Ecques walks

Leave Ecques via the same route, then take a long, flat walk through the fields to reach Heuringhem. Continue across the moors of Blendecques, Rietz de l'Église and Bibrou before reaching Quiestède via Les Bruyères. Return via the Bois d'Ecques. The route is relatively flat, but there are a few wet areas (more depending on the weather). During hunting season, avoid Sundays, as some communal woods are rented to hunting clubs! Route modified and improved in September 2024 to avoid the D 190.

A short 6 km walk to discover the Étangs de la Sauvagine de Mametz and the Étangs de Rebecques.

A short walk around the La Coupole blockhouse, where forest and magnificent ponds come together.

This route will take you through several different types of landscape: the Plateau des Landes regional nature reserve, the plain and the Neuffossé Canal. The latter separates the Pas-de-Calais department from the Nord department. It is a marked trail maintained by the Pays de Saint-Omer Urban Community.

A pleasant and very easy hike around Le Bietz. You will pass through two hamlets in Aire-sur-la-Lys before returning to Moulin le Comte, following the Lys at the end of the route.

The Sentier des Fontinettes invites you to discover the often overlooked natural riches of Arques: from the Étang de Beauséjour to the Étang de Malhôve, via the Forêt de Rihoult (forest) and the canal towpath, not forgetting the nautical base and boat lift.

This route will allow you to discover the diversity of water in Wittes and Aire-sur-la-Lys. In Wittes, you will find the Melde, a tributary of the Lys. In Aire-sur-la-Lys, you will walk along the Lys, the Bassin des Quatre-Faces, the Ballastière ponds and the Canal de Neuffossé. This is a signposted trail maintained by the Communauté d'Agglomération du Pays de Saint-Omer.

The Wavrans-sur-l'Aa nature reserve consists of two hillsides separated by a dry valley, Mont Carrière and Montagne d'Elnes. The chalky slopes of the reserve are steep and unusual for the region. They were also "sculpted" by the bombs of the Second World War.

Another route around the Coteau d’Elnes with very little tarmac. Crossing the Bois d’Esquerdes is even more enjoyable, and the long walk along the riverbank is most pleasant. Finally, the section through the hillside, especially in fine weather, is a real delight (even if it is a bit of a struggle!)

This place is so beautiful that it deserves a second route.Another good climb with 2 nice climbs and a maximum of paths and trails. Difficult in dry weather and very difficult in wet weather.

Another long route to explore the Ravin de Pihem (the upper section of which is (temporarily?) impassable). You’ll also take a superb path at a place called “Les Champs d’Avroult” before popping over to have a look at the old quarries at Cléty. An easy hike that can be split into two sections.

The town of Aire-sur-la-Lys is crossed by the Lys river. It is bordered by the Neuffossé Canal, which takes the name Canal d'Aire at La Bassée, from this town onwards. The Bassin des Quatre Faces (Four Faces Basin) once allowed boats to turn around and sail in the desired direction: towards the town, the Lys, the canal towards Saint-Omer or Béthune. It is a signposted trail in the Pays de Saint-Omer urban community.

A short, undulating route offering beautiful views.

From the Lys Valley to Noir Mont and discovery of the hidden valley of Maisnil. The route is almost entirely off-road, either on good grassy paths or vaguely paved paths. Do not look for markings, as there are none.

A short walk in the Artois region, particularly pleasant in autumn.

This route is divided between marshland, bocage and forest. It crosses Flanders before returning to the Audomarois region. In the first part of this itinerary, walkers will see street names in Flemish. This is a signposted trail of the Communauté d'Agglomération du Pays de Saint-Omer.

A walk that combines crossing the Clairmarais market garden marsh with the Romelaëre Nature Reserve.Lots of birdwatching: ash herons, coots, storks... And the star attraction of this walk: crossing the canals on the chain ferries, which will appeal to young and old alike!Please note: chain ferries and drawbridges only operate from March 15 to September 5.

A short walk that takes you up to the ridge before descending and going along the Puits sans Fond stream. More pleasant in dry weather, as some paths can be very wet.

Walk starting from the square in front of Saint Maurice Church in Molinghem. Located in the countryside between Isbergues, Lambres, Mazinghem and Molinghem. In the Moulin plain and along the Lambres marsh.

Houses, each with its own dock and boat moored on the Lansberg. People fishing practically from their homes. Cottages, each more beautiful than the last. Little market gardeners' boats loaded with crates of vegetables heading off to who knows where.Truly, the passage along the Lansberg will delight you with its beauty.You'll find a tranquil, picturesque feel that's rare in the region.

Three lovely climbs and a long stroll across the plateau make for a walk surrounded by nature. A very hilly first section, followed by a long stretch along the heights before descending to Reclinghem with magnificent views. The icing on the cake is an optional circular loop I suggest, which brings the total elevation gain to over 300 m. Route updated in April 2026: a little shorter and less tarmac!

This is a route through the heart of the Audomarois marshes along a marked trail maintained by the Pays de Saint-Omer Urban Community.

A long route with a significant elevation gain on paths that are generally in very good condition.

C’est un parcours en pleine nature. Sur les hauteurs, le randonneur apercevra l’Audomarois, les Monts des Flandres et le bassin minier. C'est un sentier balisé de la Communauté d'Agglomération du Pays de Saint-Omer.

A pleasant, virtually roadless route, with the possibility of a pleasant break at the beautiful Quelmes café.

A long walk in an area that is very well signposted thanks to the excellent work of the Urban Community. The route follows as many paths as possible and remains very rural, with little elevation gain.

Numerous trails for a walk that stretches between mountains and valleys.This hike is a great way to spend a day outdoors. At the end of December 2019, after the rains, the paths became very difficult and particularly slippery (even on the flat sections!), both on the normal route and on the alternative route. Under these conditions, the walk can be classified as very difficult.