Where to practice an individual sport Bassin minier

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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 nice walk that allows you to follow winding and steep paths on the slag heaps. A good way to teach children about the history of slag heaps. These mounds of unusable rock are a testimony to the industrial history of northern France. Today, nature has taken over: the slag heaps are becoming green. To learn more about their history, you can also visit the Maison du Terril in Rieulay. But first: get your walking shoes!