Pas-de-Calais walks

A very pleasant walk with magnificent views of Wissant beach, Cap Gris Nez, Cap Blanc Nez and the English coastline.

Easy hike in two loops, discovering the Baie de la Canche and its nature reserve, through dune woods with lovely views over the bay and Le Touquet in the first part, then through marshes and the bay, with access to the beach. Return through a wild cherry wood.

Walk from Wissant, through fields and hamlets, to discover the coast and hinterland between Wissant and Cap Blanc-Nez. There are lovely views from the various hills along the way.

An invigorating seaside walk to the heights of Sangatte, via the cliffs of Cap Blanc-Nez. A walk combining nature and culture, in a place that has been awarded the Grand Site de France label since 2011. Numerous relics of the Second World War bear witness to the past, amid breathtaking scenery.

The Sentier des Fontinettes invites you to discover the often overlooked natural riches of Arques: from the Étang de Beauséjour to the Étang de Malhôve, via the Forêt de Rihoult (forest) and the canal towpath, not forgetting the nautical base and boat lift.

A loop from the old fort of Ambleteuse to Cap Gris Nez: go along the cliffs by the sea and return inland via the remains of blockhouses.

Located in a protected natural area, the Fartz trail, dotted with bird observatories, lets you discover all the flora and fauna of Wissant bay.

A walk along the Saint-Nazaire, through the wooded hills of Artois and the Lorette War Memorial (1914-1918).

This trail takes you through a wooded landscape at the edge of the Artois hills, interspersed with canals and watergangs. The varied relief offers a unique panorama, a superb walk with a breathtaking view.

The Wavrans-sur-l'Aa nature reserve consists of two hillsides separated by a dry valley, Mont Carrière and Montagne d'Elnes. The chalky slopes of the reserve are steep and unusual for the region. They were also "sculpted" by the bombs of the Second World War.

Start on the country side, across a field with Cap Blanc Nez in the distance behind you and the English cliffs on your right, in fine weather. Halfway along, take a break on the beach. Return to the top of the cliffs, where you'll appreciate all the notches and the panoramic view of Cap Gris Nez.26/06/2023 The hike has been modified because the passage is forbidden by the hole at Quette and the crossing of the Châtelet stream cannot be made anymore via the dunes.

The trails are well-marked. All through the year, they're accessible, and this walk allows you to discover our beautiful northern beaches. Itinerary to be adapted, some areas may be off-limits, see notices .

A beautiful walk taking you through several natural environments: dunes, forests, beaches and cliffs.

Houses, each with its own dock and boat moored on the Lansberg. People fishing practically from their homes. Cottages, each more beautiful than the last. Little market gardeners' boats loaded with crates of vegetables heading off to who knows where.Truly, the passage along the Lansberg will delight you with its beauty.You'll find a tranquil, picturesque feel that's rare in the region.

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.

A mix of surprising landscapes: a faux medieval castle, a forest of deciduous and coniferous trees, then you come out at the top of a dune overlooking the beach. Most of the walk is in the shade and there is a beach for picnics.

A very pleasant nature trail in dry weather, but becomes more challenging in wet weather: grassy sections (a good test for your shoes, deep ruts, muddy sections). Warning: October 2024. While it's relatively easy to get through the ruts, the last part of the path out of the wood (before point 9) is in a terrible state. The path has been broken up by machinery and you can only pass along the sides, which are themselves very difficult. It's very slippery and sometimes you have to change sides, which is a real challenge. This used to be a signposted mountain bike trail, is it still?

A winding route offering superb views of the Artois heights and the Bléquin valley.

This nearly roadless route takes in the wild Ravin des Cavernes and the astonishing moorland of Nœux-lès-Auxi (le Rietz). Le Rietz de Nœux is a protected nature reserve. In spring, it's home to the most beautiful orchids. Goes without saying, don't pick them! This circuit takes up a large part of the "Sentier de l'Étoile" (Path of the Star), of which there are a few routes, but no description. What's more, there are very few markings. The gates are near the fence on the right. Before tackling this route, I advise you to watch the 2 videos linked in Denis' commentary.

A pleasant, virtually roadless route, with the possibility of a pleasant break at the beautiful Quelmes café.

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.

It's a route that will delight altitude enthusiasts (Carto exploreur and the Visorando app suggest it's as high as 500m). What's more, the views are stunning. Route slightly modified in November 2019. All trails are very good as of May 14, 2020 (even if some are very grassy).

A walk that combines crossing the Clairmarais market garden marsh with the Romelaëre Nature Reserve.Lots of birdwatching: ash herons, coots, storks... And the star attraction of this walk: crossing the canals on the chain ferries, which will appeal to young and old alike!Please note: chain ferries and drawbridges only operate from March 15 to September 5.

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.

This site represents Canada's most impressive memorial to its citizens who fought and gave their lives in the First World War. A strategic high point, offering breathtaking views of the coalfield and Artois hills.

The walk starts from the Donjon de Bours (Bours keep) and takes you up to the plateau with its remarkable views. You'll then head back down to the village, finishing with a stroll through the narrow streets of Bours.

This walk is loosely based on the "Sentier des Pierres du Diable" (Devil's Stone Trail), but allows you to discover, alongside the famous Devil's Stones, the magnificent Mont-Éloi Abbey, the Écoivres war cemetery, the churches of Écoivres, Acq and Mont Saint-Éloi, and the Acq mill.

A short walk that takes you up to the ridge before descending and going along the Puits sans Fond stream. More pleasant in dry weather, as some paths can be very wet.

This walk will introduce you to the countryside around Sailly and the tranquility of the river Lys.

A very hilly route over the Artois heights. A great sporting outing with beautiful scenery.

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.

Come and take a stroll in the Stella dunes, a very fragile Natura 2000 listed natural environment, to be explored with respect. Most of this trail is covered in sand. You'll discover three types of dunes (embryo, white and grey), with lovely panoramic views from the top. You'll walk alongside the sea and discover Bois Joly. A very fine hike, albeit a little physically demanding.

Short route, on decently pathed paths, pleasant in all seasons (except in very wet weather) with a passage through the Gué de Caucourt. April 2024 :1- The Hermin council advises against using the path between points 10 and 11 until the end of 2025. At point (9) , go straight ahead to join point (11) . 2- The track between points (11)  and (12)  is particularly wet. It's okay, but you'll come out a little damp. It may be preferable to go straight ahead to reach the church, then turn right to rejoin the track at point (13) . 3- Very damp but short sections before and after point (4) 

A feeling of the beginning of the world on this immense beach on the Opal Coast.Get there by bus, then on foot via the GR®120. A real treat.

Hiking through the marshes of Biache - Saint-Vaast, Plouvain Roeux and Pelves.

A bucolic hike along the pure, fish-filled waters of the Canche, starting at La Citadelle, whose Royal Castle dates back to the 13th century. You'll start by walking along the ramparts. You'll pass through the marshes and stroll along the banks of La Canche. You may come across fishermen or sportsmen training at the Canoe-Kayak club.

A fairly classic route around Mont-Saint-Éloi (the area is very well signposted), with three less-travelled sections to Villers-au-Bois. It's a bit winding (not intuitive, as one of my friends always says), but it allows you to take a few less-frequented paths.

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.

A lovely walk through woods and hedged farmland to the pretty Chapelle Saint-Louis. It's a signposted trail run by the Communauté d'Agglomération du Pays de Saint-Omer.

Cap Gris Nez and its clay cliffs are a paradise for seabirds and lovers of the great outdoors. It is the point on the coast closest to England. Come and breathe in the sea air along the Chemin des Douaniers!

This place is so beautiful that it deserves a second route.Another good climb with 2 nice climbs and a maximum of paths and trails. Difficult in dry weather and very difficult in wet weather.

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.

Surrounded by the two capes of Gris Nez and Blanc Nez, the bay of Wissant offers beautiful panoramic views along its kilometres of dunes.

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 lovely walk on the borders of Pas-de-Calais and the Somme.You'll discover the pretty Quilienne river (which did a lot of damage in 2016) and the Bois de Saint-Pierre (woods). It's possible to add one or two extensions, so that the trail can exceed 22km (see practical info).

Caucourt is a small village near Olhain.From the church, you cross pleasant plains and villages, especially on sunny days.Avoid this route in very hot weather, as it is not much shade; in rain or fog, the view won't be as good!... In the direction of the trail, you'll save the best until last, the Gué de Caucourt and its mill.

This trail takes you to one of the four villages of the Pays du Brédenarde, Nortkerque, which translates as "Church of the North". Geologically, the ancient Pays du Brédenarde is made up of a layer of clay overlying the chalk that dominates the coastal plain. It's a land of wooded countryside, hedgerows, fruit trees and livestock. In the past, Brédenarde also included the communes of Audruicq, Zutkerque and Polincove.

A succession of small roads and paths for a day in the great outdoors.The icing on the cake: a good elevation gain with a superb climb in the Bois de Fressin. For very experienced hikers, I highly recommend the alternative route described in the practical information section.

A magnificent hike to admire the ballet of ferries and ships of all kinds in the Strait of Dover. In good weather, you can admire the English coastline... Don't forget to take a look at the remains of the first shaft dug for the Channel Tunnel, work on which began in 1875 under Napoleon III. Access to the Mont d'Hubert car park, the starting point for this hike, is now prohibited, so you must start from the car park at the bottom of the Cap Blanc Nez obelisk.

A short but very hilly route (carto-explorer even gives 230m elevation gain) around the village of Eps, unjustly excluded by the marked trails. Beautiful views.Best done on a sunny day - it's magical!