Sports and leisure activities Bassin minier

All those who studied in Valenciennes surely remember the Vignoble nautical base and its canoeing sessions! Originally, it was just a marsh that was enlarged. With its 54 hectares, it is a real green lung not far from the city, where you can practice different water sports. You can also opt for a walk or a jog along its 4,750 meters of banks. Be careful, you don't (normally) swim in the Vignoble pond.

A footbridge leads along the canal to the Chaboud-Latour pond. Don't forget your binoculars for bird-watching. The path continues towards the ramparts before returning to the town. The church of Saint-Wasnon, a listed historic monument, is well worth a visit. A little further on, you can see the Château de Baillleul, as well as the belfry and an old watermill. It's a hike that's both sporting and cultural!

All the pleasure of sailing on the round basin, a place suitable for windsurfing, canoeing, Optimist... Of course, the whole team manages the training and the animation of the different clubs, as well as the preparation of the boat licence. The groups have not been neglected since formulas adapted to leisure activities allow to spend a day in the open air while taking advantage of the numerous other activities of the base: mountain biking, rollerblading, archery, etc.

A natural site of an exceptional scale, which testifies to the way in which a former industrial environment can become, in the space of a few decades, a Natura 2000 labelled area! Between the ponds and the many migratory birds (which feel at home here), you can still see many traces of the old mine, including the headframe of the old Ledoux pit. Don't hesitate to make the tour of the ponds, a nice hike of 9 kilometers.

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!

A nice hike through the wood of Lewarde, three kilometers long and that can be done easily in less than an hour: it is the circuit of the Wood of Lewarde. Ideal to discover the wooded and forested side of the region, you just have to follow the yellow PR markings or the (legendary) red and white GR 21 which follows the same route. As you walk along, keep an eye on the horizon: you may see the Centre Minier (mining center) coming into view!

Starting from the town hall of Wandignies-Hamage, this easy circuit follows small roads and agricultural paths through the typical landscapes of the Scarpe and the limestone plateau of Ostrevent. You will notice the censes, alignments of pollarded willows, the marshes, to which are added witnesses of the mining industry: the power station of Hornaing and the slag heaps as well as a beautiful fauna. In rainy periods, remember to bring waterproof shoes.

This is a very varied circuit! The trail starts in Rieulay and takes you through the surrounding meadows, poplar groves and marshes. Choose the period from April to October to avoid the wettest season. Ponds and pretty woodlands will enliven your hike. Note also the diversity of the hedgerows: willows, hornbeams, oaks, beeches, hazels, alders and wildlife, delighted to enjoy both the wetlands and the trees.

This circuit without difficulty starts from Tilloy-lez-Marchiennes, to discover characteristic environments of the Scarpe: forests, wet meadows and drainage ditches. Remember to bring binoculars to appreciate the diversity of birds. Roe deer, squirrels, owls will also be able to greet you. In spring, you'll smell the strong odor of wild garlic. And don't leave without your binoculars: in addition to the landscapes, you will be able to observe the diversity of bird species!

A walk on the Argales slag heap (and the surrounding area) is to observe the impressive metamorphosis of a former abandoned industrial site that has become a sensitive natural area. Here, lizards, fishermen and sportsmen have replaced the cars and cranes of yesteryear. It is a pleasure to walk around, to practice a little sport, alone or with the family, in this impressive setting. With facilities specially dedicated to sailing and mountain biking, there are many opportunities to get out and about, for fun and pleasure!

A genuine new-generation leisure center covering more than 6,000^m2. Within its walls, 4 pools, a waterslide, a wellness area and a gym are just some of the facilities on offer. And let's not forget the star of the show: a 20 m-deep semi-underground diving pit, visible from the outside through a huge picture window. The on-site team works hard every day to liven up the space with themed evenings and activities.

The Hainaut stadium, inaugurated in July 2011, is quite simply the most recent venue in Ligue 1. The VAFC has left the dilapidated Nungesser for this splendid setting, to the delight of all its supporters. It is now a pleasant stadium with quality facilities. By contacting the tourist office, you can participate in a guided tour.

Inauguration: 26 July 2011.

Capacity: 25,172 seats.

Record attendance: 22,778 spectators on 28 July 2011 for the Valenciennes-Borussia Dortmund match.

Valenciennes F.C. is a soccer club based in Marly, near Valenciennes. Founded in 1913, the club currently plays in Ligue 2, the second division of French soccer. It can accommodate up to 25,000 spectators. The stadium is easily accessible by car and has its own parking lot. For those who prefer public transport, it is also served by several bus routes. Soccer fans can enjoy a lively atmosphere and support their favorite team at Valenciennes F.C. home matches.