Raismes walks

This short walk through the Scarpe Escaut Nature Reserve will take you through the woods, past marshes, where you can discover the remains of the old coal mines, reach the foot of the last headframe, climb to the top of the Térril de la Sabatière and enjoy the superb view.

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.

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.

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

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.

This route will delight walkers with its many views and the architecture of the clustered village of Préseau.

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.

Miss S.’s Year 5 and Year 6 classes (2019–2020) present a walking tour designed to help you discover the lives of miners, historical remains and mining infrastructure in the town of Lourches and its surroundings. Many points of interest are illustrated with one or more photos: click on the link to access the explanations (the research was carried out by our pupils).

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.

Discover the village of Sepmeries, its chapels and its landscapes.

This route through the heart of the bocage is suitable for families and novice walkers. It follows farm tracks, small roads and bocage paths.

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.

From Vendegies-sur-Écaillon, this route takes you on a journey of discovery through a countryside where water and stone echo each other. The paths open up to soothing views, bordered by golden fields and the shady banks of the Écaillon. Bermerain reveals its warm red brick façades, Saint-Martin-sur-Écaillon charms with its tranquillity and peaceful lanes, and Sommaing-sur-Écaillon offers a bucolic panorama where time seems to stand still. A walk that combines gentleness, authenticity and rural charm, perfect for letting yourself be carried away by the tranquil rhythm of the Haut-Cambrésis.

Walk through the Rhônelle valley, between cultivated plateau and wooded valley floor. The route is of variable length and is suitable for families. Best time to visit is from April to September.

Discover the beauty of the countryside around Landas on a picturesque walk that will take you through the charming streets, lanes and paths of this delightful village in the Pévèle region. This walk is suitable for everyone and offers a chance to relax in the heart of the countryside.

Set off on a bucolic walk from Haspres, where the paths open onto green meadows and hedgerows. You will soon cross Verchain-Maugré, with its stone farms and old ivy-covered walls, before reaching Monchaux-sur-Écaillon, where the stream flows peacefully along the banks. Every moment of this loop invites you to slow down: birdsong, the scent of wild flowers and the glimpse of a chapel in the countryside punctuate your progress. Don't forget your water bottle and camera to capture these authentic landscapes and prolong the pleasure beyond this getaway.

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.

An old abandoned port known as the Bassin Rond, a peaceful walk to listen to the birds, following the Escaut Canal and its lock, with a riverside café. A pond, a river, meadows, and three villages to pass through – everything you need for a lovely day out with the family.

Set off on an inspiring getaway from Avesnes-le-Sec, where the village's cobblestones give way to a network of country lanes. You will find yourself immersed in a vibrant landscape of green meadows and secret groves as you head towards Lieu-Saint-Amand. Next, head for Noyelles-sur-Selle, where the peaceful riverbanks and rural heritage invite you to stop and contemplate. Every turn reveals a new facet of the Hainaut countryside, between authentic villages and the murmur of running water, for a journey that is both rejuvenating and full of surprises. Don't forget your camera and your curiosity: this loop is a real open book on the gentle way of life in the North.

It has it all: the Scheldt Canal, the Sensée, ponds and a village. Everything you need for a lovely day by the water. This walk is partly on tarmac, except along the rivers and ponds. Refreshment stop via Bouchain.

Between Hordain and its gentle industrial reflections, this country trail invites you to escape along old paths lined with green embankments. With every step, the distant murmur of the canal mingles with birdsong, promising instant immersion in a reinvented countryside. Bouchain welcomes you with its historic fortifications and peaceful river branches, before Marquette-en-Ostrevant opens up to landscapes where locks punctuate the walk. Finally, Wavrechain-sous-Faulx unfolds its patchwork of meadows and hedgerows, offering you a bucolic interlude, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

In the heart of the Quercy citadel, discover the defensive structures built under Charles V and Louis XIV.

This wooded trail is easy to follow. It runs alongside rural hedgerows and streets with characteristic housing.