Loop between Fontaine and Cattenières

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From Fontaine-au-Pire to Cattenières: between open horizons and rural charm From the heart of Fontaine-au-Pire, the paths gently wind their way into the countryside, skirting golden fields and green meadows. You walk at the leisurely pace of the seasons, lulled by the rustling of the corn and the light flight of the larks. The silhouette of Cattenières gradually emerges on the horizon, beyond the hedges and paths lined with wild flowers.

This short getaway is an invitation to breathe deeply, savour the simplicity of the Cambrésis countryside and rediscover, step by step, the discreet beauty of its villages. Here, every glance carries you far away, and every step brings you a little closer to rural authenticity.

Please note that a 700-metre stretch of road is dangerous. When taking the D115, stay close to the edge of the road as there is no footpath for pedestrians.

Details

n°3252377
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 13.38 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 55 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 41 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 41 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 128 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 87 m
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Description of the walk

Park in the car park at the town hall in Fontaine-au-Pire.

(S/E) Turn left onto Rue Léon Gambetta. Continue along Rue Sadi Carnot, Rue de l'Église, Rue Jean Macé and Rue Voltaire. Join the crossroads with the road leading to Le Brûlé.

(1) Turn right, follow the communal wood, pass under the high-voltage lines and turn left to reach the railway bridge.

(2) Take the path on the right, follow the railway line to the junction with the D18 at the water tower.

(3) Cross the D118 and follow the road opposite. Turn left at thefirst crossroads and right atthe second. You will rejoin the railway line and the D142.

(4) Continue straight ahead on Rue Jean Moulin, cross the railway bridge, go to the stop sign and turn left. Pass the junction with Rue Jean Jaurès and you will find another junction just after it.

(5) Take the alley on the right, just after the four garages, marked in yellow. Follow it until you reach Rue Roger Salengro. Walk along the church wall. Turn left and continue along Rue Jules Guesde. After a right-hand bend, stay on this street until you reach the three-way junction.

(6) Leave the street and take the path opposite, join Chemin des Pèlerins, turn right and continue until you reach the junction with the D115 road.

(7) Turn left and continue for about 100 metres, taking great care of the vehicles as this road has no hard shoulder. Turn left onto a fairly straight path that crosses the area known as Marchais de Bézin. After the 90° right-hand bend, you will come to another crossroads with paths at the same level as the high-voltage line.

(8) Continue straight ahead on Chemin du Bois Bert. You will reach the cemetery of Fontaine-au-Pire.

(9) Turn left onto Voie Sénéchal (opposite the cemetery and stadium). At the end of the road, turn right onto Rue Lamartine. At the next intersection, turn right again onto Rue Léon Gambetta to return to the town hall car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 120 m - Car park at the town hall in Fontaine-au-Pire.
  2. 1 : km 0.94 - alt. 116 m - Le Brûlé.
  3. 2 : km 2.35 - alt. 114 m - Chemin des Lois.
  4. 3 : km 4.29 - alt. 108 m - D118.
  5. 4 : km 5.75 - alt. 94 m - D142.
  6. 5 : km 6.32 - alt. 87 m - Rue Eugène Fiévet.
  7. 6 : km 7.23 - alt. 89 m - Rue Jules Guesde.
  8. 7 : km 9.41 - alt. 117 m - D115.
  9. 8 : km 11.64 - alt. 98 m - Chemin du Bois Bert.
  10. 9 : km 12.3 - alt. 109 m - Voie Sénéchal.
  11. S/E : km 13.38 - alt. 120 m - Car park at the town hall in Fontaine-au-Pire.

Notes

The route is not signposted but is easy to follow. The terrain is earth, stones, grass and tarmac. Wear suitable footwear.

(1) Communal woodland.
(3) Water tower.

Worth a visit

(2) Off-road vehicle trails (motorcycles and 4x4s)

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