Chaîne des Terrils walks

Follow part of the old railroad line. Promenade du Préfet, Voie du Sucre from Mons-en-Pévèle.This new version takes into account suggestions made by users. Many thanks to them.

A route that takes you through the Fouquières marshes. You'll climb the wooded slag heap 83, offering a view of a mysterious artificial valley. You'll then head for slag heap 94 (staircase slag heap), passing the schlamm bins (storage of mining waste) and the Harnes fishing pond. Return along the path that runs alongside the Lens canal.

Lots of paths, a beautiful crossing of the Bois (with decent tracks) and a beautiful view as you reach the plateau (but frequent fog in autumn). 2021: I've gone back to the original route, which is more pleasant.

The route begins in the forest, with birdwatching available from observation posts. Then the landscape becomes more undulous as you climb Slag heap 115 (viewpoint over the coalfield) and return via the miners' cottages.

A short walk on good paths in the hills above La Comté. On a clear day, the panorama is superb, and if you're luckier than me, you'll spot a few deer.

Admittedly, the trail may seem a little monotonous, but what a beautiful path! It takes you gently up to the heights before dropping back down into the valley to climb Mont de la Comté.And at the end of the trail, the church awaits you.

Walk in the Fresnicourt le Dolmen area Starting from Olhain Castle and heading towards the "Table aux Fées" dolmen, you will pass two sandstone crosses dating from the 13th and 16th centuries, then the hamlet of Verdrel and the Olhain State Forest with its leisure centre, before returning through the forest. Superb views over the plain and its villages. It is best to do this walk in dry weather as the paths can be difficult in wet conditions.

This route takes you through the mythical 'Trouée d'Arenberg' (Arenberg gap), the venue for the Paris-Roubaix race, and then on to the Mare à Goriaux bird sanctuary.

During this walk, you'll enter a beautiful region that was devastated by the 1st World War. More than 180,000 people lost their lives during the Battle of Artois, which began in May-June 1915. This walk starts at the edge of a cemetery where 44,000 soldiers of all origins are buried. Many more are, and will remain, buried forever beneath the beautiful landscapes you're about to cross.

Easy walk from Bellaing to the slag heap, the mining cottages and the Haveluy pit.Return through the countryside with a view of the Arenberg slagheap and the Saint-Amand forest.Enjoy the walk.

This itinerary takes you to Europe's longest slag heap, which stretches over 2km and fills an ancient valley. You'll enjoy views over the coalfield and the Artois hills. At times, you'll have the impression of walking along a mountain ridge. An entirely wooded terril, it is a reserve for numerous species.

A walk through ponds, canals and marshes, where you'll be surrounded by water in the commune of Beuvry.

A beautiful walk along the banks of the Canal d'Aire in La Bassée. An invitation to stroll through remarkable landscapes such as the Marais de l'Avoué and the Prévôté de Gorre. The British military cemetery in Gorre is a reminder of the Great War.

This route will delight you with its diversity of landscapes. Enjoy some panoramic views and the ancient abbey of Mont Saint-Eloi. (19) See: practical information.

This family trail follows the trails of the Petite Sensée, a small river at the gateway to the Douais urban area, winding through the village of Goeulzin.Easy to navigate, it can be enjoyed all year round, but in wet weather you'll need to wear waterproof footwear.

This circular allows you to admire the rich natural landscapes and mining heritage of the region. During this walk in the great outdoors, you will follow "les cavaliers", the old railway tracks of the Compagnie des Mines that connected all the mine shafts and slag heaps in the region when mining was in full swing. An excursion combining nature and history, to be discovered without delay!

The two rivers trail from Fouquières-lès-Béthune to Fouquereuil takes you along the Blanche to the Annezin marsh, then along the Lawe before walking above the water under a railway line! This route will take you to the Fouquereuil storage slag heap (the Terril de la Cuisse Maraune) where you can enjoy a superb 360° panorama from the top. The return journey is through the fields.

An itinerary that will take you to Europe's king of slag heaps! You'll first discover the former 11/19 base with its headframes and mining buildings currently being converted. You'll also enjoy a few pleasant passages through the undergrowth.

This route will first take you through the Offlarde and Phalempin forests. The landscape then becomes more lunar as you skirt around slag heap 108 and climb slag heap 122 (viewpoint over the mining basin).

There is nothing monotonous about this route: you run or walk across a huge site, skirting an agricultural area here, old paths lined with sweet peas and wild blackberries there, sheltered by undergrowth or alongside a large pond. And without even noticing, you arrive at the foot of the old conical slag heap on the border between Nord and Pas-de-Calais. To reach the top, it takes a little more effort, but it's worth it because once you're at the top, the view is exceptional!

A long route that takes us from the mining landscape to the Artesian countryside.

Short route on well-marked paths. Little tarmac, for a breath of fresh air.

Discover the famous yet little-known "Mare à Goriaux" near Saint-Amand-les-Eaux. It may be called a "mare" (pond), but it is actually a majestic little lake. The walk begins with the ascent of a small slag heap, which will open up a superb panorama overlooking the lake. You will also walk along the equally famous Arenberg trench for 300 to 400 metres.

This hike from Moncheaux passes by the Thumeries golf course, slag heap 122, Leforest lake, and then the greenway. It is fairly shaded, especially in the first part.

This route will take you to the top of the flat 80 slag heap (shaped like a plateau), offering a beautiful view of the mining basin and the Artois hills. The rest of the route follows the course of the Souchez river in a green and peaceful setting.

A superb little walk to do in good weather. Ideal in hot weather, this walk offers both the comfort of the forest and beautiful views, as most of the path to Parc d'Olhain runs along the edge of the forest. Views and coolness, what a joy.

A short country walk in the middle of the Béthune-Nœux-Bruay conurbation.

A route that will take you to the summit of slag heap 107, a fully wooded slag heap. You will follow old mining sidings, which are former railway tracks. You will walk alongside ponds with a bucolic charm, then cross through wild woods or farm tracks with unobstructed views.

There are very few roads on this fairly standard route, as it follows sections of marked trails. Quite hilly, it crosses the Terril de Burbure, the Bois de Saint-Pierre and follows part of the Scyrendale.

Short hike around the area developed around the Sainte-Marie slag heap.

This circular hike offers a superb hike that combines mining history, nature and redevelopment. You will take an old mining railway line (a former railway line used to transport coal) that crosses the Bois des Dames to take you to the Chartreuse des Dames in Gosnay.

Slag heaps are not just piles of dead rocks; reactions are still taking place at their core. As evidence of these reactions, gaseous fumaroles escape from them. To see this for yourself, head to Harnes, starting from the Bois de Florimond, and make your way towards the slag heap. Then follow the signposted path known as the “Sentier des Fumerolles” (Fumaroles Trail), marked by concrete posts, which will take you to Slurry Heap 230. It is a surprising journey offering a wide variety of landscapes and points of interest: views of fumaroles, a viewpoint over the south-east of the mining basin, a viewpoint over the canyon, and more.

A circular route taking you around the Marchiennes State Forest.

Walk starting from the square in front of Saint Maurice Church in Molinghem. Located in the countryside between Isbergues, Lambres, Mazinghem and Molinghem. In the Moulin plain and along the Lambres marsh.

The Chemin des Voyettes Poulouches, which you will take, will lead you from one voyette (small lane) to another and allow you to discover or rediscover our village.

A long walk in an area that is very well signposted thanks to the excellent work of the Urban Community. The route follows as many paths as possible and remains very rural, with little elevation gain.

An old abandoned port known as the Bassin Rond, a peaceful walk to listen to the birds, following the Escaut Canal and its lock, with a riverside café. A pond, a river, meadows, and three villages to pass through – everything you need for a lovely day out with the family.

A short route through the Nœux countryside. It crosses several marked trails and the paths are in good condition. It is a semi-urban route and therefore follows a few roads that may be busy.

A route that takes you from the former 9-9bis pit in Oignies, with its renovated buildings that will transport you back several decades. You will then cross the Bois de Gosse and stop at the wildlife observatory. The landscape will take on a more lunar appearance as you climb the slag heap, before finally returning to the pit via the old mining sidings (rail tracks).

Explore Bruille-les-Marchiennes, the ancient lime tree at the Muid farm (classified as a remarkable tree), then Villers Campeau (Somain) with its 17th-century ‘château’, a testament to an aristocratic residence, and finally, the Sainte-Marie slag heap in Auberchicourt, an iconic feature of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais Mining Heritage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A short, very picturesque walk in the countryside south of Hersin-Coupigny. Amidst fields, meadows and gardens, you can admire the countryside of the mining basin.

Short walking route, suitable for children on two-wheeled bikes. Scooters and other similar vehicles are not permitted. Ideal for introducing children to walking and for a Sunday stroll. The only tricky bit is crossing the main road. A walk through the fields where you can admire the locally grown vegetables and discover a small, open and safe blockhouse.

A very beautiful walk starting from Marqueffles, in the commune of Bouvigny-Boyeffles, leading to Notre-Dame de Lorette. Along the way, you’ll enjoy two superb panoramic views: one towards the ruins of Mont Saint-Éloi, and on the other side, the mining basin will unfold before you. A few forest paths and magnificent trees will line your route.

This route will delight walkers with its many views and the architecture of the clustered village of Préseau.

A short, unpretentious route with no significant elevation gain in the Béthune countryside. A mix of footpaths, farm tracks and small roads to keep you going for a good half-day.

Located in the heart of the mining basin, the Bois des Hautois in Oignies is a preserved site where hiking trails wind their way between slag heaps, ponds and pastures. The suggested route is situated in the immediate vicinity of the former 9-9 bis pithead, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 30 June 2012, and whose metal headframe is never far from view, helping you to find your way along the route.

Discover Beuvry’s hidden gems, from canals to parks and green spaces.

The town of Aire-sur-la-Lys is crossed by the Lys river. It is bordered by the Neuffossé Canal, which takes the name Canal d'Aire at La Bassée, from this town onwards. The Bassin des Quatre Faces (Four Faces Basin) once allowed boats to turn around and sail in the desired direction: towards the town, the Lys, the canal towards Saint-Omer or Béthune. It is a signposted trail in the Pays de Saint-Omer urban community.

From the car park, you’ll find yourself facing Olhain Castle, one of the most beautiful in the region. The rest of the walk alternates between stunning views and short stretches through the undergrowth (not too dense) before reaching the ‘esplanade’ of Olhain Park. You’ll find yourself facing an exceptional panorama. If you’re lucky, you might see paragliders taking off (admittedly, this is quite rare), and why not visit during the hot-air balloon festival to watch these huge, colourful balloons take off right before your eyes.

From Villers-au-Tertre, one of the most beautiful villages in the Douaisis region, you will pass through the grounds and past the 18th-century château of Claude Constant Juvénal d’Harville des Ursins, Marquis de Traisnel and founder of the Aniche Mining Company in 1773. On the ridge, halfway along the route, the view stretches across the Douaisis plain on one side and the Arleusis plain on the other