Escaut (fleuve) walks

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.

A walk along the towpaths of the new and old canals from Nimy to Péronnes. At the start, you can admire the two giant locks that have replaced the eight locks that you will then pass as you walk down the old canal. Admire the old lock houses on the old canal. However, be careful in strong winds between points (8) and (9) as the trees are fragile and it is best to avoid this section. The entire hike is on tarmac or paved paths.

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

Take a short trip to Château-l'Abbaye along the Scheldt and Scarpe rivers to cross the Pont de l'Imbécile bridge!

An old abandoned port known as the Bassin Rond, a peaceful walk to listen to the birds, following the Escaut Canal and its lock, with a riverside café. A pond, a river, meadows, and three villages to pass through – everything you need for a lovely day out with the family.

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.

Starting from Vaucelles Abbey (a Cistercian abbey listed as a historic monument), which you won’t want to miss visiting, you’ll enjoy the charm of a stroll along the Saint-Quentin Canal, then discover the magnificent views over the Cambrésis plains.

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.

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.

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.

A day-long walk along the Scheldt, taking the ferry at Sint-Amands. The walk starts at the church in Puurs, with parking available. The path is completely flat and away from the road network. It’s a relaxing day out that’s perfect for the whole family.

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.

It has it all: the Scheldt Canal, the Sensée, ponds and a village. Everything you need for a lovely day by the water. This walk is partly on tarmac, except along the rivers and ponds. Refreshment stop via Bouchain.

The fifth stage is short and straightforward to describe. Starting from Pecq, it runs to Tournai, following the Scheldt. It is by no means monotonous, however, as the river lies on one side, whilst the scenery on the other side is ever-changing. And the centre of Tournai is well worth a visit.

Setting off to explore the Pierre Brunehaut, an imposing menhir in the Hollain area, requires a detour; but for enthusiasts of megalithic sites, it is a detour well worth taking. To reach it, the walk follows the old Tournai–Cambrai Roman road, then crosses a small section of French territory to reach Belgium at Wiers.

The iconic hill of Tournaisis and its slopes offer panoramic views and trails or paths that you can walk, run or climb. Your steps will take you through countryside dotted with hamlets and farms towards the Scheldt and its Léaucourt cut (a former meander of the river). You will discover a discreet and modest countryside that is not lacking in charm.

In the heart of East Flanders, where the Scheldt river stretches out its peaceful arms, lies a land of water, woods and mysteries: Berlare Broek, Nieuwdonk, Maaidonk... names that whisper of nature and legends. Around the Donkmeer, a vast mirror of water, paths wind their way between wet meadows and old willow trees. Herons, kingfishers and deer remind us of the richness of unspoilt nature. Berlare Broek, a former peat bog, preserves the memory of a past when peat was extracted, before the water reclaimed its kingdom. Further on, Uitbergen Castle watches over the valley, and it is said that a white lady appears there on certain foggy evenings. Finally, between Paardenweide and Donhoeverpark, the Flanders of yesteryear reveals itself: a light breeze, reflections on the water and soothing silence.

This circular route takes you through the Scheldt plain between the two villages of Esquelmes and Ramegnies-Chin. It is a rural route along paths and small country roads. Take care when crossing the Tournai road. You will discover the pretty church of Esquelmes near the Scheldt, lined with trees, and the many calvaries and chapels. You will walk along paths lined with hedges and take small passages. At the edge of the Scheldt, you will see Mont Saint-Aubert on the other bank.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.