Vermelles Ponds Route

Park at Place de la République, between the town hall and the church in Vermelles.

(S/E) From the car park, go past the roundabout and head straight on along Rue Jean Jaurès until you reach Rue du Président Salvador Allende.

(1) Turn left onto this street, then right onto Rue Jean Jouhaux until you reach the junction.

(2) Turn carefully left onto Rue Florant Évard (D75) and, after 50 m, turn left onto Rue de la Liberté, continuing until you reach Rue Arthur Lamendin (D165e1).

(3) Cross the road carefully and, turning left then right, head straight on; then take the Ancien Cavalier on the left and follow it. At the junction, cross Rue Henri Duquesne and you will reach Rue Jules Guesde (D39).

(4) Continue straight ahead with care until you reach the next junction with a dirt track.

(5) Turn left, then cross Rue Voltaire and continue straight ahead along Chemin de Cuinchy. At the junction, cross the D75 carefully, pass under the power lines and continue to the next fork in the road.

(6) Turn left towards the factory, then just before the entrance, keep left to go round the two ponds on the right-hand side until you reach the shelter.

(7) Continue to the right, pass under the power lines again and follow the road. At the bend, head straight on, passing under another power line, and join Rue du Marais.

(8) Go straight on; at the end of this street, turn left onto Rue de Montpellier, then, at its end, first turn right then left carefully and head for Rue Jean Jaurès opposite and the original junction.

(1) Continue straight ahead, go past the roundabout and return to the car park (S/E).

Toilets and picnic facilities at the Étangs de Vermells. No drinking water available.

Base du 11/19 and the slag heaps of Loos-en-Gohelle, Louvre-Lens Museum.