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.

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 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.

This walk starts at the Étang de la Fourchinée nature reserve, crosses the Bois de Saint-Remy and then the Bois de Seloignes, before returning along a small tarmac country road for about 1,500 metres. In the Bois de Seloignes, you will pass close to the Source de l'Eau Blanche.

A short route in a forgotten corner of the Ardennes department, from the church at Aouste to the rural village of Laval d'Estrebay and the hamlet of La Vallée.

Discover the peaceful site of Hututu in Ohain, a commune in the Avesnois Regional Nature Park: its pond, its Café Rando Nord and its restaurant. This circuit will delight nature and tree lovers!

This is the second stage of this bocage route. Cycle along and take the time to discover the farms, historical heritage and restaurants offering delicious regional produce on their menus, and let yourself be transported by the history of the landscape...

This route offers a beautiful view of the countryside. As well as the rural scenery, you’ll enjoy the forest section and might even spot a squirrel. .

Explore the bocage landscape in the Chimay region via quiet country lanes, beautiful forest paths and hidden trails. Enjoy the stunning scenery dotted with numerous ponds in this region, which saw the arrival of American soldiers in September 1944.

The large Chimay forest can be reached by first crossing some pretty countryside. And it's the same again for a kilometre as you leave the woods to the south-east of Seloignes. The end, from km 14, is back in the countryside.

A beautiful route that is generally easy to walk. However, there are two stream crossings that add a little spice to the route. The route offers beautiful views of the Thiérache region and the Pre-Ardennes ridges. You will also encounter a little railway history.

Third stage of this bocage route. Cycle and take the time to discover the farms, historical heritage and restaurants offering delicious regional produce, and let yourself be transported by the history of the landscape...