Hamel walks

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.

A leisurely walk of less than two hours on flat terrain in a natural, sparsely built-up environment. It partly follows the route of another walk I really like, but in the opposite direction, which offers a different perspective: Hamel and its marshes, a little piece of Canada

The walk begins along the Canal du Nord and then continues along country lanes. When you arrive in Oisy-le-Verger, you are immediately greeted by the horses at the riding centre. Then we weave our way through to the Bois Duquesnoy. As I can't take my dog on the municipal tidal paths, I turn off early to continue along a quiet, leafy country lane. Finally, we return along the canal to the car park. Enjoy your walk.

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.

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.

A hike between the canal and the Sensée marshes. Visit the old peat bogs to discover the aquatic fauna and boat activity. During the hike, you will pass through the Palluel lock. In the heart of the Sensée marshes, between the land of smoked garlic in Arleux and that of shallots in Bugnicourt.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Short hike around the area developed around the Sainte-Marie slag heap.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.