Englefontaine walks

Between edge and forest, this trail allows you to discover the hideouts of the hedgerows, forest paths and trails. The atmosphere changes with the seasons.

This route connects the hedgerow belt and the paths within the Mormal State Forest. Each season brings its own discoveries.

Accessible all year round, this route runs along the picturesque Écaillon valley.

ROUTE TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FALLEN TREES The route follows ‘caches’ – hedgerow paths linking the villages and surrounding pastures – as well asfarm tracks and quiet roads.

Covering just over 9,000 hectares, the ‘green giant’ of the Nord Mormal is as intriguing as it is majestic thanks to its flora and fauna, but do you know its heart? Whilst the famous saying goes that all roads lead to Rome, here, all roads lead to Locquignol. A charming little village steeped in history, which was originally a simple hunting meeting point for the counties of Hainaut. On this route, which is suitable for everyone, I invite you to take a short pilgrimage through the Mormal Forest to discover its heart. There are no signposts as this walk was created by a local (myself). It is not aGR® route. You will therefore need to follow the map shown on your phone in real time.

Starting from Neuville-en-Avesnois, this bucolic route takes you through meadows and hedgerows, revealing the rural soul of the Avesnois region. In Salesches, the communal pond and its peaceful banks invite you to stop and contemplate. As you reach Poix-du-Nord, half-timbered farms and restored wash houses dot the route with touches of authenticity. At every turn, birdsong and the murmur of streams compose a changing rural tableau. The trail continues to Vendegies-aux-Bois, where the deciduous forest forms secret paths and wild clearings. It is here, among ferns and hundred-year-old tree trunks, that this walk ends, rich in bucolic memories.

Starting from the Touraille crossroads, take a short walk through the heart of the Mormal Forest, the largest forest area north of Paris. This route will enchant you whatever the season. Perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to spot one of its inhabitants.

A magnificent route allowing you to explore the underground passages of Le Quesnoy’s ramparts, sometimes from above, sometimes from below, as well as the gardens. Do bring a torch.

This wooded trail is easy to follow. It runs alongside rural hedgerows and streets with characteristic housing.

In the heart of the Quercy citadel, discover the defensive structures built under Charles V and Louis XIV.

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.

From Landrecies to Le Cateau-Cambrésis via the towpath.

Cycle along the small country roads and discover the Avesnois bocage and the famous village of Maroilles.

Through the Avesnois countryside along quiet country lanes.

Cycle along small country roads to discover the bocage landscape.

Cycle ride along the small country lanes north-west of Landrecies.

This route takes you through the wooded countryside of the Mormal Forest, the "rural" Sambre and the wet meadows that border it. You will therefore pass through a wide variety of landscapes, along footpaths and quiet country lanes.

Between dense forests and rolling countryside, this route takes off in Forest-en-Cambrésis. You will find yourself on authentic sunken paths lined with hundred-year-old beech trees and green embankments, which will take you in turn to Amerval, Ovillers and Beaurain. In each village, the discreet charm of the stone houses and the murmur of the streams invite you to contemplate. Further on, Vendegies-au-Bois, Bousies and Croix-Caluyau reveal rural panoramas where nature unfolds in all its splendour. This is a getaway where rhythm and serenity combine to offer a timeless interlude.

Starting from the Auberge du Croisil, take a short walk through the heart of the Mormal Forest, the largest forest area north of Paris. This route will enchant you whatever the season. Perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to spot one of its inhabitants?

Starting from the Auberge du Croisil, take a short walk through the heart of the Mormal Forest, the largest forest area north of Paris. This route will enchant you whatever the season. Perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to spot one of its inhabitants.

Section of the Véloroute des Vallées Vertes running from Belgium to Germany through the Avesnois Regional Nature Park – from Vendegies-au-Bois to Saint-Hilaire-sur-Helpe.

Cycle along quiet country lanes and through the forests of Bois l'Evêque and Mormal.

Let's set off on a forest walk in the Bois l'Évêque national forest, following in the footsteps of the poet Wilfred Owen. Notre-Dame de Bonsecours, the Ermitage fountain and the Flaquet pond sound like magical places from fairy tales!

Route through the bocage and along the Sambre Canal.

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.

This route winds its way through hedgerows and farmland along small roads and paths lined with hedges. Moderator's addition on 06/07/2021: Caution! Potential danger on this path crossed by barbed wire, see notices below.

This route takes you through the village streets and along the ‘caches’, the hedgerow-lined paths connecting the village to the pastures. The route runs alongside the RD 942 for 400m; please take care. Waterproof footwear is essential in wet weather.

This route between Cambrésis and Avesnois takes in hedgerow-lined paths, forest tracks and village streets, each with its own distinct atmosphere.

This peaceful walk through the Avesnes countryside offers lovely views of the wooded and rolling countryside. Rural and agricultural life unfolds as you pass through the typical hamlets. It is a lovely, peaceful outing, and depending on the season, it is adorned with the colours of autumn or spring wildflowers.

Cycling is the ideal way to discover the thousand and one secrets of the Avesnois region.

This route takes you to Maroilles in the footsteps of the lost abbey. The educational and entertaining Baladavesnois app provides you with comprehensive information to help you understand the history and discover the remains that are still visible.

Ce circuit vous permet de pénétrer en forêt de Mormal et de longer le Canal de la Sambre.

Cycling is the ideal way to discover the thousand and one secrets of the Avesnois region.During this ride, you will see the two magnificent mills of Grand-Fayt and Maroilles.

Accessible all year round, this route crosses the Maroilles bocage along small country roads. Many elements of the Thiérache heritage can be seen along the route (old farmhouses, water mills, chapels, bocage).

The route takes you on a tour of three kiosks and three water mills.It winds through the Avesnois countryside, with its hedgerows, pastures and orchards that are so characteristic of the Thiérache landscape. This hilly route is suitable for experienced cycle tourists, while the shorter version is accessible to families.

This is the first stage of a cycle route that takes you through the rolling countryside of Avesnois and Thiérache, between Maroilles and Le Nouvion-en-Thiérache. Along the way, take the time to sample some delicious Maroilles cheese!

Walk through the Rhônelle valley, between cultivated plateau and wooded valley floor. The route is of variable length and is suitable for families. Best time to visit is from April to September.

A pleasant family route along the bocage, the Bois de la Ferrière and the hedgerows. Despite being on tarmac, the small roads offer the pleasure of a country walk.

From Montay, this route takes you along peaceful paths where you can enjoy the fresh air and open horizons. Very quickly, the road leads to Pommereuil, a charming village nestled in the heart of the countryside, where time seems to pass more slowly. Continuing on to Le Cateau-Cambrésis, the route takes on a cultural and historical dimension: lively streets, elegant façades and artistic heritage offer a vivid contrast to the tranquillity of the surrounding countryside. This is a ride that subtly combines nature and discovery, ideal for getting away from it all while sampling the diversity of the Cambrésis region.

Discover the village of Sepmeries, its chapels and its landscapes.

Starting from Bazuel, this route invites you to escape along paths lined with nature, where the tranquillity of the Cambrésis plains is revealed step by step. Along the way, Ors reveals its discreet charm and green surroundings, offering a peaceful place to stop. The route continues towards Catillon-sur-Sambre, where water and rural panoramas blend together in a soothing atmosphere. Between country paths, bursts of greenery and authentic villages, this walk combines the pleasure of walking with the discovery of rural heritage. An invitation to slow down and savour the simple riches of the countryside.

Le Cateau-Cambrésis is a town generally known for its museum dedicated to the painter Henri Matisse, a native of the town, which was founded in 1952 by the artist himself and is now housed in the former Palais Fénelon.

A route allowing you to explore the town of Le Cateau-Cambrésis.