Aa (fleuve) walks

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.

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.

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).

This is a beautiful walk that highlights all the attractions of a small fortified town crossed by the River Aa, with a beautiful seafront and well-maintained green spaces ideal for walking. You will quickly forget that Gravelines is best known for its nuclear power station.

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.

Discover the waterways of the Audomarois, a beautiful area of Hauts-de-France.

A long route with very little tarmac and a superb climb. There are also a few long straight stretches through the fields that will delight many! Late July 2020: - the section between points 6 and 7 is in excellent condition. - at point 13, after the copse, you cross a maize field for about fifty metres (the path is clearly marked) before finding the track.

A long route with a significant elevation gain on paths that are generally in very good condition.

Stroll along the hedgerows surrounding the orchards, discover the Chinese cemetery and the typical farms built of yellow or red brick or stone, a reminder that we are indeed at the confluence of Flanders and Artois. Then, let yourself be haunted by the ghost of the Aa, which lurks along the waterways…

A short but fairly strenuous route with a steep hill and some very grassy paths. On 12/08/2025: the start of the trail is once again very overgrown (brambles and nettles). It's passable but it's best to wear trousers or good gaiters and, of course, bring a walking stick or even a pair of secateurs.

Another route around the Coteau d’Elnes with very little tarmac. Crossing the Bois d’Esquerdes is even more enjoyable, and the long walk along the riverbank is most pleasant. Finally, the section through the hillside, especially in fine weather, is a real delight (even if it is a bit of a struggle!)

Another long route to explore the Ravin de Pihem (the upper section of which is (temporarily?) impassable). You’ll also take a superb path at a place called “Les Champs d’Avroult” before popping over to have a look at the old quarries at Cléty. An easy hike that can be split into two sections.