Péruwelz walks

Starting from the random point given at the end of the previous stage, we will explore the Belgian-French border region in southern Hainaut, moving back and forth between France and Belgium, including the curious town of Bon-Secours with its cathedral situated right on the border. This stage ends in the municipality of Belœil at a holiday let booked for the occasion.

Take a short trip to Château-l'Abbaye along the Scheldt and Scarpe rivers to cross the Pont de l'Imbécile bridge!

A walk along the towpaths of the new and old canals from Nimy to Péronnes. At the start, you can admire the two giant locks that have replaced the eight locks that you will then pass as you walk down the old canal. Admire the old lock houses on the old canal. However, be careful in strong winds between points (8) and (9) as the trees are fragile and it is best to avoid this section. The entire hike is on tarmac or paved paths.

This circular route connects the Chabaud-Latour Pond to the Bonsecours Forest in Péruwelz. Along the route, you can see the Fosse Ledoux headframe and its slag heap, the Bernissart Fire Machine and the Basilica of Our Lady of Bon-Secours in Péruwelz.

A walk that follows the old Pommeroeul–Antoing and Blaton–Ath canals, takes the old L80/78A Blaton–Bernissart railway line, and ends with country lanes running alongside the geological trail of the Bernissart Museum.

This walk takes you on a discovery of the Harchies Marshes, follows the towpath of the old Antoing-Pommerœul canal, joins the RAVeL of the old railway line linking Blaton to Bernissart, goes around Lake Bernissart and finally takes you into the countryside on the old railway line (not developed) that linked the Sartis coal mine to Bernissart station.

Discover one of Wallonia’s richest natural sites! Located in the Haine Valley, this 550-hectare area is a wetland of international importance (Natura 2000). This flat route, accessible to all (pushchairs welcome), takes you through vast reed beds, ponds and woodland, offering numerous vantage points from which to admire herons, ducks and, with a bit of luck, the elusive bittern.

This eighth stage is certainly not the most pleasant part of this tour of Wallonia, as it passes through a heavily built-up area. Nevertheless, it is interesting to explore the Borinage not only through its countryside but also through its towns. You’ll find both aspects here. Accommodation with a local host.

This is an easy walk to visit a picturesque corner of the Borinage region along old miners' paths and discover the charm of the Harchies marshes.

Pleasant walk along the Ath-Blaton Canal and return through the woods of Belœil Castle.

An easy walk accessible to all at Mer de Sable, in the undivided forest of Stambruges, to discover the Fontaine Bouillante and return along the Blaton-Ath canal on the towpath.

Discover the undivided forest of Stambruges, its avenues and paths, and the mystery of the Fontaine Bouillante. Follow the narrow streets of Belœil and Stambruges and marvel at the Château du Prince de Ligne, the ‘Belgian Versailles’. Two other walks are available: “The Ath-Blaton Canal between Belœil and Stambruges” and “The Mer de Sable, the Fontaine Bouillante and the Blaton-Ath Canal”. This one is intended as a summary of the two (excluding the Mer de Sable) but follows different paths and lanes.

With this fourth stage, it’s time to tackle the westernmost part of the Tour de Wallonie as you head towards the Scheldt, but not before climbing the area’s toughest hill, Mont-Saint-Aubert.

Setting off to explore the Pierre Brunehaut, an imposing menhir in the Hollain area, requires a detour; but for enthusiasts of megalithic sites, it is a detour well worth taking. To reach it, the walk follows the old Tournai–Cambrai Roman road, then crosses a small section of French territory to reach Belgium at Wiers.

Discover the famous yet little-known "Mare à Goriaux" near Saint-Amand-les-Eaux. It may be called a "mare" (pond), but it is actually a majestic little lake. The walk begins with the ascent of a small slag heap, which will open up a superb panorama overlooking the lake. You will also walk along the equally famous Arenberg trench for 300 to 400 metres.

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.

The iconic hill of Tournaisis and its slopes offer panoramic views and trails or paths that you can walk, run or climb. Your steps will take you through countryside dotted with hamlets and farms towards the Scheldt and its Léaucourt cut (a former meander of the river). You will discover a discreet and modest countryside that is not lacking in charm.

This lovely circular walk takes hikers through the Haut-Pays towards Onnezies (with its famous wolf and the manor tower), towards Gussignies (home to the equally renowned Brasserie du Baron) and the Caillou qui Bique above Grande Honnelle.A must for anyone unfamiliar with the region!Mostly through the countryside, the route also follows a section of the RAVeL and forest paths.It crosses part of the Natagora nature reserve at Grande Honnelle, where there are clear signs instructing you to follow the paths and not to pick the flowers – especially not the daffodils or hyacinths, which bloom in turn by the thousands in early spring!