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The starting point is the Pierres du Diable trail. It is located at the intersection of Rue de la Liberté (Rue de la Mairie) and Chemin d'Aubigny. There's a wooden bus shelter. You can easily park there.
(S/E) Take Rue de l'Égalité, the street opposite Chemin d'Aubigny. Continue straight ahead until you reach a junction, then cross the road to turn right.
When you reach a farm, there may be a bit of mud at the beginning of the path, but it won't last long. Take advantage of this passage to look at the old car bodies (notably the Citroën traction) that are stored on this farm. Of course, you have to stay on the public road!
Along this dirt track you can see the back of the Acq cemetery on your right, which you'll pass on your way back. This dirt track leads to the D49, which you'll need to take a little further to reach Écoivres.
(1) Continue straight ahead on Rue de Douai (follow the sign for the Pierres du diable path).
(2) At this junction, turn left for a 300m round trip to get closer to the Pierres du Diable.
The stones are located on your left, at the top of a small, ten-metre-long ridge enclosed by a fence. Once you've reached the Pierres du Diable, you can already contemplate Mont-Saint Éloi Abbey looming behind you.
Then retrace your steps and follow the slightly uphill road on your left. At the end of this road, turn left. Rue de la Cavée climbs a little higher.
(3) Turn into the small dirt track on your left. The climb will be easier for you. Once you've reached the end of the path, cross the road to climb up Rue Roger Salengro into the village of Mont Saint-Éloi.
Turn right towards the church into Rue du 4ème Dragon. Before turning, take a look at the beautiful property on your left. Walk past Église Saint-Martin. At the top of the street, you can see the majestic ruin of the abbey, listed as a historic monument in 1921.
Head towards the abbey. On your right, take a short detour under the trees to enjoy the panoramic views. You can also take a break on one of the benches.
(4) The passageway under the abbey has been restored.
Before you go, take a look over the door of the house at the corner.
Make the most of every angle. Once you've passed through the abbey, head into the cemetery for a greeny panorama of the area.
Head for Rue du Général Barbot and turn left. The descent is rapid. You can stop off at the farm at the bottom of the street. At the bottom, turn left and walk carefully along the Chaussée Brunehaut.
(5) At the crossroads before turning right, take a last look at the abbey.
Cross a small private wood via the D49.
(6) On your left, head for the Ecoivres War Cemetery. Then retrace your steps and turn left. On the opposite side of the road, you'll see the war memorial. Follow the road through Ecoivres to the church.
On your left, you'll often be able to hear and see the Scarpe river.
(7) Here you are at Église Saint-Joseph, where you can walk around the church and find a bench. Admire the magnificent bell tower.
Turn left at the bend. Follow the road (D49) and look out for white stone houses and a dovecote...
Return to the crossroads you passed on the outward journey.
(1) Turn left and follow the opposite route.
Then head for Acq along the D49, then left into Rue de la République. Shortly after entering Acq, you'll see the village cemetery on your right.
(8) Take the first road on the left. At the end, turn right into Rue de la Fraternité. On your left, you'll see the old water mill near the Scarpe river.
(9) Take the 1st right (past the glass containers) up Rue Pasteur.
At the top, turn left to reach the village square and church.
As you pass along the white stone wall of the café, look out for the Indian head engraving.
(10) Continue up Rue de la Liberté to return to the starting point(S/E).
