Nord-Pas-de-Calais walks

A very pleasant walk with magnificent views of Wissant beach, Cap Gris Nez, Cap Blanc Nez and the English coastline.

This walk will take you around the Mont des Cats along paths and back roads. It will reveal its viewpoints, its chapels, its heritage and its gentle slopes.

Walk from Wissant, through fields and hamlets, to discover the coast and hinterland between Wissant and Cap Blanc-Nez. There are lovely views from the various hills along the way.

Easy hike in two loops, discovering the Baie de la Canche and its nature reserve, through dune woods with lovely views over the bay and Le Touquet in the first part, then through marshes and the bay, with access to the beach. Return through a wild cherry wood.

An invigorating seaside walk to the heights of Sangatte, via the cliffs of Cap Blanc-Nez. A walk combining nature and culture, in a place that has been awarded the Grand Site de France label since 2011. Numerous relics of the Second World War bear witness to the past, amid breathtaking scenery.

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.

A loop from the old fort of Ambleteuse to Cap Gris Nez: go along the cliffs by the sea and return inland via the remains of blockhouses.

A walk along the Saint-Nazaire, through the wooded hills of Artois and the Lorette War Memorial (1914-1918).

Located in a protected natural area, the Fartz trail, dotted with bird observatories, lets you discover all the flora and fauna of Wissant bay.

Follow part of the old railroad line. Promenade du Préfet, Voie du Sucre from Mons-en-Pévèle.This new version takes into account suggestions made by users. Many thanks to them.

This trail takes you through a wooded landscape at the edge of the Artois hills, interspersed with canals and watergangs. The varied relief offers a unique panorama, a superb walk with a breathtaking view.

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.

These three mountains watch over Bailleul, the capital of Flanders between Lille and Dunkirk: Mont des Cats, Mont de Boeschepe and Mont Noir, plus Mont Kokereel. From the top of these small hills (180m), you can enjoy views over the surrounding area. The route offers several points of interest, including Marguerite Yourcenar's house on Mont Noir, the Boschepe mill in the village of the same name, and Mont des Cats and its abbey of Cistercian monks, founded in 1826.

15 Km circuit in and around the Phalempin Forest. Start from the carpark opposite the Phalempin church.

Start on the country side, across a field with Cap Blanc Nez in the distance behind you and the English cliffs on your right, in fine weather. Halfway along, take a break on the beach. Return to the top of the cliffs, where you'll appreciate all the notches and the panoramic view of Cap Gris Nez.26/06/2023 The hike has been modified because the passage is forbidden by the hole at Quette and the crossing of the Châtelet stream cannot be made anymore via the dunes.

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 route that takes you through the Fouquières marshes. You'll climb the wooded slag heap 83, offering a view of a mysterious artificial valley. You'll then head for slag heap 94 (staircase slag heap), passing the schlamm bins (storage of mining waste) and the Harnes fishing pond. Return along the path that runs alongside the Lens canal.

The trails are well-marked. All through the year, they're accessible, and this walk allows you to discover our beautiful northern beaches. Itinerary to be adapted, some areas may be off-limits, see notices .

A walk for those nostalgic for the little mountains, with their valleys, plateaus and streams spanned by old stone bridges. A walk for lovers of calm and nature. And as a gift for children, lots of animals: hens, roosters, ducks, buzzards, goats, sheep and, with a little patience, squirrels and roe deer in the woods... A visit to the Tower will bring a hint of culture.

Part of the GR®121B, east of Lac du Héron, hiking in the Val de Marque.Car park and starting point at the square, Place de l'Église, in Forest sur Marque.

A very pleasant nature trail in dry weather, but becomes more challenging in wet weather: grassy sections (a good test for your shoes, deep ruts, muddy sections). Warning: October 2024. While it's relatively easy to get through the ruts, the last part of the path out of the wood (before point 9) is in a terrible state. The path has been broken up by machinery and you can only pass along the sides, which are themselves very difficult. It's very slippery and sometimes you have to change sides, which is a real challenge. This used to be a signposted mountain bike trail, is it still?

A winding route offering superb views of the Artois heights and the Bléquin valley.

A surprising mix of landscapes: a deceptively medieval castle, deciduous and coniferous forest then reaching the top of a dune that overlooks the beach. Most of the walk is in the shade, and the beach is ideal for a picnic.

A beautiful walk taking you through several natural environments: dunes, forests, beaches and cliffs.

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 short woodland hike in the heart of Wasquehal, to discover the Bois de Warwamme and the Château de la Fontaine (castle).

This walk brings you into close contact with the canal's barges and birds. As the towpath is almost completely tarmac, this walk is particularly enjoyable in winter, when the paths are too muddy and impassable.

As you descend north of Mont-Cassel, you'll enjoy the beautiful Flanders countryside.Although there are long stretches of tarmac, the roads don't have much traffic.

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

Lots of paths, a beautiful crossing of the Bois (with decent tracks) and a beautiful view as you reach the plateau (but frequent fog in autumn). 2021: I've gone back to the original route, which is more pleasant.

What's in store: after a short kilometer of uphill northern cobblestones to warm up your calves, you'll plunge into the Thun l'Evèque marshland before following the Escaut and Sensée canals along the towpaths. Along the way, you're sure to come across green collars, moorhens, herons and cormorants, as well as barges and fishermen.

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).

Departing from the Parc Mozaïc car park, a 15km hike along the farm tracks of the Marais de la Deule, between Emmerin, Noyelles-lès-Seclin and Ancoisne.

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

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

This nearly roadless route takes in the wild Ravin des Cavernes and the astonishing moorland of Nœux-lès-Auxi (le Rietz). Le Rietz de Nœux is a protected nature reserve. In spring, it's home to the most beautiful orchids. Goes without saying, don't pick them! This circuit takes up a large part of the "Sentier de l'Étoile" (Path of the Star), of which there are a few routes, but no description. What's more, there are very few markings. The gates are near the fence on the right. Before tackling this route, I advise you to watch the 2 videos linked in Denis' commentary.

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.

The route begins in the forest, with birdwatching available from observation posts. Then the landscape becomes more undulous as you climb Slag heap 115 (viewpoint over the coalfield) and return via the miners' cottages.

A walk that can be enjoyed in wet weather, with little mud and very quiet roads.As you leave Pont Thibault, you'll come to the cobblestones of the same name. They are used by the Paris-Roubaix cyclists in early April.

A walk between France and Belgium in the Pévèle and Hainaut plains. This trail crosses the path of Monique, a Resistance fighter who evacuated Allied pilots who had fallen during the war. It also gives an idea of the work of the customs officers who guarded this border and the tricks that smugglers could use to thwart their surveillance.

Just a stone's throw from Lille, an easy stroll through unspoilt countryside, passing through the Emmerin wellfields. The end is a little urban before entering the leisure and nature park.

An easy 10 Km round trip along both banks of the Deûle canal. __⚠️ Work reported on the outward bank between points 1 and 4 on February 13, 2022. Plan to make the return trip on the other bank while waiting for the work to be completed.__

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 site represents Canada's most impressive memorial to its citizens who fought and gave their lives in the First World War. A strategic high point, offering breathtaking views of the coalfield and Artois hills.

This hike is passable even when the paths are muddy, as they are very grassy. We spend a very pleasant time between the plain, the canal and the woods...

This walk is loosely based on the "Sentier des Pierres du Diable" (Devil's Stone Trail), but allows you to discover, alongside the famous Devil's Stones, the magnificent Mont-Éloi Abbey, the Écoivres war cemetery, the churches of Écoivres, Acq and Mont Saint-Éloi, and the Acq mill.

A beautiful, varied and very natural route, especially the last 7 km.You can visit the church at Bouvines, with its stained-glass windows recounting the battle of the same name, the outcome of which contributed to the creation of France.

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 very hilly route over the Artois heights. A great sporting outing with beautiful scenery.

A hike that begins by circling the Marais de Péronne, then moves on to the hamlet of Maresqueldes and ends at the Marais du Warlet. This loop offers diverse landscapes, between water (the Marque (stream), marsh, pond), and fields and pastures. It runs alongside two small roads, otherwise it's all on footpaths.On the program: observation of marsh birds, fish in a fishing pond and a variety of native wildlife.