Bouchain walks

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 Noyelles-sur-Selle, take a rural route where sunken lanes and peaceful riverbanks intertwine. This route takes you to Douchy-lès-Mines, where the vegetated slag heaps are a reminder of the area's mining history, then to the restored canals of Denain before following the Escaut River to Neuville-sur-Escaut. Further on, the medieval ramparts of Bouchain rise up from the meadows, and your arrival in Lieu-Saint-Amand reveals a mosaic of forests and farmland. Bring good walking shoes, a detailed map and a water bottle to make the most of this authentic escape in the Valenciennes area.

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.

Starting from Monceaux-sur-Écaillon, set off on a rural route that gently climbs through meadows and hedgerows. The first steps lead to Quérénaing, where the charm of red bricks blends with the tranquillity of the allotment gardens. Then, heading towards Maing, the Arenberg Canal and its green banks invite you to stop and contemplate. The final stage towards Thaint reveals bucolic views of the Écaillon valley, between rapeseed fields and secret groves. Bring a water bottle to make the most of this Valenciennes getaway.

Easy walk from Bellaing to the slag heap, the mining cottages and the Haveluy pit.Return through the countryside with a view of the Arenberg slagheap and the Saint-Amand forest.Enjoy the walk.

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

This route takes you through the mythical 'Trouée d'Arenberg' (Arenberg gap), the venue for the Paris-Roubaix race, and then on to the Mare à Goriaux bird sanctuary.

The Estourmel-hier Association offers this tour through fields, tree-lined paths and villages to discover the rich heritage of the commune. Heritage information panels are provided in front of each notable monument to help you learn more about the history of the village.

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.

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.

Starting from Neuville-en-Avesnois, this bucolic route takes you through meadows and hedgerows, revealing the rural soul of the Avesnois region. In Salesches, the communal pond and its peaceful banks invite you to stop and contemplate. As you reach Poix-du-Nord, half-timbered farms and restored wash houses dot the route with touches of authenticity. At every turn, birdsong and the murmur of streams compose a changing rural tableau. The trail continues to Vendegies-aux-Bois, where the deciduous forest forms secret paths and wild clearings. It is here, among ferns and hundred-year-old tree trunks, that this walk ends, rich in bucolic memories.

This wooded trail is easy to follow. It runs alongside rural hedgerows and streets with characteristic housing.

Between edge and forest, this trail allows you to discover the hideouts of the hedgerows, forest paths and trails. The atmosphere changes with the seasons.

Follow part of the old railroad line. Promenade du Préfet, Voie du Sucre from Mons-en-Pévèle.This new version takes into account suggestions made by users. Many thanks to them.

A pleasant stroll across the plain between the villages of Bachy and Cobrieux, just a stone's throw from the Franco-Belgian border.

A pleasant walk between France and Belgium with no real change in altitude.

A walk between France and Belgium in the Pévèle and Hainaut plains. This trail crosses the path of Monique, a Resistance fighter who evacuated Allied pilots who had fallen during the war. It also gives an idea of the work of the customs officers who guarded this border and the tricks that smugglers could use to thwart their surveillance.

Starting from Saint-Martin-Rivière, this route takes you into the heart of the rolling countryside of northern Aisne, between peaceful bocage and charming villages. Following small roads and hedged paths, you pass through Ribeauville, then Wassigny, an ancient fortified town where history is evident in every stone. The walk continues towards La Vallée-Mulâtre, nestled in lush greenery, before reaching Molain, where open meadows and farm tracks offer a breath of fresh air. This accessible and rejuvenating circuit combines rural heritage and gentle landscapes for an authentic immersion in the heart of the Thiérache region.

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.

In the heart of the Vervinois region, a bucolic trail begins in Vaux-Andigny, inviting you to leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind and immerse yourself in the generous countryside. Under the cover of ancient hedgerows, you walk along meadows bathed in light before reaching Andigny-les-Fermes, where the discreet charm of half-timbered farms reveals a preserved rural heritage. You then reach Mennevret, nestled in a green valley where the murmur of the stream and the ballet of dragonflies set the pace for your walk. Gentle hills appear on the horizon before opening up to the final stage in Régnicourt, a peaceful village with shady lanes. Bring a water bottle and a good pair of shoes: this accessible route is best enjoyed at the pace of the seasons, stopping to contemplate the scenery.

This walk takes you on a journey of discovery through the Harchies marshes, following the towpath of the old Antoing-Pommerœul canal, joining the RAVeL cycle path on the former railway line between Blaton and Bernissart, going around Lake Bernissart and finally taking you into the countryside on the old railway line (not developed) that connected the Sartis coal mine to Bernissart station.

A hike that begins by circling the Marais de Péronne, then moves on to the hamlet of Maresqueldes and ends at the Marais du Warlet. This loop offers diverse landscapes, between water (the Marque (stream), marsh, pond), and fields and pastures. It runs alongside two small roads, otherwise it's all on footpaths.On the program: observation of marsh birds, fish in a fishing pond and a variety of native wildlife.

A walk that can be enjoyed in wet weather, with little mud and very quiet roads.As you leave Pont Thibault, you'll come to the cobblestones of the same name. They are used by the Paris-Roubaix cyclists in early April.

Walk around the village of Ennetières along the TGV (high-speed train) line and then the runways of Lesquin airport.Cobblestones and tarmac, ideal when the dirt roads are too muddy.

15 Km circuit in and around the Phalempin Forest. Start from the carpark opposite the Phalempin church.

This hike is passable even when the paths are muddy, as they are very grassy. We spend a very pleasant time between the plain, the canal and the woods...

Departing from the Parc Mozaïc car park, a 15km hike along the farm tracks of the Marais de la Deule, between Emmerin, Noyelles-lès-Seclin and Ancoisne.