Watigny walks

A hike through soggy terrain in the northern French Ardennes on the Belgian border. At an altitude of 300 m, you’ll need to cross a multitude of streams and springs to complete this route. Waterproof footwear is essential.

A short, peaceful walk around the little streams in the forest.

This hike follows one of three routes created by the Maginot Association in La Neuville-aux-Joûtes. Along varied paths, you will discover a pretty village in the Thiérache region, set among hedgerows and livestock farms, as well as four military structures from the Second World War.

This route starts in the centre of the village of Saint-Michel and offers a beautiful transition between town and nature. After leaving the village streets at the Sougland foundries, the route enters the peaceful forest of Saint-Michel, in the Bois de Sougland, along the River Le Gland. Shady paths and green forest roads follow one another in the forest. The return route takes you back to the village and leads hikers to the remarkable abbey site of Saint-Michel, whose architecture and tranquillity invite contemplation. At the end of the route, on Boulevard Savart, the Maison du Prévost stands proudly, a witness to local history and the final heritage stop before returning to the starting point on Place Rochefort. This route combines nature, heritage and discovery, perfect for a Thiérache getaway in the forest.

An excursion on the French-Belgian border that follows the Artoise or Wartoise and allows you to see several remains of the Maginot Line. Imagine yourself as a French soldier in 1939, working hard to complete the blockhouses before the war.

This route offers a pleasant walk, alternating between forest paths, country lanes and waterside trails. The woods provide welcome shade, whilst the more open sections offer glimpses of the surrounding countryside. You’ll also come across some local heritage sites and hamlets, which lend the route an authentic feel. The presence of small streams and the canal creates a calm and cool atmosphere, which is particularly pleasant in summer. A varied and accessible route, ideal for a peaceful outing in the countryside.

In this corner of Thiérache, the forest, ponds and waterways have been the driving force behind various economic activities throughout the ages. Livestock farming also plays an important role in this region of scattered settlements and hedgerows. This hike can be shortened by almost half. See Practical Information 21/08/2024: Hike modified.

On this route starting from Tarzy, you will cross the Ruisseau de Bosneau twice; it changes its name successively to Petit Gland, Gland, Oise and Seine. You’ll also encounter the typical features of the Thiérache region: meadows, hedgerows, cows, wind turbines and sweeping views.

Set off to explore the Blangy waterfall: a lovely walk through Hirson’s communal forest, returning along the source of the River Oise.

A lovely hike in the Avesnois region. Along the way, you will discover long stretches of the Hirson forest, come across ponds and waterfalls, and walk alongside the Oise and other rivers. A varied hike.

A walk featuring very pleasant forest paths, white water and numerous ponds, as well as rural stretches. A well-balanced mix of different landscapes, including a few bunkers, unusual religious monuments, etc. The route’s topography allows for numerous shortcuts.

Lovers of peace and quiet and the great outdoors will find a change of scenery and tranquillity on this route. They’ll cross from France into Belgium without always realising it,

Lovers of peace and nature will find a change of scenery and tranquillity on this route. They’ll travel fromFrance into Belgium without even realising it.

A wonderfully varied family route. Forest paths, small country lanes and paths along the edges of ponds form the backbone of this route.

Mountain bike trail, accessible to all, all year round. However, it can be difficult in wet weather (muddy sections). Along this family walk, water is omnipresent (ponds, rivers, waterfalls) and there are numerous forest trails.

The Anor dirt track route guarantees a genuine hike in the heart of the countryside. You will also discover numerous heritage sites. Anor is renowned for its wealth of chapels and oratories.