Bernissart walks

A walk that follows the old Pommeroeul–Antoing and Blaton–Ath canals, takes the old L80/78A Blaton–Bernissart railway line, and ends with country lanes running alongside the geological trail of the Bernissart Museum.

This is an easy walk to visit a picturesque corner of the Borinage region along old miners' paths and discover the charm of the Harchies marshes.

Discover one of Wallonia’s richest natural sites! Located in the Haine Valley, this 550-hectare area is a wetland of international importance (Natura 2000). This flat route, accessible to all (pushchairs welcome), takes you through vast reed beds, ponds and woodland, offering numerous vantage points from which to admire herons, ducks and, with a bit of luck, the elusive bittern.

This walk takes you on a discovery of the Harchies Marshes, follows the towpath of the old Antoing-Pommerœul canal, joins the RAVeL of the old railway line linking Blaton to Bernissart, goes around Lake Bernissart and finally takes you into the countryside on the old railway line (not developed) that linked the Sartis coal mine to Bernissart station.

This eighth stage is certainly not the most pleasant part of this tour of Wallonia, as it passes through a heavily built-up area. Nevertheless, it is interesting to explore the Borinage not only through its countryside but also through its towns. You’ll find both aspects here. Accommodation with a local host.

An easy walk accessible to all at Mer de Sable, in the undivided forest of Stambruges, to discover the Fontaine Bouillante and return along the Blaton-Ath canal on the towpath.

Pleasant walk along the Ath-Blaton Canal and return through the woods of Belœil Castle.

Discover the undivided forest of Stambruges, its avenues and paths, and the mystery of the Fontaine Bouillante. Follow the narrow streets of Belœil and Stambruges and marvel at the Château du Prince de Ligne, the ‘Belgian Versailles’. Two other walks are available: “The Ath-Blaton Canal between Belœil and Stambruges” and “The Mer de Sable, the Fontaine Bouillante and the Blaton-Ath Canal”. This one is intended as a summary of the two (excluding the Mer de Sable) but follows different paths and lanes.

This circular route connects the Chabaud-Latour Pond to the Bonsecours Forest in Péruwelz. Along the route, you can see the Fosse Ledoux headframe and its slag heap, the Bernissart Fire Machine and the Basilica of Our Lady of Bon-Secours in Péruwelz.

A walk through woods and fields in the Hauts Pays Nature Reserve.

Starting from the random point given at the end of the previous stage, we will explore the Belgian-French border region in southern Hainaut, moving back and forth between France and Belgium, including the curious town of Bon-Secours with its cathedral situated right on the border. This stage ends in the municipality of Belœil at a holiday let booked for the occasion.

This lovely circular walk takes hikers through the Haut-Pays towards Onnezies (with its famous wolf and the manor tower), towards Gussignies (home to the equally renowned Brasserie du Baron) and the Caillou qui Bique above Grande Honnelle.A must for anyone unfamiliar with the region!Mostly through the countryside, the route also follows a section of the RAVeL and forest paths.It crosses part of the Natagora nature reserve at Grande Honnelle, where there are clear signs instructing you to follow the paths and not to pick the flowers – especially not the daffodils or hyacinths, which bloom in turn by the thousands in early spring!

A walk starting from the Sept Hornu-Wasmes slag heap, offering sweeping views of the Borinage and its mining heritage. The cemetery features an unusual piano-shaped memorial. Paths, disused roads, the RAVel cycle route and footpaths make up this easy route, apart from the climb up the slag heap. A walking stick may be useful for the climb; in wet weather, large puddles may form on the path running alongside the N550, so please wear waterproof shoes in such conditions.

A lovely walk, half through the countryside and half through woodland, along the paths of Warquignies and the Bois de Saint-Ghislain, where you can enjoy the coolness of the Ruisseau d’Elwasmes on hot days. It is worth noting that the Bois de Saint-Ghislain is, curiously, situated between Dour and Warquignies.

Straddling the French-Belgian border, take a short, hilly walk to discover the countryside and woods around Roisin. Part of the route follows the course of the Grande Honnelle, a charming stream. The route also passes by the famous "Caillou qui Bique".

A pleasant, easy walk through gently rolling fields dotted with copses and hedgerows.

This walk takes you round Gussignies, heading towards Belgium, whilst offering a beautiful view of the village, charming rustic cobbled streets and a path along the water’s edge.

Starting from and returning to the Brasserie au Baron, traveling between the Avesnois Nature Park in France and the Haut-Pays Nature Park in Belgium, this hike brings together the most picturesque segments through back alleys, winding paths, remarkable village centres, paths through the wooded countryside and old railway lines.

The route highlights activities related to the Bavaisis subsoil. You will pass numerous sand, clay and stone quarries. This hilly route is suitable for experienced cycle tourists.

This route runs through the Hogneau valley along small roads or paths on the outskirts of the villages of Bellignies and Gussignies.

This trail is particularly suitable for families, offering an insight into stone quarrying and industry.

Avesnois section of the Van Gogh Route from Amsterdam to Paris.Communes in the Avesnois region crossed Hon-Hergies, Houdain-Lez-Bavay, Bavay, Mecquignies, Obies, Locquignol, Landrecies, Ors, Catillon-sur-Sambre.