The Colfontaine Wood

Set off from two listed monuments – the House of François Salignac de la Mothe-Fénélon, Bishop of Cambrai, and the Tour du Lait Buré (a reference to cuckoo flower or a cheese shaped like a ball) – to explore former mining sites, the Molettes frame at Sauwartan and the Grand Bouillon d’En Haut slag heap. Wander through the Bois de Colfontaine and the Bois l’Évêque along wide avenues and gently undulating footpaths. Save your energy for the final stretch of the walk: the 12% gradient of the Rampe Anfouette, which is said to owe its name to the lashes of the whips used by the drivers of the horse-drawn carts that used to travel up the ramp.

A pleasant walk through the woods, allowing you to discover the hidden contours of the woodland, the meandering Ruisseau de Colfontaine and the woodland paths. “Ah! This wood, so beautiful and picturesque, with its whimsical paths disappearing into the valleys, following the unexpected twists and turns of the chattering streams and climbing the rugged slopes; its lanes, running from the R’mite cellar, passing not far from the Fountain, all the way to the Pavilion, veering off towards Blaugies or returning towards the first roundabout, its grassy paths winding through the thickets towards the Croatte tavern, or leading you back to the Baraque-à-Ramons, towards the Blondiau skittles alley! What a sight of couples dressed in their Sunday best! What a host of merry and boisterous groups! It was as though all the lovers of the Borinage had taken possession of the Wood…’ Dr Valentin Van Hassel (website link below) If it’s a wet season, make sure you wear suitable footwear as the site (4) is often muddy in such conditions. Currently (June 2025) the ground is dry.

A lovely walk, half through the countryside and half through woodland, along the paths of Warquignies and the Bois de Saint-Ghislain, where you can enjoy the coolness of the Ruisseau d’Elwasmes on hot days. It is worth noting that the Bois de Saint-Ghislain is, curiously, situated between Dour and Warquignies.

Country lanes and the edge of the forest feature on this gentle seven-kilometre route.

A family-friendly, rural walk along the village’s quiet paths and streets.Sars-la-Bruyère was first mentioned on 25 October 1185. Its name derives from the Latin *sartum*, meaning ‘cleared’ or ‘weeded’ land, and the village was built along the Roman road between Bavay and Utrecht. It witnessed the Battle of Malplaquet in 1709 and fighting between American and German forces in September 1944.

A walk that’s half through woodland and half across open countryside, where you’ll discover the remains of the Sauwartan coal mine and the site of an old watermill, as well as “Nounours” the llama. The more adventurous can climb to the top of the slag heap.

A walk starting from the Sept Hornu-Wasmes slag heap, offering sweeping views of the Borinage and its mining heritage. The cemetery features an unusual piano-shaped memorial. Paths, disused roads, the RAVel cycle route and footpaths make up this easy route, apart from the climb up the slag heap. A walking stick may be useful for the climb; in wet weather, large puddles may form on the path running alongside the N550, so please wear waterproof shoes in such conditions.

A peaceful walk starting from Blaugies towards the French border, taking you through hills and valleys with lovely open views. In sunny weather, the walk offers little shade (bring water) and is a great way to get plenty of fresh air. The idyllic landscapes and quiet paths make for a peaceful walk.