Héron Regional Nature Reserve in Villeneuve-d'Ascq

Parking at Parc du Héron, Avenue de Canteleu in Villeneuve-d'Ascq.

(S/E) Take the lane at the back of the car park, then the path on the left that runs alongside the water.

(1) In front of the Lille Métropole Museum gate, turn right, cross the bridge and turn left. Follow the path to the next bridge.

(2) Cross the Lac de Canteleu bridge and turn right immediately afterwards. Follow the path and continue along the water. Cross Rue du 8 Mai 1945 at the pedestrian crossing.

(3) At the Asnapio Archaeological Park, continue straight ahead, with the water still on your right. Walk along Asnapio Park, where you can see a few huts. After the park, leave the bridge on your right and turn left, then take the path on the right.

(4) Pass in front of the Hunting Lodge, which dates from 1685. Itsfacades and roof have been listed in the supplementary inventory of historic monuments since 1951. Continue along this path, which borders Lac du Héron. After Ferme Petitprez, take the path on the right closest to the lake. Continue. On the left is the Regional Conservatory Orchard.

(5) When you reach the Ferme du Héron, take the track on the right. It curves to the left, then goes straight for a short distance and curves to the right.

(6) When you come out of the trees, take the shared path with cyclists on the right. Follow this path for a good two kilometres.

(7) Cross Rue du 8 Mai 1945 at the pedestrian crossing and continue straight ahead. Pass the bridge on your right, then turn left immediately after the bridge and almost immediately right. At the end of the path, turn left, then right after a few metres at the fork.

(8) At Lac de Quincampoix, turn left onto the path that goes around the feudal mound. At the end, turn right and cross the bridge.

(9) Immediately turn left and continue to the end.

(10) Go through the underpass beneath the N227 (the one on the left is for pedestrians, the other is for cyclists). Once you come out, take the path on the left and follow it along the edge of Lac des Espagnols to the footbridge.

(11) Cross the footbridge; at the end, turn right and walk along the stadium fence. Cross the small bridge and, going uphill, turn right onto the footpath along the avenue. Turn right to continue along the lake. Return to the footbridge, which you will now leave behind to continue straight ahead and cross the underpass.

(10) After this passage, take the path on the right.

(9) Go left towards the pony club, then follow the path on the right that goes up to the car park (S/E).

This car park fills up quickly, so arrive early. Otherwise, there is a large car park at the Musée des Moulins, Rue Albert Samain.

In high winds, the park is closed to the public due to the risk of falling trees or branches.

Musée des Moulins.

Asnapio Archaeological Park.

Ferme du Héron.

LaM (Museum of Modern Art).

Villa Cavroix in Croix.