Éclusier-Vaux walks

A very pleasant hike in one of the meanders of the Somme, along its canalised section and several ponds where you can observe many birds. Three-quarters of the way along the route, the Vaux viewpoint offers a superb panorama of the area you have covered.

A short memorial hike to visit the most impressive mine crater of the Great War, the result of an explosion triggered on 1 July 1916, the day the Battle of the Somme began. A well-appointed memorial site with numerous information panels.

A memorial hike through iconic sites of the Battle of the Somme (July-November 1916). Several military cemeteries line the route, with the Ulster Tower and the imposing Franco-British memorial adding a solemn touch.

A memorial hike in territory that became Canadian after the First World War, in tribute to the soldiers from the island of Newfoundland who were engaged here on the day the Battle of the Somme began (1 July 1916) and of whom the vast majority were killed or wounded. A moving, well-maintained route with well-preserved remains.

This list includes several hikes that pay tribute to soldiers of all nationalities who fought in the First World War. More than a century later, certain remnants still bear witness to the appalling conditions in which they lived. In the list, these hikes are classified according to the front line, from north to south and then from west to east.

Set off from Boursies and let yourself be carried away by a rural route that winds its way through farmland and the unspoilt silhouettes of small villages. As you reach Mœuvres, Demicourt, Doignies and then Louverval, each stage reveals a new picture: peaceful lanes, bell towers silhouetted against the horizon, fields stretching as far as the eye can see and hedges rustling in the wind. This route, ideal for exploring on foot or by bike, invites you to savour the gentle landscapes and tranquillity of the less travelled paths. It is a slow-paced journey, where you will be surprised by the simple, authentic details that make the Cambrésis region so charming.

Put on your walking boots and set off from Gonnelieu to immerse yourself in the gentle vastness of the Picardy plains. The paths lined with hedgerows invite you to stroll under a vast sky where birdsong sets the pace for your steps. At the bend in the road at Gouzeaucourt, let yourself be surprised by the shade of the forests, silent reminders of the battles that shaped this land. Continue on to Villers-Guislain, where green valleys and rural bell towers offer a refreshing break between nature and history. Between discreet heritage and soothing landscapes, this route reveals all the poetry of small rural heritage.

A short walk around Boves to get a glimpse of the rolling, wooded landscape of the Picardy countryside. You will then discover the marshes of the Saint-Ladre pond nature reserve.

Through the Saint-Ladre Nature Reserve and its specially designed route, you will discover the frogs that live in the ponds.

Put on your walking boots and leave Ribécourt-la-Tour behind for a getaway where the countryside is your companion. You will first pass through fields and hedgerows until you reach Villers-Plouich, a bucolic haven where poppies dance along the paths. Continue on to Beaucamps, a charming village where gentle meadows blend with the discreet murmur of streams. Finally, reach Flesquières, perched on its hillside, and let yourself be surprised by the panorama of the Picardy plain. Between rural heritage and soothing landscapes, this loop promises a real breath of fresh air.

A lovely walk on the borders of Pas-de-Calais and the Somme.You'll discover the pretty Quilienne river (which did a lot of damage in 2016) and the Bois de Saint-Pierre (woods). It's possible to add one or two extensions, so that the trail can exceed 22km (see practical info).

Put on your walking boots and leave Banteux behind for a walk that combines gentle countryside and rural discoveries. Very quickly, the sunken paths lead you to Vaucelles, a setting of meadows dotted with apple trees and green hedges, where birdsong accompanies your steps. Continue towards Bantouzelle, a village with discreet charm, then head towards Honnecourt-sur-Escaut, where the tranquil river reflects off the old stones. Between hedgerows, rivers and secret gardens, this route promises a peaceful break, in tune with nature and local traditions.

The 83 doors and windows of Guyencourt sur Noye Castle give you a taste of what to expect at Remiencourt Castle. Follow the sunken lanes.

The Bois des Loges was the scene of fierce fighting at the beginning and end of the First World War. Starting from the monument that pays tribute to the soldiers who fell in the area, as well as a stele in honour of a soldier who was shot there as an example, this hike, mainly through fields, retraces the painful history of these places.

From Anneux, set off on a walk that exudes the rural charm of the Cambrésis region. The paths will gently lead you through the countryside to Cantaing-sur-Escaut, where you will encounter history around every corner, then on to Fontaine-Notre-Dame, nestled between greenery and heritage. Here, every path is an invitation to slow down, listen to the wind rustling in the trees and savour the calm of the open horizons. An ideal route for getting some fresh air, admiring the nuances of the seasons and rediscovering the simple beauty of the villages here.

The Hortillonnages are a series of floating gardens in the heart of Amiens, criss-crossed by over 60 km of canals. They can be explored by boat. Here, we will walk around them.

Très belle randonnée autour de Wailly en passant par la Plaine au Crichon.

The route is in a very urbanised area, but it is almost always on paths and it is pleasant to follow a river for so long.Apart from the length, it is not too difficult.For enthusiasts, there are numerous information panels, first between Agny and Wailly, then in Rivière. In the past, you used to see lots of deer at the start of the walk (near the "Le Marché à Dieu" woods), but I haven't seen any since the Rocade Sud was built.

Leaving Aubencheul-aux-Bois, leave the hustle and bustle of the main roads behind you and immerse yourself in peaceful countryside. The sunken lanes, lined with hedgerows and fresh meadows, invite you to slow down and rediscover the rhythm of the countryside. As you pass through Gouy, you will come across thatched farmhouses and secret orchards where birdsong reigns supreme. The paths undulate beneath your feet and offer unexpected views of the surrounding hills. Further on, Le Câtelet comes into view around a bend: its flower-filled lanes and small local heritage sites exude a discreet charm, with weathered stones and colourful doors. The final stop in Vendhuile rewards walkers with a setting of golden fields and shady groves. Between generous nature and rural heritage, this circuit is a real journey back in time.

From Masnières, you can discover a piece of industrial heritage (glassworks, canal, railway) during a walk along pleasant footpaths.

Set off on a bucolic journey that will take you to the heart of the peaceful landscapes of northern France. From Noyelles-sur-Escaut, follow the country lanes that wind their way to Marcoing and Masnières, two charming villages steeped in history. This gentle, rejuvenating route is a real haven of tranquillity, ideal for walkers and cyclists in search of nature and authenticity. Between rivers, small woods and open fields, every turn offers a new perspective on the region's rural heritage. Ready to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the peace and quiet of forgotten paths? This route is an invitation to slow down, observe and reconnect with what really matters.

The "souffle de la terre" (breath of the earth), a night-time sound and light show, illuminates this route between the lake and the charming little church of Berny.

Starting from Rumilly-en-Cambrésis, the route winds along small roads and paths that exude rural serenity. Very quickly, the countryside gives way to Crèvecoeur-sur-l'Escaut, with its picturesque charm and nods to the past. The route continues towards Les Rues des Vignes, where the rows of vines and the relief of the landscape hint at the wine-growing heritage of yesteryear, before reaching Masnières, a village with a rich historical heritage shaped by the river and events. A route that combines the pleasure of walking with the discovery of a discreet but precious heritage — perfect for those who like to savour each step as much as the destination.

This walk will take you through the plains and woods of the Arrageois region, which marked the limit of the German advance during the First World War. The marker can be seen on the RD 939. From Monchy, the Germans bombarded Arras, destroying the belfry.

An easy hike on beautiful paths that will take you through Simencourt and Berneville. Warlus was the seat of a seigneury before the revolution. This hike in the plains, with a few wooded sections, is ideal for families.

There is very little tarmac on this route , which is best done in dry weather.Discover La Cavée, ravaged by storms a few years ago and beautifully restored.A good stretch of the route is on the old railway line (well shaded) before descending to the beautiful village of Grouches-Luchuel.

Starting from Sailly-lez-Cambrai, this unique route weaves a thread between two worlds: that of rural landscapes bathed in light and that of the more vibrant industrial areas where activity never sleeps. Along the way, the villages of Haynecourt, Tolloy-lez-Cambrai, Neuville-Saint-Rémy and Raillencourt-Sainte-Olle mark your route, each with its own personality, streets steeped in history and unexpected views. Between rolling fields, quiet paths and metallic silhouettes rising in the distance, this walk tells the story of the harmonious coexistence of nature and human activity. Ideal for those who love to feel the heartbeat of the region in all its dimensions, this is a journey that surprises and charms at every turn.

This walk will introduce you to Arras, starting along the Scarpe river. You will then continue through the town and admire its monuments, from the citadel to the execution wall, the belfry and the main square.

Venez découvrir les village de Fampoux, Feuchy et Athies en passant par les bois, étangs et marais.

This hike between plains and woods will take you to Barly Castle. Listed as a historic monument, it was built in 1780 by the Blin family. It is open to visitors today. You will also see Fosseux Castle, which was built in 1770 by Parisian architect Villetard at the request of Ferdinand Dubois de Hoves de Fosseux.

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

Departure from the car park at the Cantimpré river port, Place Marcelin Berthelot in Cambrai.The route follows the Saint-Quentin canal dyke, takes the Chemin Noir and makes a circular loop through the Bois Chenu, then returns to the starting point along the canal and the Scheldt.If you enjoy peace and quiet, avoid doing this route at the weekend: there are lots of sports enthusiasts in the morning and lots of families out walking in the afternoon when the weather is fine.

Leaving Niergnies, the path stretches gently across the plains, offering wide views of the Cambrésis countryside. The horizon, dotted with hedges and isolated trees, invites you to take the time to observe and breathe in the fresh air. Little by little, the silhouettes of Cambrai come into view, revealing its rich heritage, lively streets and distinctive façades. The walk continues to Proville, where tranquillity returns amid green spaces and a peaceful atmosphere. This route combines the tranquillity of rural landscapes with the discovery of a town with a fascinating past — ideal for a variety of pleasures at every turn.

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.

In the heart of Pas-de-Calais, this walking route invites you to discover the peaceful countryside and authentic villages that dot the area between Épinoy and Oisy-le-Verger. Starting from Épinoy, a charming village with a rural feel, you will pass through Cauchy-Lestrée and Sauchy-Cauchy, two villages marked by history and a gentle way of life. The path winds its way through open fields, quiet lanes and bucolic landscapes, offering an ideal break for lovers of nature and local heritage. The arrival in Oisy-le-Verger, with its typical houses and welcoming atmosphere, brings this walk to a beautiful end. This route is accessible to all and perfect for recharging your batteries and rediscovering the hidden treasures of our region.

After starting on the Avesnes footpaths, we follow the GRP® de l'Artois, then the GR®121 for a long and varied loop.Wide paths across agricultural plains, trails along woods and finally the Allée des Tilleuls in Lignereuil. All dotted with a few châteaux. It's enough to make for a good day out, especially as the paths are generally in very good condition, even in wet weather.

Hiking through the marshes of Biache - Saint-Vaast, Plouvain Roeux and Pelves.

From Hamel, you can explore the marshes of the region - it's like a little Canada! You'll also discover man-made works such as the Église de l'Écluse, an unusual barge, the Canal du Nord with the Palluel lock and nature trails.

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.

This hike, starting from the Bois de Marœuil, will take you to the hamlet of Bray et Écoivres, along very good paths and through the Franco-British cemetery. The return journey is via the Bois de Marœuil.

Starting from Brunémont Town Hall, this easy trail offers the chance to discover the many charms of the Sensée canals, the star river of the area. At the confluence of the Canal du Nord and the Canal de la Sensée, this walk along towpaths and paths bordering the ponds offers a pleasant and safe setting. Along the edges of the ponds, the reed beds and willow groves are home to beautiful populations of marsh ferns. Be mindful of the environment, as the Aubigny and Brunémont marshes are an important heritage site for wildlife, particularly herons, marsh warblers and grass snakes.

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.

This hike in Artois will take you through beautiful villages between plains and woodlands on good quality paths, returning via the 1,350-metre-long Allée des Tilleuls, lined with 898 hundred-year-old trees planted in 1745 by Louis Benoit de Hamel, and Lignereuil Castle.

From Fressies, let yourself be carried away by the tranquillity of a rural route, where every turn offers a new scene to admire. The paths wind through meadows and along golden fields, leading to Aubencheul-au-Bac, a small village where time seems to pass more slowly. Continuing towards Hem-Lenglet, the walk reveals authentic and soothing landscapes, dotted with silhouettes of trees and red-tiled roofs. A route that invites you to savour the moment, breathe deeply and soak up the serenity of the surroundings.

A long route that is ideal when the weather is less favourable.A few small roads (most of which have grass growing in the central reservation), some fairly easy country lanes and a very beautiful section leading down to Le Cauroy.

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.

Un départ pépère sur de bons chemins, puis un passage par le Sentier des Culs Trempés avant une belle remontée sur Canettemont.

A short, unpretentious and easy route.Very small roads and paths for a relaxing half-day out.

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.