise, between the short path and the complete hiking. Follow St. Peter Road and then take the road to Oxelaëre to the point of departure.

For experienced hikers, this long circuit always starts on the square of Kassel and offers a complete walk in the area of the area. Follow the path from the Chapter to the RD 916, then take the rue de l'Etendard to the Kleine de Kleine Straete de Steenvorde. Arrive on the road to Coevet, cross the city to the mill of the Roome and then Terdeghem, village typical to old houses, continue until the manor then direction Sainte-Marie-Cappel. On the way, you can admire the chapels up to the exit of the city, then return to Kassel via the rue du Moulin by crossing the gate of Ypres once arrived.

Once on the Grand-Place de Kassel, departure by road from Dunkirk for a circuit dotted with chapels. Direction, by the battlefield and the Moulin mill, demolished in 1937. Follow the rue de l'Etendard towards Mount des Récollets - and the other mountains, seen in panorama. Return to Kassel by Chemin de la Perche and Notre-Dame collegiate.

Departure in Arnèke, in front of the town hall, by Gosset street where the church is located. Follow the direction of Saint-Omer and arrive in front of the silo take the right of the Seven-Planets street and the farm of the same name, decorated with medallions representing the seven planets in question. Departure to another farmhouse by the road of Pierre and follow the Right Straete to Ochtezeele, a village whose church deserves a look.

Follow the road to Hemelsdael, chemin de Pierre direction Arnèke. Back to the point of departure and great lampée of mineral water… Finish!

Departure in Kassel on the Grand-Place, then en route to the highest point of Flanders passing under the castle door. Follow the road to Saint-Omer, direction Oxelaëre and its square. Once arrived, we take a look at the church of the th century and then leave the Roman route towards Kassel, passing through the chapel Notre-Dame-des-Miracles, and praying for courage. Back to Kassel go through the panorama to see the way up.

This ideal circuit for walking in Marchiennes starts in front of the town hall and goes down the rue de l'Abbaye. It goes through the beautiful state-owned forest for which the region is famous. Further on, you pass a bridge to cross the Scarpe before returning to the starting point. Hikers can enjoy a circuit between forest passages and paved sections. A path to be taken in good weather if you cannot sink into the mud. A very nice walk!

Starting from the town hall of Brunémont, this easy trail offers to discover the many charms of the canals of the Sensée, the star river of the area. The route passes through Oisy-le-Verger and its abbey, the Palluel lock, the town of Arleux and finally the gateway to Brunémont castle. The setting is pleasant, especially on the towpaths and those bordering the ponds. Choose the period from April to September to enjoy the best conditions.

A family circuit in the heart of the Marchiennes state forest. Don't forget to follow the yellow markings. The loop allows you to discover this beautiful forest in all seasons. The interest lies in the numerous ditches and pools which are home to remarkable fauna and flora. Deer, amphibians, birds could perhaps be observed... Beware, in rainy periods, the progression will be more difficult. Take shoes and clothes accordingly.

Here is a nice circuit to discover with your family. Of a great richness, it will lead you on the forest paths, the small bocage roads and the paths of edges of ponds. You will also appreciate the passages over the waterways and the viewpoints on the river and the town. It is now possible to visit again the historical site of the forges of Anor which have resumed their activities. Attention, the access to the undergrowth of Hirson is strictly forbidden.

The departure is in front of the church of Lécluse. It is necessary to follow the yellow beaconing. The path then passes by the marshes of Soudemont and Arleux. Don't forget your binoculars to observe the surrounding fauna and flora, such as the white water lily or the lenticula minor. Informative signs punctuate the walk. You can also discover the Arleux marsh in a different way with guided tours. Don't hesitate to ask for information at the tourist offices.

This forestry trail starts in front of the restaurant Le Col-Vert and winds along the pond, through town and across fields, under trees and in the sun. It crosses several marshes before reaching the starting point, which will have allowed to discover the castle of Frenelles and the surrounding villages. The trail lives up to its name as you can spot some of the birds that inhabit the woods, such as warblers and titmice. A hike that offers many points of view and observations and that cannot be done without binoculars!

Discovering the state forest of Val Joly, observe well around you, many fresh tracks of the animals of the forest will impress the children. You can also take the opportunity to visit the charming church of Liessies, built in the typical way of the region: in blue stones and bricks. During the hunting season, some parts of the state forest are closed to the public, but you can always take the shortest variant (4 km).

This circuit is divided into three loops, 4 km, 17 km and 21 km, to suit both experienced hikers and the more novice. It starts at the Val Joly Park house in Eppe-Sauvage. For the longer loops, take your picnic to have lunch in the beautiful Avesnois Regional Natural Park. Take binoculars and the booklet published by the Park to discover the birds so that you don't miss anything of this beautiful walk.

Fressies is the starting point of the hike. The path starts at the church and crosses the bridge that leads to Féchain before going along the Sensée to Aubigny-au-Bac. On the way, we notice the marsh, but time is running out and it's time to go back to Féchain, passing however by the path of the peat bogs. This loop can be done both on foot and by bike. If the weather allows it, don't hesitate to enjoy a drink on the terrace at the end of the tour.

This nice family circuit goes through one of the jewels of the municipal heritage of Condé-sur-l'Escaut. The fortifications contain a remarkable flora and fauna, including protected species such as the marsh harrier and the reed warbler. Remember to watch where you step, especially on the ramparts! A bucolic walk full of calm and charm. The departure is on the place Pierre Delcourt.

In Sains-du-Nord, discover a circuit to be walked all year round through the bocage. However, the 13 km route is reserved for experienced walkers. You will appreciate the views of the Helpe Majeure. In rainy weather, bring waterproof shoes, especially in the tall grass of the bocage paths and when crossing streams. Back in Sains-du-Nord, visit the Maison du Bocage, which will show you all the rural know-how of the Avesnois.

Starting from Arleux, known by the people of the region as the "capital of garlic", this path crosses the villages which made smoked garlic their specialty. It goes along the canal and passes in front of the Palluel lock, then in front of the pond, where the path crosses the famous marshes of the valley. It then takes the direction of Hamel with its quiet landscapes before returning to Arleux. The stalls of small smoked garlic sellers line the pavements along this walk.

The hike starts in the municipal park, a 3 hectare green setting in the city centre! Then continue by taking the rue Adrien-Danvers, then towards the castle. It is now time to admire the Garenne roundabout, a real work of art symbolizing water and fire. After crossing a small metal bridge, you will reach the Neuffrossé canal and the Basse Meldyck, then the Grand Vannage. You will then reach the marina and the boat lift of Les Fontinettes. The route then ends at the old train station of Arques.

This looping route starts from the Town Hall and allows you to discover Fruges and its surroundings: the Boudenoot foundation, the church and the Saint-Bertulphe college, the Chanquille pump are the urban highlights. This path, which corresponds to the Avesnes mountain bike trail, offers a steep turn for a stroll, where streams of water trickle through the quiet countryside. The walk will also allow you to discover Verchin and its twisted bell tower as well as the Jardins de la Lys.

The Sentier de Randonnée Le Catorive (Catorive hiking trail) takes you on a 2-hour, 8-km tour of Béthune's rich heritage. Beginning on the famous Grand'Place, this urban circuit will take you on a tour of the city's treasures, including the water station, the marina, the public garden and its magnificent bandstand, the Saint-Vaast church and, of course, the majestic belfry. Each site bears witness to the history and architectural diversity of Béthune. By taking part in this walk, you'll fill up on cultural and architectural knowledge and discoveries of the region's heritage.

Located between the cities of Leffrinckoucke and Zuydcoote, the Dewulf Dune covers about 300 hectares and is part of the dunes protected by the Conservatoire du Littoral since 1987. A mixture of wooded dunes, wetlands and dry dunes, it is home to nearly 70 species of nesting birds, several species of amphibians and 350 species of trees and plants. You will probably come across sheep and goats, which maintain the dune in an ecological way.

Douai and the Douaisis area are to be discovered on foot! Put on your sneakers and enjoy walks accessible to all. The website of the tourist office offers seven circuits of varying lengths. You will discover a preserved nature, historical buildings, museums and even farms if you want to buy local! For example, go on a 20 km loop (5h on foot and 1h30 by bike) along the rivers of the area, especially the Scarpe. Take advantage of these bike tours for an unforgettable ride!

To recharge your batteries and enjoy the benefits of physical activity, there's nothing like a walk in the fresh air. The Valenciennois tourist office has put together a number of walks in the area, but the one in Sebourg is particularly conducive to relaxation. You'll come across farmhouses known as censes, and follow the waters of the Aunelle... The (accessible) gradient offers lovely views. A walk to finish off with a hot drink or a glass.

Discover the fortifications of Gravelines. The city was first fortified by the Dukes of Burgundy and the Kings of Spain. Its enclosure has corner bastions covered by a system of half-moons, deep ditches and counterguards. Vauban will slightly rework the structure of the fortress in the ^17th century. During your visit, don't forget to stop in the gardens and to take some time at the belvedere to admire the view.

You want to discover Bourbourg and its surroundings? Nothing better than to follow the walking tour of the Quathove. Start your walk in front of the tourist office and walk through the small streets of the city. Pass by the turret of the Withof, an old farmhouse that was once part of the destroyed castle. On your way, you will see the mountain of Watten and you will walk through the countryside surrounded by wateringues, this network of ditches created to drain the marshes and evacuate the water towards the sea. A nice walk between city and greenery!