Lys (rivière canalisée) walks

This tour will introduce you to three different settings: the Domaniale de Nieppe forest, the wooded countryside and the Lys river.

The forest edge, the canal banks and the agricultural plain give the trail its contrasting moods. Keep your eyes peeled for birds in the undergrowth, insects on leaves and trees, and the mushrooms that grow here in late spring.

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

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.

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. Hike without description to be followed using the Visorando app.

Departure and arrival at the car park near Saint Médard Church in Wervik. Crossing the border on the Lys bridge. A passage is made at Wervicq-Sud. The path runs along the river to Chemin des Vaches, crosses the countryside of Bousbecque, Parc Dalle-Dumont, followed by crossing the border and the De Balokken nature reserve.

Start and finish at the car park on Route des Docks in Comines B. This walk partly follows the route des Tilleuls on the French side It is possible to start the walk from Quai Verboeckhoven in Warneton

This route through the Comines countryside is accessible all year round, although the best time to visit is from April to October. The hedges of trees and shrubs that separate the fields protect them from temperature fluctuations. They also help to slow down soil erosion by regulating water runoff and maintaining the flora and fauna.The alignments along the paths and roads are made up of pollarded willows or poplars.

The Parc des Prés de la Lys is a place for walking, heritage and wetland conservation, a picnic area, promoting soft mobility, etc. Its recent development (2022), still in progress, also offers a magnificent view of the two Comines, municipalities on the banks of the Lys. Hike without description, to be followed with the Visorando app.

Start and finish at the car park of Saint-Médard Church in Wervik via the Lys, Menin, Halluin marina, Bousbecque and Wervicq-Sud. This route is part of the Montagne route in Wervicq-Sud.

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.

Three nice climbs and a long stroll on the plateau for a walk in the countryside. A very hilly first part, then a long route on the heights before descending to Reclinghem with a magnificent view. The icing on the cake is a little extra circular that brings the elevation gain to over 300 m.