Circular route from Vaucelles Abbey to Masnières via the canal and the plains

(S/E) Park in the car park at Vaucelles Abbey. Leave the car park on the right and follow the D96.

(1) Just before the canal bridge and the Vaucelles lock, turn right onto the towpath. Follow it for about 3 km.

(2) At the Vinchy lock, cross the canal and rejoin the towpath on your right on the opposite bank. Follow the canal for about 4 km. Pass under the D644 and continue for a further 300 m along the towpath.

(3) Head down to the left towards a metal footbridge crossing the Scheldt and carry on straight ahead to reach Rue Verte, where you turn left.

(4) Turn right into Ruelle de Bracheux.

(5) Just ahead, slightly to your left, take the path between the houses. Cross the street and continue along the path, which turns left at the end.

(6) Turn right into Allée des Bleuets.

(7) Turn left into Allée des Coquelicots, cross Rue du Calvaire and take Allée des Tilleuls.

(8) Turn left onto the footpath/cycle path (between houses nos. 20 and 22) until you reach the roundabout. Cross at the pedestrian crossings, first towards the riding centre and then the D644.

(9) Walk down the small embankment and take the path heading south (initially between a pasture and a high brick wall) and follow it for 1.8 km until you reach a path running at right angles.

(10) Turn right towards the Bois de Laleau and walk along its eastern edge.

(11) Turn left onto the D96 to reach the bridge over the Vaucelles lock.

(1) Continue along the same route you took on the way there to reach the car park (S/E).

This walk can be done on foot; allow around 4 hours
Escaut footbridge: take care; cross on foot, pushing your bike
Picnic tables near the Vaucelles bridge along the canal
Between (1) and (2): grassy path, may be slippery after rain
Masnières: all shops are accessible by heading north along the D644

(S/E) Not to be missed: a visit to Vaucelles Abbey.
Well worth a visit: the Rues des Vignes archaeological site: accessible from (2) – follow Rue de Vinchy, then the steep little street up to Rue Haute and turn left: it’s at No. 882.
Between (1) and (2), look out for (and sometimes smell) the “Royal Canin” dog and cat food factory (on the other side of the canal).
Between (2) and (3), just before the Saint-Waast lock, look out for the canal bridge: the Saint-Quentin Canal passes over the Scheldt.
After crossing the D644: look out for the glassworks.