Fleurbaix walks

This walk will introduce you to the countryside around Sailly and the tranquility of the river Lys.

If you have time, you can visit the museum dedicated to the Battle of Fromelles, which took place in July 1916. Next, you will skirt the village of Aubers, but you will see some of its ponds, which make this village a tourist destination for fishing and camping. You will also encounter the very respectable Tilleul du Joncquoy, which was planted there in 1490.

The ATM1 students at the Lycée Île de Flandre have put together this short walk, suitable for everyone. It will take you to a little green oasis just a stone’s throw from Armentières town centre. You’ll soon find yourself surrounded by nature as you first walk alongside the pond at the Léo Lagrange complex, then stroll along the banks of the Lys.

Humani Twins Go hike in the town of Nieppe. Nieppe, in the heart of Flanders, where you can see the ponds and Michel Grasset Park. This hike is accessible to everyone and is not difficult.

Hiking in the city and the countryside. In Nieppe, you can stroll around the ponds or along the Lys river. This route is accessible to everyone as there are no hills.

A short route with very little tarmac, allowing you to (re)discover the old lime tree of Joncquoy as well as the orchards of La Cliqueterie, which are particularly beautiful in autumn and spring.

Departure from Carrefour de la Vallée in Ennetières-en-Weppes. For a hike on roads and small paved country lanes. Can be completed in two hours if you walk at a brisk pace.

Start and finish at the car park near Bizet Church via the Ornithological Nature Reserve and Rue de la Howarderie in Ploegsteert. This route crosses a muddy farm track during winter.

A short cycle ride in Belgium around Mont Kemmel, without having to sweat on its slopes, via a route that uses only tarmac roads and a few quiet paths. In short, nothing but enjoyment and a few scenic views.

A short loop between Armentières and Lille that passes through Les Weppes whilst avoiding major roads as much as possible. On tarmac roads, you’ll discover the countryside and also the AustralianFirst World War memorial.

A cycle route combining countryside and main roads, near Mont Noir for want of any other option. Patience and pedalling will see you through the climbs, which are, nevertheless, gradual, with no steep gradients.

A short, very peaceful cycle ride around Ploegsteert, avoiding the steep climbs of Nieuwkerke. The route takes place in Belgium, above Armentières, passing through Le Bizet.

A cycle ride through the countryside, starting from Houplines, passing through Frelinghem and the Deulemont lock, circling Quesnoy-sur-Deule and continuing to Wambrechies, before returning via Lompret.

A short cycle ride in Belgium, starting gently on flat roads. It is only around Nieuwkerke that you will work up a bit of a sweat. The rest of the route is really easy going.

A ride with a few climbs in the Belgian Flanders, all whilst staying in the countryside. You can stop off at Nieuwkerke or Dranouter if you feel like it.

Trail in the Weppes around Beaucamps-Ligny. The countryside near Lille Métropole.

Prémesques, the starting village, is at the edge of the suburbs, close to Lomme and Pérenchies.This humble asphalt route could nonetheless satisfy joggers and provide plenty of fresh air for walkers. What else could you ask for?If you set off at daybreak, you might see a few partridges fly in, encounter a few rabbits and maybe even some hares.

Departure and arrival at the Rue du Touquet car park near the Ploegsteert brickworks via the Howarderie and the Ploegsteert Ornithological Nature Reserve. Located in the heart of the Lys Valley, this remarkable 100-hectare site is a treat for bird lovers.

A long stroll across flat countryside with a nice little climb at the end.Only two slightly tricky sections, so an ideal walk in autumn and winter.The walk starts on a small road with few houses and therefore little traffic, before crossing Le Bizet via Les Voyettes.We then continue along the Canal and the beautiful Bayart Bridge, reserved for non-motorised traffic, then past a few ponds with facilities for storks, before finishing in the Bois de Ploegsteert.

Departure from the car park on the main square in Ploegsteert town centre via the countryside of Neuve-Église. Pass by the farms. Dirt track to the border with Neuve-Église. Then a paved path and return via a dirt track. Pass through the Bois de la Hutte at the end of the route.

Departure from the car park on the main square in Ploegsteert via the countryside of Neuve Eglise, Wulvergem, the Plugstreet Interpretation Centre and the British Memorial in Ploegsteert. Pass through dirt roads that cross agricultural areas.

Start and finish at the car park on the main square in Ploegsteert via the Plugstreet Interpretation Centre, the British memorial, the Bois de la Hutte and the countryside around Neuve Église The walk crosses a field of crops and muddy, slippery dirt tracks, especially in winter.

A circular route through countryside and woodland, taking in places steeped in history.After a somewhat tedious first kilometre, the walk follows a series of paths and quiet country lanes to reach Wulvergem.After a lovely circular route through Wulvergem, you’ll find a wild path at a place called Rosenberg before crossing the Bois de la Hutte. A short stretch then along the Ghent-Wevelgem roads to reach the Christmas Truce Cemetery.You then cross the Ploegsteert Wood to reach the Memorial Museum.

Start and finish at the car park on the main square in Ploegsteert via the Plugstreet Interpretation Centre, the British Memorial, Bois de la Hutte and the countryside around Neuve-Eglise. The route crosses a cornfield.

Start and finish at the car park on the main square in Ploegsteert via the countryside of Neuve Église and Rosenberg, the Bois de la Hutte and the Plugstreet interpretation centre This walk crosses dirt tracks and farmland, some of which are muddy during the winter.

Hike starting and ending at the Ploegsteert sports hall

This often shaded walk, straddling the Belgian border, may appeal to you, as 90% of the route runs alongside the banks of the Lys and the Deûle.

Start and finish at the car park in front of the British war memorial in Ploegsteert. You can also start from the main square in Ploegsteert. The route takes you through a field, so check the weather forecast before setting off. Some paths can be quite muddy in winter.

Start and finish at the car park in front of the British memorial in Ploegsteert, via the historic site of the Christmas Truce memorial and the Rosenberg. The route passes by Wallonia’s only hop farm, known as Forrest Farm.

Departure and arrival at the car park on the main square in Neuve Église. This route takes you through the countryside around Ploegsteert. The hike crosses a field and follows dirt paths through wet and muddy areas in winter. You can admire the Heuvelland countryside with its vineyards at the foot of the Kemmel and Monteberg mountains.

Start and finish at the car park on the main square in Neuve Église via the countryside around Ploegsteert This route crosses a field and is therefore quite muddy in winter Passes close to vineyards: there are two vineyard plots on this route

Start and finish at the car park on the Grand-Place in Neuve Église, via the Ravensberg countryside in Bailleul. This route passes through muddy paths during winter, so it is advisable to do this hike in dry weather in summer.

A pleasant route in Belgium. This is the Sentier des Gueux (Geuzen walking route), the end of which I have modified. It uses the same signposting as the Mont Kemmel and Mont Rouge routes. It is an easy walk along small roads, wide farm tracks and some very pleasant paths (including a "paved slanting street"!).

Start and finish at the car park on the main square in Neuve Église. It is also possible to start from Wulvergem. Passing through Rosenberg, along dirt tracks and through fields that are wet and muddy in winter. The walk takes place near the Cense de l'Alouette vineyard. In the shadow of Mont Kemmel, it overlooks the Douve to the north and the Lys valley to the south.

Pass Notre Dame Church, follow Bassevillestraat, cross Zuidlindestraat and take Naaikorfstraat. Pass the Cense de l'Alouette vineyard. At the end, turn right onto Rue du Rossignol, then right onto Leeuwerkstraat and continue straight ahead onto the farm track, which can be quite muddy in winter.

Start and finish at the car park of Wulvergem Church or the main square in Neuve Église. This walk mostly follows paved paths and is therefore ideal for winter.

Start and finish at the car park on the main square in Neuve Église via the countryside of Ploegsteert and Nieppe The hike crosses a field and follows dirt paths through wet and muddy areas in winter. Pass through the Romarin district, which straddles France, Flanders and Belgium

Start and finish at the car park on the main square in Neuve Église via the countryside around Dranouter. This route is mostly on paved paths and is therefore ideal for a mud-free walk in winter.

Departure and arrival at the car park on the main square in Neuve Eglise via the countryside of Ploegsteert and Wulvergem Passing close to the Cense de l'Alouette vineyard. In the shadow of Mount Kemmel, the view overlooks the Douve to the north and the Lys valley to the south. The vineyard was planted in 2018 Passing close to the church of Wulvergem.

Do you prefer to use public transport, or do you not have your own transport to get to the start of the walk? This walk from station to station will allow you to enjoy some of the most beautiful natural areas of the Parc de la Deûle.Starting from Wavrin station, you can explore the lodge site, walk alongside the Deûle Canal at various distances, and finish with a visit to La Louvière Park before reaching Don-Sainghin station.

A long route around Bailleul, the only real challenge of which (especially in dry weather) is its length.After reaching Saint-Jans-Cappel via a farm track, you tackle Mont Noir (and it puts up a good fight!). You then set off along a route running along the border to reach the vicinity of Dranouter.A lovely descent through the fields, followed by a succession of paths and small roads, brings you to the Botanical Conservatory. All that remains is to make your way back to Bailleul, alternating between very narrow roads with badly damaged surfaces and footpaths. A lovely green space (the Bellekindt) allows you to bypass the cemetery, and the walk ends in the centre of Bailleul with its monuments. It’s best to choose a dry spell, otherwise you may encounter some muddy sections. This was the case this morning (5 March 2025: difficult sections at point (5), between (9) and (10), between (11) and (12), and after (23). Avoid the first weekend in August: the festival takes up part of the trails.