Vendegies-sur-Écaillon walks

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.

From Capelle, the route follows paths lined with hedges and meadows, where every turn offers a new view of the countryside. The atmosphere is peaceful, almost timeless, carried by the scent of the fields and the gentle song of birds. As you pass through Escarmain, you will discover a village with authentic charm, before reaching Bermerain, whose red brick houses stand out beautifully against the rural horizon. With its encounters with nature, local heritage and soothing tranquillity, this walk is an invitation to savour the peaceful rhythm of the Cambrésis countryside.

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

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.

Around Montrécourt and Saulzoir, the paths wind through unspoilt countryside, where the golden hues of the harvest blend with the deep green of the hedgerows and meadows. Every step is a breath of fresh air, punctuated by birdsong and the light scent of wild herbs. From discreet hamlets to lively little villages, this route charms with its authentic landscapes and gentle atmosphere. It's the perfect itinerary for a rural getaway to savour the simple riches of the Haut-Cambrésis region.

From Haussy, this route takes you along paths where rural charm and authenticity blend together. Very quickly, the silhouette of Vertain comes into view, offering its peaceful lanes and welcoming atmosphere. The paths continue through fields and hedgerows to Solesmes, a lively town with a rich heritage, where history and local life meet. As you set off again, the countryside opens up once more, revealing wide horizons as far as Saint-Python, a small village with a strong character, nestled between greenery and farmland. With its architectural discoveries, open landscapes and warm atmosphere, this walk offers a complete immersion in the soul of the Cambrésis region.

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

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.

Section of the Véloroute des Vallées Vertes running from Belgium to Germany through the Avesnois Regional Nature Park – from Vendegies-au-Bois to Saint-Hilaire-sur-Helpe.

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.

ROUTE TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FALLEN TREES The route follows ‘caches’ – hedgerow paths linking the villages and surrounding pastures – as well asfarm tracks and quiet roads.

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.

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

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.

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

From Beaurain, this route immediately reveals a lush countryside where light plays on the fields and hedgerow-lined paths. You first reach Ovillers, a discreet hamlet with simple charm, nestled between meadows and farmland. Continuing on, Romeries appears with its peaceful atmosphere, brick facades and small details that tell the story of rural life. The road then continues to Vertigneul, a peaceful, green village where the air is filled with the scents of the earth and the seasons. This is a walk that combines authenticity, open landscapes and a gentle way of life, ideal for recharging your batteries and savouring the richness of the Cambrésis region.

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.

Accessible all year round, this route runs along the picturesque Écaillon valley.

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

From Saint-Hilaire-lez-Cambrai, the paths open onto a bright countryside where the scent of earth mingles with birdsong. The road first leads to Quiévy, a charming village with a strong agricultural past, where red brick houses dot the landscape. Continuing on, the paths wind between golden fields and green hedges to Saint-Vaast-en-Cambrésis, a haven of tranquillity with picturesque narrow streets. Between generous nature and village authenticity, this route invites you to slow down, breathe and savour all the gentleness of the region.

From Briastre, the paths invite you to leave the hustle and bustle behind and immerse yourself in a gentle, rural landscape. The first stop, Solesmes, reveals its lively character and rich past, with its bustling streets and bell towers watching over the town. As you continue your walk, the paths become quieter, winding between golden fields and groves until you reach Neuvilly, a peaceful village where time seems to stand still. This route combines authentic villages and serene landscapes, offering an ideal break to recharge your batteries while savouring the local history.

Starting from Avesnes-les-Aubert, this route opens up like a timeless interlude. The paths first lead you to Saint-Aubert, a peaceful village straight out of a postcard, where bell towers dot the horizon. The road continues to Villers-en-Cauchies, with its serene lanes and agricultural landscapes that exude tranquillity. Then comes Rieux-en-Cambrésis, nestled in the heart of the fields, where rural history blends with village life. Between bucolic passages, encounters with local heritage and gentle panoramas, this getaway offers a concentration of charm and authenticity, ideal for getting some fresh air and recharging your batteries.

This route winds its way through hedgerows and farmland along small roads and paths lined with hedges. Moderator's addition on 06/07/2021: Caution! Potential danger on this path crossed by barbed wire, see notices below.

This route takes you through the village streets and along the ‘caches’, the hedgerow-lined paths connecting the village to the pastures. The route runs alongside the RD 942 for 400m; please take care. Waterproof footwear is essential in wet weather.

Between edge and forest, this trail allows you to discover the hideouts of the hedgerows, forest paths and trails. The atmosphere changes with the seasons.

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).

A pleasant family route along the bocage, the Bois de la Ferrière and the hedgerows. Despite being on tarmac, the small roads offer the pleasure of a country walk.

This cross-border route follows small roads and agricultural paths. The listed site of Caillou-qui-Bique requests that visitors behave respectfully.

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.

Between dense forests and rolling countryside, this route takes off in Forest-en-Cambrésis. You will find yourself on authentic sunken paths lined with hundred-year-old beech trees and green embankments, which will take you in turn to Amerval, Ovillers and Beaurain. In each village, the discreet charm of the stone houses and the murmur of the streams invite you to contemplate. Further on, Vendegies-au-Bois, Bousies and Croix-Caluyau reveal rural panoramas where nature unfolds in all its splendour. This is a getaway where rhythm and serenity combine to offer a timeless interlude.

From the peaceful village of Bévillers, the paths lead you through fields and green hedges to Beauvois-en-Cambrésis, whose typical architecture and bell tower have watched over the village for generations. In Fontaine-au-Pire, the murmur of fountains and the discreet charm of red brick façades create a gentle and welcoming atmosphere. The road continues to Carnières, a village closely linked to the agricultural history of the Cambrésis region, where every turn reveals a detail of its heritage: old wash houses, traditional farms and small chapels. When you reach Boussières-en-Cambrésis, the horizon opens up once again onto expanses of fields dotted with copses and sunken paths, offering a last breath of fresh air before the end of the route. Throughout this getaway, the landscape changes subtly: the play of light on the crops, the seasonal scents and the birdsong create a gentle immersion in rural life, inviting you to savour the moment.

From Béthencourt, the path gently moves away from the houses and blends into the open countryside, where cultivated fields stretch as far as the eye can see. In Quiévy, the bell tower rises above the red roofs, a familiar and reassuring landmark. The road continues towards Viesly, where you can enjoy strolling along the peaceful streets and observing the details of the small heritage sites: old walls, wells and flower-bedecked façades. Finally, Beaumont-en-Cambrésis comes into view, offering a warm welcome to walkers with its neat streets and green spaces. Throughout this loop, the Cambrésis reveals its gentle nature: hedges rustle with birdsong, the wind glides over the wheat fields and the villages open up like peaceful interludes. This is a route that invites you to slow down, listen to the countryside come to life and savour the simple harmony between man and the earth.

This route connects the hedgerow belt and the paths within the Mormal State Forest. Each season brings its own discoveries.

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 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.

Straddling the French-Belgian border, take a short, hilly walk to discover the countryside and woods around Roisin. Part of the route follows the course of the Grande Honnelle, a charming stream. The route also passes by the famous "Caillou qui Bique".

From Montay, this route takes you along peaceful paths where you can enjoy the fresh air and open horizons. Very quickly, the road leads to Pommereuil, a charming village nestled in the heart of the countryside, where time seems to pass more slowly. Continuing on to Le Cateau-Cambrésis, the route takes on a cultural and historical dimension: lively streets, elegant façades and artistic heritage offer a vivid contrast to the tranquillity of the surrounding countryside. This is a ride that subtly combines nature and discovery, ideal for getting away from it all while sampling the diversity of the Cambrésis region.

From Audencourt to the villages of Cambrésis: a stroll through the countryside Starting from Audencourt, let yourself be carried away by charming paths that wind their way through fields, hedgerows and farmsteads, leading in turn to Caudry, Beaumont-en-Cambrésis, Inchy and then Troisvilles. Each village has its own unique character: the quiet bustle of Caudry, the charming narrow streets of Beaumont, the authenticity of Inchy and the tranquillity of Troisvilles. Between stops, the panorama unfolds like a living canvas of changing colours, country scents and birdsong. More than just a route, this is a getaway that combines discovery, fresh air and the pleasure of walking in the heart of a region shaped by time and nature.

From Caudry to the villages of Cambrésis: a bucolic interlude Set off from the heart of Caudry and follow the paths that wind their way through fields and hedgerows, leading in turn to Ligny-en-Cambrésis, Montigny-en-Cambrésis and then Le Tronquoy. Each village reveals its own character: peaceful lanes, silhouettes of bell towers, country scents. Between two villages, the landscape unfolds in shades of green and gold, dotted with traditional farmhouses and barns. A route where you walk to the rhythm of nature, savouring the simplicity and authenticity of a region shaped by time and its inhabitants.

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.

From Fontaine-au-Pire to Cattenières: between open horizons and rural charm From the heart of Fontaine-au-Pire, the paths gently wind their way into the countryside, skirting golden fields and green meadows. You walk at the leisurely pace of the seasons, lulled by the rustling of the corn and the light flight of the larks. The silhouette of Cattenières gradually emerges on the horizon, beyond the hedges and paths lined with wild flowers. This short getaway is an invitation to breathe deeply, savour the simplicity of the Cambrésis countryside and rediscover, step by step, the discreet beauty of its villages. Here, every glance carries you far away, and every step brings you a little closer to rural authenticity. Please note that a 700-metre stretch of road is dangerous. When taking the D115, stay close to the edge of the road as there is no footpath for pedestrians.

Cycle along quiet country lanes and through the forests of Bois l'Evêque and Mormal.

Let's set off on a forest walk in the Bois l'Évêque national forest, following in the footsteps of the poet Wilfred Owen. Notre-Dame de Bonsecours, the Ermitage fountain and the Flaquet pond sound like magical places from fairy tales!

Route through the bocage and along the Sambre Canal.

Cycle along the small country roads and discover the Avesnois bocage and the famous village of Maroilles.

Through the Avesnois countryside along quiet country lanes.

Cycle along small country roads to discover the bocage landscape.

Cycle ride along the small country lanes north-west of Landrecies.

This route takes you through the wooded countryside of the Mormal Forest, the "rural" Sambre and the wet meadows that border it. You will therefore pass through a wide variety of landscapes, along footpaths and quiet country lanes.