Paillencourt walks

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.

In the heart of the Valenciennes region, a bucolic trail starts in Wasnes-au-Bac and connects the towns of Marquette-en-Ostrevant, Marcq-en-Ostrevent, Féchain, Hem-Lenglet and Paillencourt. The route, lined with hedgerows and rolling meadows, is perfect for strolling between villages with authentic charm and landscapes shaped by local agriculture. Accessible to all and adaptable to your pace, this route can be enjoyed in every season, from the blossoming spring to the soft hues of autumn. A few local snacks and a detailed map are all you need to fully savour this getaway, between contemplative breaks and heritage discoveries.

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

Starting from Noyelles-sur-Selle, take a rural route where sunken lanes and peaceful riverbanks intertwine. This route takes you to Douchy-lès-Mines, where the vegetated slag heaps are a reminder of the area's mining history, then to the restored canals of Denain before following the Escaut River to Neuville-sur-Escaut. Further on, the medieval ramparts of Bouchain rise up from the meadows, and your arrival in Lieu-Saint-Amand reveals a mosaic of forests and farmland. Bring good walking shoes, a detailed map and a water bottle to make the most of this authentic escape in the Valenciennes area.

The Estourmel-hier Association offers this tour through fields, tree-lined paths and villages to discover the rich heritage of the commune. Heritage information panels are provided in front of each notable monument to help you learn more about the history of the village.

Starting from Monceaux-sur-Écaillon, set off on a rural route that gently climbs through meadows and hedgerows. The first steps lead to Quérénaing, where the charm of red bricks blends with the tranquillity of the allotment gardens. Then, heading towards Maing, the Arenberg Canal and its green banks invite you to stop and contemplate. The final stage towards Thaint reveals bucolic views of the Écaillon valley, between rapeseed fields and secret groves. Bring a water bottle to make the most of this Valenciennes getaway.

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.

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.

Easy walk from Bellaing to the slag heap, the mining cottages and the Haveluy pit.Return through the countryside with a view of the Arenberg slagheap and the Saint-Amand forest.Enjoy the walk.

This route takes you through the mythical 'Trouée d'Arenberg' (Arenberg gap), the venue for the Paris-Roubaix race, and then on to the Mare à Goriaux bird sanctuary.

Starting from Neuville-en-Avesnois, this bucolic route takes you through meadows and hedgerows, revealing the rural soul of the Avesnois region. In Salesches, the communal pond and its peaceful banks invite you to stop and contemplate. As you reach Poix-du-Nord, half-timbered farms and restored wash houses dot the route with touches of authenticity. At every turn, birdsong and the murmur of streams compose a changing rural tableau. The trail continues to Vendegies-aux-Bois, where the deciduous forest forms secret paths and wild clearings. It is here, among ferns and hundred-year-old tree trunks, that this walk ends, rich in bucolic memories.

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

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.

In the heart of the Vervinois region, a bucolic trail begins in Vaux-Andigny, inviting you to leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind and immerse yourself in the generous countryside. Under the cover of ancient hedgerows, you walk along meadows bathed in light before reaching Andigny-les-Fermes, where the discreet charm of half-timbered farms reveals a preserved rural heritage. You then reach Mennevret, nestled in a green valley where the murmur of the stream and the ballet of dragonflies set the pace for your walk. Gentle hills appear on the horizon before opening up to the final stage in Régnicourt, a peaceful village with shady lanes. Bring a water bottle and a good pair of shoes: this accessible route is best enjoyed at the pace of the seasons, stopping to contemplate the scenery.

In the heart of Vermandois, a path stretches for several kilometres, linking Brancourt-le-Grand to Fresnoy-le-Grand. Between cobbled streets and grassy paths, this long walk invites you to discover the striking contrast between the hustle and bustle of village life and the tranquillity of the surrounding fields. All along the route, the red brick architecture contrasts with the open horizons of meadows and groves. At every turn, let yourself be surprised by an old gate, a blossoming orchard or the discreet song of a stream, for an authentic immersion in the soul of Vermandois.

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 pleasant stroll across the plain between the villages of Bachy and Cobrieux, just a stone's throw from the Franco-Belgian border.

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.

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

Hiking on the Haute-Deûle canal between Don and Ile aux Saules, between Bauvin and Billy-Berclau.In addition to the canal, you'll have the chance to discover beautiful natural areas such as Parc de La Louvière, Espace Chico Mendès and Île aux Saules.