Douchy-les-Mines walks

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Around Montrécourt and Saulzoir, the paths wind through unspoilt countryside, where the golden hues of the harvest blend with the deep green of the hedgerows and meadows. Every step is a breath of fresh air, punctuated by birdsong and the light scent of wild herbs. From discreet hamlets to lively little villages, this route charms with its authentic landscapes and gentle atmosphere. It's the perfect itinerary for a rural getaway to savour the simple riches of the Haut-Cambrésis region.

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.

From Vendegies-sur-Écaillon, this route takes you on a journey of discovery through a countryside where water and stone echo each other. The paths open up to soothing views, bordered by golden fields and the shady banks of the Écaillon. Bermerain reveals its warm red brick façades, Saint-Martin-sur-Écaillon charms with its tranquillity and peaceful lanes, and Sommaing-sur-Écaillon offers a bucolic panorama where time seems to stand still. A walk that combines gentleness, authenticity and rural charm, perfect for letting yourself be carried away by the tranquil rhythm of the Haut-Cambrésis.

What's in store: after a short kilometer of uphill northern cobblestones to warm up your calves, you'll plunge into the Thun l'Evèque marshland before following the Escaut and Sensée canals along the towpaths. Along the way, you're sure to come across green collars, moorhens, herons and cormorants, as well as barges and fishermen.

Starting from Paillencourt, the walk begins in a lively atmosphere, where the murmur of the town accompanies your first steps. Gradually, the houses become more spread out, the narrow streets widen and give way to the changing colours of the fields. Between small roads and gentle paths, the countryside unfolds its landscapes as far as Estrun, where water and greenery blend in an almost picturesque tranquillity. This is a route that plays with contrasts: the urban energy gradually gives way to the serenity of the countryside, culminating in a finale where you feel completely transported.

From peaceful Thun-Saint-Martin, the first steps lead along paths lined with greenery where the fresh air invites you to breathe deeply. The trail quickly heads towards Iwuy, a charming village with quiet streets, dotted with typical facades and a peaceful way of life. As you continue, the countryside unfolds in all its nuances, mixing open fields, country hedges and small tree-lined roads. The arrival in Thun-l'Évêque brings a touch of history and character, with its ancient stones and unique atmosphere. This route alternates between open spaces and cosy villages, offering a walk where each stage reveals a different side of the area.

From Haussy, this route takes you along paths where rural charm and authenticity blend together. Very quickly, the silhouette of Vertain comes into view, offering its peaceful lanes and welcoming atmosphere. The paths continue through fields and hedgerows to Solesmes, a lively town with a rich heritage, where history and local life meet. As you set off again, the countryside opens up once more, revealing wide horizons as far as Saint-Python, a small village with a strong character, nestled between greenery and farmland. With its architectural discoveries, open landscapes and warm atmosphere, this walk offers a complete immersion in the soul of the Cambrésis region.

Starting from Avesnes-les-Aubert, this route opens up like a timeless interlude. The paths first lead you to Saint-Aubert, a peaceful village straight out of a postcard, where bell towers dot the horizon. The road continues to Villers-en-Cauchies, with its serene lanes and agricultural landscapes that exude tranquillity. Then comes Rieux-en-Cambrésis, nestled in the heart of the fields, where rural history blends with village life. Between bucolic passages, encounters with local heritage and gentle panoramas, this getaway offers a concentration of charm and authenticity, ideal for getting some fresh air and recharging your batteries.

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.

From Saint-Hilaire-lez-Cambrai, the paths open onto a bright countryside where the scent of earth mingles with birdsong. The road first leads to Quiévy, a charming village with a strong agricultural past, where red brick houses dot the landscape. Continuing on, the paths wind between golden fields and green hedges to Saint-Vaast-en-Cambrésis, a haven of tranquillity with picturesque narrow streets. Between generous nature and village authenticity, this route invites you to slow down, breathe and savour all the gentleness of the region.

From the peaceful heart of Cagnoncles, the walk begins gently, like a break from time. The paths wind their way between fields and low hedges, where shades of green and gold blend together depending on the season. The breeze rustles the crops, while the occasional song of a bird breaks the soothing silence. With each step, the horizon seems to stretch out endlessly, inviting you to look up at the vast sky that accompanies your walk. Little by little, the silhouette of Naves appears, carried by its bell tower that dominates the red roofs and guides the walker. Entering the village brings a subtle change: the familiar smell of sun-warmed stones, the discreet murmur of gardens and the feeling of being welcomed into a place where every alleyway has a story to tell. It is a journey where you move at the pace of the landscape, savouring the contrast between the open expanses and the intimate charm of a small village in the Cambrésis region

From Capelle, the route follows paths lined with hedges and meadows, where every turn offers a new view of the countryside. The atmosphere is peaceful, almost timeless, carried by the scent of the fields and the gentle song of birds. As you pass through Escarmain, you will discover a village with authentic charm, before reaching Bermerain, whose red brick houses stand out beautifully against the rural horizon. With its encounters with nature, local heritage and soothing tranquillity, this walk is an invitation to savour the peaceful rhythm of the Cambrésis countryside.

From Ramillies, let your feet guide you along peaceful paths, where the fresh air and open views invite you to slow down. Very soon, Eswars appears on the horizon, a charming village surrounded by greenery, reflecting the typical tranquillity of the Cambrésis countryside. As you continue towards Escaudœuvres, the scenery comes alive with touches of heritage and a discreet industrial legacy, offering a subtle contrast to the gentle landscapes you pass through. This is an ideal route for enjoying the simplicity of a walk where nature and history intertwine harmoniously.

From Blécourt, follow a peaceful route through the lush landscapes of the Cambrésis region. The paths wind their way through fields and meadows, leading first to Cuvillers, where tranquillity and authenticity reign supreme, then to Bantigny, a small village with discreet charm, before reaching Abancourt and its panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Here, every step is an invitation to savour the silence of the country lanes, observe the work of the land and soak up the gentle atmosphere of the area. An ideal getaway to recharge your batteries and rediscover the simple riches of rural life.

From the peaceful village of Bévillers, the paths lead you through fields and green hedges to Beauvois-en-Cambrésis, whose typical architecture and bell tower have watched over the village for generations. In Fontaine-au-Pire, the murmur of fountains and the discreet charm of red brick façades create a gentle and welcoming atmosphere. The road continues to Carnières, a village closely linked to the agricultural history of the Cambrésis region, where every turn reveals a detail of its heritage: old wash houses, traditional farms and small chapels. When you reach Boussières-en-Cambrésis, the horizon opens up once again onto expanses of fields dotted with copses and sunken paths, offering a last breath of fresh air before the end of the route. Throughout this getaway, the landscape changes subtly: the play of light on the crops, the seasonal scents and the birdsong create a gentle immersion in rural life, inviting you to savour the moment.

From Neuville-Saint-Rémy, set off on a loop that combines city energy with the peace and quiet of the countryside. After leaving the bustling streets behind, the route takes you to Tilloy-lez-Cambrai, on the edge of the countryside, before reaching Cambrai, a city of art and history where every façade seems to tell a story of a rich and eventful past. Then head for Raillencourt-Sainte-Olle, where the landscape opens up again, offering wide horizons and striking tranquillity. Between narrow streets, monuments, green paths and industrial touches, this route reveals all the diversity and character of the area. An ideal itinerary for those who enjoy discovering contrasting and harmonious atmospheres as they walk.

From Briastre, the paths invite you to leave the hustle and bustle behind and immerse yourself in a gentle, rural landscape. The first stop, Solesmes, reveals its lively character and rich past, with its bustling streets and bell towers watching over the town. As you continue your walk, the paths become quieter, winding between golden fields and groves until you reach Neuvilly, a peaceful village where time seems to stand still. This route combines authentic villages and serene landscapes, offering an ideal break to recharge your batteries while savouring the local history.

From Beaurain, this route immediately reveals a lush countryside where light plays on the fields and hedgerow-lined paths. You first reach Ovillers, a discreet hamlet with simple charm, nestled between meadows and farmland. Continuing on, Romeries appears with its peaceful atmosphere, brick facades and small details that tell the story of rural life. The road then continues to Vertigneul, a peaceful, green village where the air is filled with the scents of the earth and the seasons. This is a walk that combines authenticity, open landscapes and a gentle way of life, ideal for recharging your batteries and savouring the richness of the Cambrésis region.

Tour of Cambrai by the rural roads. Leaving the town along the canal towpath, and returning along the banks of the Escaut.