Helfaut walks

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

A short, undulating route offering beautiful views.

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 walk in the Artois region, particularly pleasant in autumn.

It's a route that will delight altitude enthusiasts (Carto exploreur and the Visorando app suggest it's as high as 500m). What's more, the views are stunning. Route slightly modified in November 2019. All trails are very good as of May 14, 2020 (even if some are very grassy).

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.

A short but fairly strenuous route with a steep hill and some very grassy paths. On 12/08/2025: the start of the trail is once again very overgrown (brambles and nettles). It's passable but it's best to wear trousers or good gaiters and, of course, bring a walking stick or even a pair of secateurs.

Arnèke is a village of 1,600 inhabitants not far from Cassel. You'll discover beautiful views of Cassel and Mont des Récollets, as well as the church of Zegerscappel.