Aubigny-au-Bac walks

A circular route starting through the Aubigny-au-Bac marshes and ending on country lanes.

A hike between the canal and the Sensée marshes. Visit the old peat bogs to discover the aquatic fauna and boat activity. During the hike, you will pass through the Palluel lock. In the heart of the Sensée marshes, between the land of smoked garlic in Arleux and that of shallots in Bugnicourt.

Starting from Brunémont Town Hall, this easy trail offers the chance to discover the many charms of the Sensée canals, the star river of the area. At the confluence of the Canal du Nord and the Canal de la Sensée, this walk along towpaths and paths bordering the ponds offers a pleasant and safe setting. Along the edges of the ponds, the reed beds and willow groves are home to beautiful populations of marsh ferns. Be mindful of the environment, as the Aubigny and Brunémont marshes are an important heritage site for wildlife, particularly herons, marsh warblers and grass snakes.

From Fressies, let yourself be carried away by the tranquillity of a rural route, where every turn offers a new scene to admire. The paths wind through meadows and along golden fields, leading to Aubencheul-au-Bac, a small village where time seems to pass more slowly. Continuing towards Hem-Lenglet, the walk reveals authentic and soothing landscapes, dotted with silhouettes of trees and red-tiled roofs. A route that invites you to savour the moment, breathe deeply and soak up the serenity of the surroundings.

In the heart of Pas-de-Calais, this walking route invites you to discover the peaceful countryside and authentic villages that dot the area between Épinoy and Oisy-le-Verger. Starting from Épinoy, a charming village with a rural feel, you will pass through Cauchy-Lestrée and Sauchy-Cauchy, two villages marked by history and a gentle way of life. The path winds its way through open fields, quiet lanes and bucolic landscapes, offering an ideal break for lovers of nature and local heritage. The arrival in Oisy-le-Verger, with its typical houses and welcoming atmosphere, brings this walk to a beautiful end. This route is accessible to all and perfect for recharging your batteries and rediscovering the hidden treasures of our region.

The walk begins along the Canal du Nord and then continues along country lanes. When you arrive in Oisy-le-Verger, you are immediately greeted by the horses at the riding centre. Then we weave our way through to the Bois Duquesnoy. As I can't take my dog on the municipal tidal paths, I turn off early to continue along a quiet, leafy country lane. Finally, we return along the canal to the car park. Enjoy your walk.

From Blécourt, follow a peaceful route through the lush landscapes of the Cambrésis region. The paths wind their way through fields and meadows, leading first to Cuvillers, where tranquillity and authenticity reign supreme, then to Bantigny, a small village with discreet charm, before reaching Abancourt and its panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Here, every step is an invitation to savour the silence of the country lanes, observe the work of the land and soak up the gentle atmosphere of the area. An ideal getaway to recharge your batteries and rediscover the simple riches of rural life.

From Hamel, you can explore the marshes of the region - it's like a little Canada! You'll also discover man-made works such as the Église de l'Écluse, an unusual barge, the Canal du Nord with the Palluel lock and nature trails.

In the heart of the Valenciennes region, a bucolic trail starts in Wasnes-au-Bac and connects the towns of Marquette-en-Ostrevant, Marcq-en-Ostrevent, Féchain, Hem-Lenglet and Paillencourt. The route, lined with hedgerows and rolling meadows, is perfect for strolling between villages with authentic charm and landscapes shaped by local agriculture. Accessible to all and adaptable to your pace, this route can be enjoyed in every season, from the blossoming spring to the soft hues of autumn. A few local snacks and a detailed map are all you need to fully savour this getaway, between contemplative breaks and heritage discoveries.

Starting from Sailly-lez-Cambrai, this unique route weaves a thread between two worlds: that of rural landscapes bathed in light and that of the more vibrant industrial areas where activity never sleeps. Along the way, the villages of Haynecourt, Tolloy-lez-Cambrai, Neuville-Saint-Rémy and Raillencourt-Sainte-Olle mark your route, each with its own personality, streets steeped in history and unexpected views. Between rolling fields, quiet paths and metallic silhouettes rising in the distance, this walk tells the story of the harmonious coexistence of nature and human activity. Ideal for those who love to feel the heartbeat of the region in all its dimensions, this is a journey that surprises and charms at every turn.

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.

Starting from Paillencourt, the walk begins in a lively atmosphere, where the murmur of the town accompanies your first steps. Gradually, the houses become more spread out, the narrow streets widen and give way to the changing colours of the fields. Between small roads and gentle paths, the countryside unfolds its landscapes as far as Estrun, where water and greenery blend in an almost picturesque tranquillity. This is a route that plays with contrasts: the urban energy gradually gives way to the serenity of the countryside, culminating in a finale where you feel completely transported.

What's in store: after a short kilometer of uphill northern cobblestones to warm up your calves, you'll plunge into the Thun l'Evèque marshland before following the Escaut and Sensée canals along the towpaths. Along the way, you're sure to come across green collars, moorhens, herons and cormorants, as well as barges and fishermen.

A leisurely walk of less than two hours on flat terrain in a natural, sparsely built-up environment. It partly follows the route of another walk I really like, but in the opposite direction, which offers a different perspective: Hamel and its marshes, a little piece of Canada

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

From Neuville-Saint-Rémy, set off on a loop that combines city energy with the peace and quiet of the countryside. After leaving the bustling streets behind, the route takes you to Tilloy-lez-Cambrai, on the edge of the countryside, before reaching Cambrai, a city of art and history where every façade seems to tell a story of a rich and eventful past. Then head for Raillencourt-Sainte-Olle, where the landscape opens up again, offering wide horizons and striking tranquillity. Between narrow streets, monuments, green paths and industrial touches, this route reveals all the diversity and character of the area. An ideal itinerary for those who enjoy discovering contrasting and harmonious atmospheres as they walk.

From Ramillies, let your feet guide you along peaceful paths, where the fresh air and open views invite you to slow down. Very soon, Eswars appears on the horizon, a charming village surrounded by greenery, reflecting the typical tranquillity of the Cambrésis countryside. As you continue towards Escaudœuvres, the scenery comes alive with touches of heritage and a discreet industrial legacy, offering a subtle contrast to the gentle landscapes you pass through. This is an ideal route for enjoying the simplicity of a walk where nature and history intertwine harmoniously.

Departure from the car park at the Cantimpré river port, Place Marcelin Berthelot in Cambrai.The route follows the Saint-Quentin canal dyke, takes the Chemin Noir and makes a circular loop through the Bois Chenu, then returns to the starting point along the canal and the Scheldt.If you enjoy peace and quiet, avoid doing this route at the weekend: there are lots of sports enthusiasts in the morning and lots of families out walking in the afternoon when the weather is fine.

Tour of Cambrai by the rural roads. Leaving the town along the canal towpath, and returning along the banks of the Escaut.

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.