Chaîne des Terrils walks

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 route that takes you through the Fouquières marshes. You'll climb the wooded slag heap 83, offering a view of a mysterious artificial valley. You'll then head for slag heap 94 (staircase slag heap), passing the schlamm bins (storage of mining waste) and the Harnes fishing pond. Return along the path that runs alongside the Lens canal.

Lots of paths, a beautiful crossing of the Bois (with decent tracks) and a beautiful view as you reach the plateau (but frequent fog in autumn). 2021: I've gone back to the original route, which is more pleasant.

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.

A short walk on good paths in the hills above La Comté. On a clear day, the panorama is superb, and if you're luckier than me, you'll spot a few deer.

Admittedly, the trail may seem a little monotonous, but what a beautiful path! It takes you gently up to the heights before dropping back down into the valley to climb Mont de la Comté.And at the end of the trail, the church awaits you.

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.

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.

A walk through ponds, canals and marshes, where you'll be surrounded by water in the commune of Beuvry.

During this walk, you'll enter a beautiful region that was devastated by the 1st World War. More than 180,000 people lost their lives during the Battle of Artois, which began in May-June 1915. This walk starts at the edge of a cemetery where 44,000 soldiers of all origins are buried. Many more are, and will remain, buried forever beneath the beautiful landscapes you're about to cross.

This itinerary takes you to Europe's longest slag heap, which stretches over 2km and fills an ancient valley. You'll enjoy views over the coalfield and the Artois hills. At times, you'll have the impression of walking along a mountain ridge. An entirely wooded terril, it is a reserve for numerous species.

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.

An itinerary that will take you to Europe's king of slag heaps! You'll first discover the former 11/19 base with its headframes and mining buildings currently being converted. You'll also enjoy a few pleasant passages through the undergrowth.

This route will delight you with its diversity of landscapes. Enjoy some panoramic views and the ancient abbey of Mont Saint-Eloi. (19) See: practical information.

Peu de goudron sur ce parcours qui permet d'arpenter les chemins du Bois des Bruyères et de faire le tour du Terril de Pinchonvalles. J'ai dû changer le départ car le beau chemin qui partait à gauche dans la Rue de l'Église est pour le moment (???) en chantier : nouveau lotissement en construction. Malgré toutes les promesses, on continue à bétonner les villes. Prions Ste Godasse et St Croquenot pour que ce chemin réapparaisse après les travaux.

Bien sûr, ce ne sont pas les plus hauts terrils de la région, mais les deux terrils de Verquin sont restés très sauvages et, sur celui de Labourse, il y a assez d'espace et de sentiers pour varier l'itinéraire. Ce parcours en 8 peut facilement être scindé en deux boucles de 6 à 8 km. C'est un parcours assez compliqué que j'ai détaillé au maximum. Néanmoins, je recommande d'utiliser l'application surtout sur les terrils : celui de Labourse possède un grand nombre de sentiers et on peut facilement modifier le parcours.

The town of Aire-sur-la-Lys is crossed by the Lys river. It is bordered by the Neuffossé Canal, which takes the name Canal d'Aire at La Bassée, from this town onwards. The Bassin des Quatre Faces (Four Faces Basin) once allowed boats to turn around and sail in the desired direction: towards the town, the Lys, the canal towards Saint-Omer or Béthune. It is a signposted trail in the Pays de Saint-Omer urban community.

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.

This hike from Houchin will allow you to discover another side of the mining basin without much difficulty along beautiful trails. A bit of history: the pit, 12 mining companies from Noeux-les-Mines. Mining began in 1939 and was halted in 1940 with the German occupation and never resumed.

Up to the entrance to the Bois des Dames, the route is much the same as this hike (there aren't many options in the Bois de Roquelaure), but I took other paths to cross the Bois des Dames. The end of the route passes behind Emmaüs before reaching the Chartreuse des Dames and joining the Bois des Sablières.It's long, winding, almost entirely unpaved and with a significant elevation gain. Very difficult in wet weather.The use ofthe Visorando app is strongly recommended.

This short hike will allow you to discover the village of Grenay in a different light, with its green setting in this vast mining town and its miners' houses. It is one of the 353 sites in the mining basin listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This short hike around Vimy, between the town, voyettes (small streets in local dialect) and plains, will give you a different perspective on our beautiful region, its heritage and its memory of the Great War

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.

This is a long walk in an urban area, but 90% of it is on paths. Start at the old bridge and its steps, then follow the Biette (a beautiful footbridge restored last year) to Ourton. Next, climb back up (unfortunately on the road) before descending to Beugin. Follow another bridge to the Divion Viaduct. There, a slightly tricky descent takes you back to the banks of the Lawe. Follow it first on the left bank, then on the right bank before following the bus route. And to finish in style, the Bois de la Volville, with a nice climb at the end.

Randonnée qui va vous emmener sur les hauteurs de Bouvigny à travers bois et plaine. Faites un arret à l'oratoire entre le point 4 et 5

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.

This route will allow you to discover the diversity of water in Wittes and Aire-sur-la-Lys. In Wittes, you will find the Melde, a tributary of the Lys. In Aire-sur-la-Lys, you will walk along the Lys, the Bassin des Quatre-Faces, the Ballastière ponds and the Canal de Neuffossé. This is a signposted trail maintained by the Communauté d'Agglomération du Pays de Saint-Omer.

Between Hordain and its gentle industrial reflections, this country trail invites you to escape along old paths lined with green embankments. With every step, the distant murmur of the canal mingles with birdsong, promising instant immersion in a reinvented countryside. Bouchain welcomes you with its historic fortifications and peaceful river branches, before Marquette-en-Ostrevant opens up to landscapes where locks punctuate the walk. Finally, Wavrechain-sous-Faulx unfolds its patchwork of meadows and hedgerows, offering you a bucolic interlude, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Set off on a bucolic walk from Haspres, where the paths open onto green meadows and hedgerows. You will soon cross Verchain-Maugré, with its stone farms and old ivy-covered walls, before reaching Monchaux-sur-Écaillon, where the stream flows peacefully along the banks. Every moment of this loop invites you to slow down: birdsong, the scent of wild flowers and the glimpse of a chapel in the countryside punctuate your progress. Don't forget your water bottle and camera to capture these authentic landscapes and prolong the pleasure beyond this getaway.

Set off on an inspiring getaway from Avesnes-le-Sec, where the village's cobblestones give way to a network of country lanes. You will find yourself immersed in a vibrant landscape of green meadows and secret groves as you head towards Lieu-Saint-Amand. Next, head for Noyelles-sur-Selle, where the peaceful riverbanks and rural heritage invite you to stop and contemplate. Every turn reveals a new facet of the Hainaut countryside, between authentic villages and the murmur of running water, for a journey that is both rejuvenating and full of surprises. Don't forget your camera and your curiosity: this loop is a real open book on the gentle way of life in the North.