Bettignies walks

In the heart of Walloon Hainaut, paths and country lanes criss-cross this agricultural plateau, cut through by streams and dotted with ‘censes’. This border region, steeped in history, was once a route for pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela but has also been the scene of both world wars.

A lovely walk along paths and trails through fields and vineyards in a gently rolling landscape dotted with wind turbines and distant views.

This cycling route takes you to the main sites of the siege of Maubeuge, which took place from 27 August to 8 September 1914. Although the siege immobilised tens of thousands of German soldiers for several days, preventing them from fighting in the Battle of the Marne, it ended in a serious French defeat, with more than 40,000 prisoners, representing a tenth of all French prisoners of war during the Great War.

This is a pleasant walk through rolling fields and quiet little streets, starting from the pretty village of Bougnies. Here you can discover the “living” statue on the site of the old, ruined open-air theatre.

A walk from the picturesque village of Harveng, through fields and sunken lanes, with lovely views of the surrounding countryside. At point (5), however, you will need to walk along the edge of a field for 200 m; it appears the path has been partially ploughed.

Discover areas of biodiversity in an urban setting in Maubeuge. There are two possible starting points: the Sambre mall or 60 rue Couturelle.

Take a stroll along the Sambre, passing by the two nautical stops at Boussois and Marpent, as well as Fort Boussois. The latter belongs to the military and is inaccessible, but you can admire its silhouette through the trees that surround it.

A challenging hike combining heritage, nature and history, the 66 km cross-border trail is for you. Pass from France to Belgium, then from nature to history, in just a few pedal strokes.

Country lanes and the edge of the forest feature on this gentle seven-kilometre route.

Set off on a 44 km bike ride to discover the varied landscapes of the Sambre Avesnois. This circuit takes you from Boussois to the superb site of Watissart, crosses Jeumont and crosses the Belgian border. You will then follow the Salmagne aerodrome before enjoying the peaceful calm of the towpath. An ideal getaway combining nature, industrial heritage and the pleasure of cycling.

A country walk from the church in Nouvelles, discovering the flint site and enjoying beautiful views of the surrounding area. Sunken lanes, footpaths, panoramic views and information panels about the flint mines are all part of the itinerary.

A countryside walk that takes in many paths and trails. A countryside outing close to the town, suitable for all year round.

Former railway line converted for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.Section of the Scandibérique, EuroVelo 3, route linking Trondheim (Norway) to Santiago de Compostela (Spain)

This rural walk is located very close to the town.

Discover a green and hilly landscape.

A picturesque landscape of valleys and hedgerows stretching from bell tower to bell tower...

Discover the rolling, wooded countryside of the Avesnois region.

Mountain bike ride between localities in two municipalities where the administrative office collected duties on certain foodstuffs or goods before they entered the town.

Family route to discover the heritage of Ferrière-la-Petite

This walk will take you along quiet, winding paths and small, tree-lined roads, allowing you to discover the villages of the Avesnois nestled in the hollows of the valleys.

A lovely route along country lanes and footpaths. Discover the beautiful Noirchain slag heap and the secret paths of the old Ciply quarries. Lovely views from the fields and the charm of shaded paths make for a pleasant walk, despite the noise of the motorway at the very end of the route.

Discover the industrial Sambre and its biodiversity along the Sambre between Hautmont and Boussières-sur-Sambre. Departing from the port of Hautmont, boat trips aboard the Isara are available in season, providing a pleasant complement to this walking tour.

In 1876, Stevenson travelled from Antwerp to Compiègne by canoe with his friend. Follow in his footsteps by bike from Hautmont to Étreux.

Set off from two listed monuments – the House of François Salignac de la Mothe-Fénélon, Bishop of Cambrai, and the Tour du Lait Buré (a reference to cuckoo flower or a cheese shaped like a ball) – to explore former mining sites, the Molettes frame at Sauwartan and the Grand Bouillon d’En Haut slag heap. Wander through the Bois de Colfontaine and the Bois l’Évêque along wide avenues and gently undulating footpaths. Save your energy for the final stretch of the walk: the 12% gradient of the Rampe Anfouette, which is said to owe its name to the lashes of the whips used by the drivers of the horse-drawn carts that used to travel up the ramp.

Cycle route connecting EuroVelo 3 to the Ravel in Belgium

Discover Maubeuge, just a few kilometres from Belgium, in the Avesnois region. A walk that starts in the village of Ferrière-la-Petite, then passes through Maubeuge. Discover its Vauban ramparts, a town steeped in history with its museums, gardens and parks. Walk along the River Sambre, and don’t forget to visit the magnificent Maubeuge Zoo on arrival.

An easy country walk starting from the German-British cemetery of the 1914–1918 war. This cemetery is well worth a visit for its unique layout and its century-old trees, which make it a small botanical park. Here lie the first Commonwealth soldier killed in action and the last! You will notice the presence of numerous flint fragments, which gave the Champ à Cailloux its name.

This route, in the heart of the Fagne de Solre, is intended for experienced walkers. The distance to be covered, the undulating terrain and some wet sections of the path require a good level of fitness. However, the villages you pass through, the scenery and the views will make the effort worthwhile.

Explore the Colleret area in Cousolre via Belgique.

A short walk along a small section of the Ravel and around the bottom of the Levant slag heap. You will see the Levant site and the remains of the old coal mine.If you feel brave enough, you can climb to the top.

Discover the weather vanes, various tree species and a few bird boxes from our region. This walk was created with the help of the Avesnois Regional Nature Park.

If the need for silence, tranquillity, and rolling pastoral landscapes takes hold of you, the Bois de Fagne circuit will fulfil your needs and leave you feeling rested and in the holiday spirit... It’s hard to believe you’re so far north, especially if the sun is out.