Château-l'Abbaye walks

Take a short trip to Château-l'Abbaye along the Scheldt and Scarpe rivers to cross the Pont de l'Imbécile bridge!

A walk along the towpaths of the new and old canals from Nimy to Péronnes. At the start, you can admire the two giant locks that have replaced the eight locks that you will then pass as you walk down the old canal. Admire the old lock houses on the old canal. However, be careful in strong winds between points (8) and (9) as the trees are fragile and it is best to avoid this section. The entire hike is on tarmac or paved paths.

This circular route connects the Chabaud-Latour Pond to the Bonsecours Forest in Péruwelz. Along the route, you can see the Fosse Ledoux headframe and its slag heap, the Bernissart Fire Machine and the Basilica of Our Lady of Bon-Secours in Péruwelz.

Discover the famous yet little-known "Mare à Goriaux" near Saint-Amand-les-Eaux. It may be called a "mare" (pond), but it is actually a majestic little lake. The walk begins with the ascent of a small slag heap, which will open up a superb panorama overlooking the lake. You will also walk along the equally famous Arenberg trench for 300 to 400 metres.

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.

This walk takes you on a discovery of the Harchies Marshes, follows the towpath of the old Antoing-Pommerœul canal, joins the RAVeL of the old railway line linking Blaton to Bernissart, goes around Lake Bernissart and finally takes you into the countryside on the old railway line (not developed) that linked the Sartis coal mine to Bernissart station.

This is an easy walk to visit a picturesque corner of the Borinage region along old miners' paths and discover the charm of the Harchies marshes.

An easy walk accessible to all at Mer de Sable, in the undivided forest of Stambruges, to discover the Fontaine Bouillante and return along the Blaton-Ath canal on the towpath.

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

This route between the Bachy plain and the Belgian border allows you to discover Mont Saint-Aubert in Belgium. You will discover part of the route used by "Monique", a member of the Resistance who helped airmen escape between France and the town of Rumegies in Belgium.

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.

A walk to discover Froyennes (church, Château Beauregard, Saint-Éloi fountain, watermill) and the surrounding area. Please note: muddy paths in wet weather!

The iconic hill of Tournaisis and its slopes offer panoramic views and trails or paths that you can walk, run or climb. Your steps will take you through countryside dotted with hamlets and farms towards the Scheldt and its Léaucourt cut (a former meander of the river). You will discover a discreet and modest countryside that is not lacking in charm.

Straddling the French-Belgian border, take a short, hilly walk to discover the countryside and woods around Roisin. Part of the route follows the course of the Grande Honnelle, a charming stream. The route also passes by the famous "Caillou qui Bique".

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 circular route takes you through the Scheldt plain between the two villages of Esquelmes and Ramegnies-Chin. It is a rural route along paths and small country roads. Take care when crossing the Tournai road. You will discover the pretty church of Esquelmes near the Scheldt, lined with trees, and the many calvaries and chapels. You will walk along paths lined with hedges and take small passages. At the edge of the Scheldt, you will see Mont Saint-Aubert on the other bank.

This route through the heart of the bocage is suitable for families and novice walkers. It follows farm tracks, small roads and bocage paths.

This cross-border route follows small roads and agricultural paths. The listed site of Caillou-qui-Bique requests that visitors behave respectfully.

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.